26 Aug 2025, 09:04
Welcoming New Leaders and Honouring Faithful Service
In recent weeks and months, the North England Conference has seen several changes within its leadership team. From communication and pastoral support to interfaith ministry, it is our prayer that these appointments will strengthen the ministry of our churches and those who serve them.
Departure
Pastor Joe Philpott – Communication & Media Director
At the recent General Conference Session in July 2025, Pastor Joe Philpott was elected to serve as Associate Director for Communication and Media at the Trans-European Division, with his new role beginning on 1 September.
During his tenure in the NEC, Pastor Joe championed digital evangelism and led efforts to make the Church more digitally relevant and accessible. He leaves behind a strong team of over 30 dedicated volunteers across the Conference, all committed to using their gifts in service of the Communication and Media Department.
Under his leadership, the NEC established a three-studio Media Centre to facilitate the production of high-quality video and audio content. His vision also brought about strategic upgrades to the Conference’s AV infrastructure, enabling churches and departments to broaden their digital reach and impact.
New Appointments
Zhané Simpson – Communication & Media Director
Zhané Simpson has been elected as the new Communication & Media Director and will begin her role later this year. With a background in operations and technology, Zhané has spent over a decade supporting organisations through digital transformation and team development.
Her journey in media ministry began at Great Brickkiln Street Seventh-day Adventist Church and grew into a long-standing commitment through her volunteer work with the NEC media team. Zhané brings not only professional expertise but a passion for using media as a tool for ministry.
Her involvement in Pathfinders and her heart for youth and community make her well-placed to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessors. She shared, "I am thankful to God for the opportunity to serve Him in every aspect of my life."
Reflecting on Zhané’s appointment, Pastor Joe Philpott wrote, “Zhané has played an integral role in the department for many years, supporting both myself and previous directors. Zhané has consistently demonstrated a blend of spiritual commitment and professional excellence, and I am confident she will lead the department into a new and impactful chapter.”
Dr Jeff Couzins – Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) Director
Dr Jeff Couzins has been elected as the new Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) Director. Pastor Jeff brings a wealth of pastoral, academic, and cross-cultural experience to the role. He has faithfully served the NEC since 1998, beginning his ministry in Grimsby before pastoring in Middlesbrough, Bradford, Bolton, Preston, and most recently, the Merseyside district of churches.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Multi-cultural, Multi-ethnic Mission and Ministry, a Master’s in Ministry, a BA (Hons) in Biblical and Pastoral Studies, a postgraduate diploma in psychology, and qualifications in counselling. His academic background also includes a certificate in Islamic Studies, Encountering the World of Islam, and practical training in church planting within Islamic contexts.
Pastor Jeff’s experience is further shaped by time spent as a volunteer missionary in Egypt, where he engaged meaningfully with both Muslims and Coptic Christians; an experience that continues to inform his approach to respectful, Christ-centred dialogue and mission.
As he steps into the AMR Director role, Dr Jeff will be working to strengthen relationships and equip members and leaders to minister with understanding and compassion in multicultural and multi-faith contexts.
Pastor Ikwisa Mwakalonge, the previous AMR Director said, “Pastor Couzins is not new to AMR work. Back in 2012–13, when the NEC was first exploring this area of ministry, I remember meeting and talking with him about it. He was deeply engaged and passionate about creating opportunities to connect with our Muslim friends. I believe that in his hands, and with the guidance of our omnipotent God, the Department will make great progress. I wish him well and pray for God’s richest blessings as he steps into this solemn work and office.”
Dee Kyriacou – Ministerial Spouse Sponsor
Dee Kyriacou has been appointed as the NEC Ministerial Spouse Sponsor. A professional counsellor and psychotherapist with a distinguished career in the NHS, Dee now leads the NEC Counselling Service while continuing her private practice. She brings with her a deep understanding of pastoral life, having been married for 35 years to Pastor Solon Kyriacou, the NEC Ministerial Association Secretary.
A long-standing member of the Adventist Church, Dee has served in numerous ministries and previously assisted in the Ministerial Spouses programme as an area coordinator. In her new role, she will focus on the well-being and support of pastoral families across the Conference.
Pastor Dan Dachin – Trustee and Executive Committee Member
Pastor Dan Dachin joins the NEC Executive Committee as a trustee. Known for his spiritual leadership and pastoral commitment, Pastor Dachin brings valuable insight and a heart for mission to the governance of the Conference.
Message from Dr Steve Palmer, President
We want to welcome the four individuals who have just been elected to serve on the team. These are Pastor Dr Jeff Couzins, Dee Kyriacou, Zhané Simpson and Pastor Dan Dachin. They will serve in the following areas: Adventist Muslim Relations Director, Ministerial Spouse Sponsor, Communication and Media Director and Trustee. All of these positions are vital to the life of the churches and the Conference at large. Those who have been assigned to these roles come with a wealth of experience, so I am confident that they will add value to the work of fulfilling the mission that God has called the Church in the North England Conference to accomplish.
Additionally, we want to express heartfelt thanks to Pastor Joe Philpott, our outgoing Communication and Media Director, who has been asked to serve in the same area of work within another entity of our denomination. We want him to know that his work has been very much appreciated. He will be a big loss to the NEC, but we know that he will continue to be efficient, hardworking, and diligent as he executes his duties. We wish him and his family all the best as he serves in his new role.
In recent weeks and months, the North England Conference has seen several changes within its leadership team. From communication and pastoral support to interfaith ministry, it is our prayer that these appointments will strengthen the ministry of our churches and those who serve them.
Departure
Pastor Joe Philpott – Communication & Media Director
At the recent General Conference Session in July 2025, Pastor Joe Philpott was elected to serve as Associate Director for Communication and Media at the Trans-European Division, with his new role beginning on 1 September.
During his tenure in the NEC, Pastor Joe championed digital evangelism and led efforts to make the Church more digitally relevant and accessible. He leaves behind a strong team of over 30 dedicated volunteers across the Conference, all committed to using their gifts in service of the Communication and Media Department.
Under his leadership, the NEC established a three-studio Media Centre to facilitate the production of high-quality video and audio content. His vision also brought about strategic upgrades to the Conference’s AV infrastructure, enabling churches and departments to broaden their digital reach and impact.
New Appointments
Zhané Simpson – Communication & Media Director
Zhané Simpson has been elected as the new Communication & Media Director and will begin her role later this year. With a background in operations and technology, Zhané has spent over a decade supporting organisations through digital transformation and team development.
Her journey in media ministry began at Great Brickkiln Street Seventh-day Adventist Church and grew into a long-standing commitment through her volunteer work with the NEC media team. Zhané brings not only professional expertise but a passion for using media as a tool for ministry.
Her involvement in Pathfinders and her heart for youth and community make her well-placed to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessors. She shared, "I am thankful to God for the opportunity to serve Him in every aspect of my life."
Reflecting on Zhané’s appointment, Pastor Joe Philpott wrote, “Zhané has played an integral role in the department for many years, supporting both myself and previous directors. Zhané has consistently demonstrated a blend of spiritual commitment and professional excellence, and I am confident she will lead the department into a new and impactful chapter.”
Dr Jeff Couzins – Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) Director
Dr Jeff Couzins has been elected as the new Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) Director. Pastor Jeff brings a wealth of pastoral, academic, and cross-cultural experience to the role. He has faithfully served the NEC since 1998, beginning his ministry in Grimsby before pastoring in Middlesbrough, Bradford, Bolton, Preston, and most recently, the Merseyside district of churches.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Multi-cultural, Multi-ethnic Mission and Ministry, a Master’s in Ministry, a BA (Hons) in Biblical and Pastoral Studies, a postgraduate diploma in psychology, and qualifications in counselling. His academic background also includes a certificate in Islamic Studies, Encountering the World of Islam, and practical training in church planting within Islamic contexts.
Pastor Jeff’s experience is further shaped by time spent as a volunteer missionary in Egypt, where he engaged meaningfully with both Muslims and Coptic Christians; an experience that continues to inform his approach to respectful, Christ-centred dialogue and mission.
As he steps into the AMR Director role, Dr Jeff will be working to strengthen relationships and equip members and leaders to minister with understanding and compassion in multicultural and multi-faith contexts.
Pastor Ikwisa Mwakalonge, the previous AMR Director said, “Pastor Couzins is not new to AMR work. Back in 2012–13, when the NEC was first exploring this area of ministry, I remember meeting and talking with him about it. He was deeply engaged and passionate about creating opportunities to connect with our Muslim friends. I believe that in his hands, and with the guidance of our omnipotent God, the Department will make great progress. I wish him well and pray for God’s richest blessings as he steps into this solemn work and office.”
Dee Kyriacou – Ministerial Spouse Sponsor
Dee Kyriacou has been appointed as the NEC Ministerial Spouse Sponsor. A professional counsellor and psychotherapist with a distinguished career in the NHS, Dee now leads the NEC Counselling Service while continuing her private practice. She brings with her a deep understanding of pastoral life, having been married for 35 years to Pastor Solon Kyriacou, the NEC Ministerial Association Secretary.
A long-standing member of the Adventist Church, Dee has served in numerous ministries and previously assisted in the Ministerial Spouses programme as an area coordinator. In her new role, she will focus on the well-being and support of pastoral families across the Conference.
Pastor Dan Dachin – Trustee and Executive Committee Member
Pastor Dan Dachin joins the NEC Executive Committee as a trustee. Known for his spiritual leadership and pastoral commitment, Pastor Dachin brings valuable insight and a heart for mission to the governance of the Conference.
Message from Dr Steve Palmer, President
We want to welcome the four individuals who have just been elected to serve on the team. These are Pastor Dr Jeff Couzins, Dee Kyriacou, Zhané Simpson and Pastor Dan Dachin. They will serve in the following areas: Adventist Muslim Relations Director, Ministerial Spouse Sponsor, Communication and Media Director and Trustee. All of these positions are vital to the life of the churches and the Conference at large. Those who have been assigned to these roles come with a wealth of experience, so I am confident that they will add value to the work of fulfilling the mission that God has called the Church in the North England Conference to accomplish.
Additionally, we want to express heartfelt thanks to Pastor Joe Philpott, our outgoing Communication and Media Director, who has been asked to serve in the same area of work within another entity of our denomination. We want him to know that his work has been very much appreciated. He will be a big loss to the NEC, but we know that he will continue to be efficient, hardworking, and diligent as he executes his duties. We wish him and his family all the best as he serves in his new role.
