Rev. Robert Foster
Born in Hertfordshire, Robert grew up attending his local Methodist Church and made a commitment to Christ in his late teens. Having obtained a degree in Computer Science at University College London, Robert then spent 10 years working in computer software development.
Robert trained for Methodist ministry at Queen's College, Birmingham, which was then training Anglican, Methodist and URC ministers together. During his ministerial training, Robert gained a Bachelor of Divinity and an MA in Pastoral Theology. Since leaving college in 1998, Robert has served as a minister of Methodist churches in the Hatfield and Harpenden areas of Hertfordshire, as well as in various parts of Derbyshire - in both areas having also had oversight of groups of churches alongside his responsibilities as a minister to particular congregations. Robert also gained a PhD in mission and technology in 2008, through part-time study.
His key priorities for ministry are faith sharing and faith development - for example through prioritising outreach and community engagement, shaping worship to be accessible to those who are enquiring/exploring, organising/attending small groups for personal faith development and encouraging people to find their own ways to deepen their relationships with God and develop in Christian discipleship.
Robert met his wife, Liz, while serving in Hertfordshire. They were married in 2003 at the Baptist Church where Liz was worshipping and they have a daughter. In their spare time, they enjoy social gatherings, meals, walks, theatre trips, holidays and other shared experiences. Robert enjoys walking and often uses his walking time to connect with God through music, prayer and the wonders of God's creation. For many years, he has enjoyed annual walking weekends with some long-term friends, as well as walking the Peak Pilgrimage route with a group of ministers, taking daily walks around the local area, doing more challenging walks around the Peak District and, in 2021-22, the "three peaks" of Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon.