Faith

Reverend Steven Poxon is President of Methodist Conference of Great Britain, the Methodist equivalent of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

He was born and raised in Chilwell, Beeston, and from an early age went to Queen's Road Methodist Church near the University. He says the church was integral in his life.

"It was a place where I met my friends.

"Because we had quite a lot of girls at our church I would sometimes encourage some of my friends to come along. Out of that have come one or two marriages."

Then and now

Over the last three or four decades most of the churches in Britain have seen a decline in attendance.

He admits that the church no longer holds the same position in society as it once did but is positive about the future.

"Sadly many of our churches have lost the art of connecting with our youth.

"[But] I've detected that there are many green shoots. More and more of our younger ministers are realising that we have to reconnect with youth culture and young families."

Reverend Steven, who is six months into his 12 month tenure, thinks the recession is an opportunity for all faith groups.

"Our children have built their life on the success culture and suddenly, for some of them, it has been like a house built on sand. I think when people are in need they often do turn to the church for some strength and help."

You can hear more faith interviews on BBC Radio Nottingham's Sunday Breakfast Show (6:00 - 10:00).