Being a church minister in 2010 is "one of the most exciting times in history" according to Reverend Steve Wild, chairman of Cornwall Methodist District.

I caught up with him at the little Busveal Chapel alongside the historic Gwennap Pit – which was something of an achievement because catching up with Steve Wild is not easy as he is a man with a demanding workload.

He travels the highways and byways of Cornwall preaching, speaking, visiting, chairing meetings, giving radio interviews and talks, and much else. His role as chairman also involves meetings in London and elsewhere.

He appears to be constantly on the move, yet he stills finds time for prayer and reflection.

Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in 1954, he lives with his wife Laura, an artist, in the chairman's manse at Truro. They have three daughters – Lois, Timna and Phoebe.

Speaking enthusiastically about his life and work, Steve reveals that he gave his life to Christ at a Cliff College Mission in 1968. Why the ministry, I asked.

"I was working as a printer, but had a strong calling to the ministry," he said.

It was in 1974 at Taize, the well-known Christian community in France, that Steve finally made the decision to enter the Methodist ministry. What he did not realise was that a 12-year-old lad, who had gone along to Taize with his sister, also made a decision to enter the Christian ministry at the same time. His name was Tim Thornton, the current Bishop of Truro. Today, in their respective roles as bishop and chairman, they are working closely together.

"I try to attend early morning communion at Truro Cathedral once a week and I slip into the cathedral every time I'm in the city to pray," he said.

So was he surprised to be appointed Chairman of the Cornwall Methodist District?

"Utterly astonished," he said. "It is a great honour, but I see it as a servant role. It is a prominent position but not hierarchical."

Steve Wild may not have expected his current role, but much of his ministry has been spent in Cornwall. He served as a minister in St Ives for many years and, when District Evangelism Enabler, lived at Newlyn. During this period he became familiar to viewers of Westcountry Television, as part of a series interviewing people about their faith.

Outside Cornwall, he has served at Preston in Lancashire and as a tutor at Cliff College in Derbyshire. It is just over a year since he became Chairman of the Cornwall District, so I wondered how he saw that time.

"Many good things have happened," he said. "Being made an honorary Canon of Truro Cathedral was a great honour. I'm thrilled about that.

"It has been good seeing churches of all denominations working together and it has been encouraging meeting young people, including two teenage girls who have felt a call to preach."

Broadcasting continues to be a part of Steve's life, with frequent slots on BBC Radio Cornwall and being filmed for Island Parish, the popular television series on the Isles of Scilly. He says there has been "an incredible response" to the latter and it has prompted "lots of questions".

Then there is the story of St Merryn Chapel. This had closed but has now reopened as a "surfing church" along the lines of Tube station at Polzeath. A cafe is planned and outreach is the priority.

"This has worked liked the Methodism of old with the strong church at Polzeath helping a weaker cause, St Merryn."

So how does Steve see the future?

"I believe we need to focus on mission rather than survival. I don't believe it is too late for Christians to rediscover hope or to reconnect with their communities."