1

Synod – May

Exec – June and August

General invitation

1 Circuit Meeting

4 CLTs

3 Presbyters

1 Circuit Steward

2

1. What might continue to be gained by having something ‘Larger then Circuit’?

Advice, expertise and support …… especially in

• Property• Lay employment• Safeguarding

Framework for the strong to support the weak

32. What might be lost if there was nothing ‘Larger than Circuit’ except for the Connexional Team and the Conference?

• A more local source of support• A layer of connexional belonging• A forum in which some can meet,

consult, share experience and pray

• A unit of ecumenical relating• Ready access to grants for mission• Objective scrutiny e.g. vocations material

43. If there were to be nothing between Circuits and the Conference, how might the current functions of the Districts be carried out? (cf. Appendix 4)

“ Dispense with districts and expand the connexional admin.”

Paid connexional officers / Voluntary district officersFear that more work may be pushed down a levelWould mean a reversal/diversion of moves to devolve

• DAF grants• Lay employment• Safeguarding• Engagement with education

54. What might be the necessary functions of a

‘Larger than Circuit’ entity or entities?

6Candidates – examination & supportComplaints & disciplineDiaconal networksBudgeting & Grant-makingLay employment oversightLay ministries networking & developmentEngagement with educationProbationers – support & oversightProperty consents / scrutiny of schemesSabbaticalsStationingSuperintendents’ meetingsSynod / regional gatheringSafeguardingVocational discernment

7Awareness-raising of Methodist charitiesChaplaincy reviewChildren & youth networks & eventsCity centre missionsCreating opportunity for circuits to work togetherDiscipleship trainingEcumenical relationshipsElections & appointmentsInterfaith relationshipsLP / WL support & continual developmentMission policy & strategy

8

ArchivesEngagement with wider societyInternational housesLEP designations & constitutional approvalMemorials & resolutions to Conference

9

5. What might be lost by having a smaller number of ‘Larger than Circuit’ groupings

(currently Districts) than at present?

• Some face to face meeting• Knowledge of circuits and ministers

in stationing• Some green-ness• Regions are performing different functions

than districts

10

6. What might the relationship be between larger Circuits and ‘Larger than Circuit’ entities or smaller Circuits and ‘Larger than Circuit’ entities?

• Widening definition of “circuit”• Large circuit more independent• Small circuits dependent• Few enough & large enough circuits

could work but needs to be uniform across connexion

11

7. How might ‘Larger than Circuit’ be undertaken differently and/or more effectively than now?

Working groups for different tasks – varying sizes and time commitments

“Varied and varying set of loose associations”

12

8. How might ‘Larger than Circuit’ be undertaken more cost effectively than now?

“God also speaks through finance / resource issues”

Chairs – part-time, part-funded by circuits

More virtual work / electronic communication