Casting the Net

Casting the net on the other side

We believe our congregations and their members are the front line of ministry and mission. The circuit’s role is to support local churches and their members by:

• creatively evolving our governance structures to enable effective mission across the circuit
• discerning realistically and imaginatively our existing church communities and locations
• exploring ways in which the Circuit can reach out to new people and new places

We do this through:

•  Reorientation

Looking afresh to see what new things God is saying at this time Relationship Between individuals, congregations, support structures, across and beyond our circuit

• Reorganising

Fit for purpose oversight, governance, and administrative systems focussed on our central call to work out our discipleship and to participate in the mission of Christ

• Resourcing

Prioritising staffing, finance and other resources to set people free to respond to the call of the Spirit, so that, through ministry and mission, we might fulfil the unique things to which we have been called at this time and in this place

request was to convert negative statements in this table to positives – descriptions probably need refining

As a mission focussed circuit we will:

1. Understand and express who we are: a Circuit with the city at its centre, including inner-city, urban, suburban and rural areas.

2. Value all people as made in the image of God, celebrating the diverse gifts we bring and encouraging the ministry of the whole people of God in the mission of God within the Circuit.

3. Support opportunities for missional flourishing across the Circuit through people, property and finance, enabling local churches and disciples to live out God’s mission in relevant ways within different communities and in line with:

·        The “Our Calling” priorities of the Methodist Church (Worship, Learning & Caring, Service, Evangelism)

·        The Methodist Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity

·        The God for All Connexional Strategy for Evangelism and Growth. (Committing ourselves to be a church that is growing, evangelistic, inclusive and justice-seeking).

4. Act justly towards all people as made in God’s image, towards God’s creation, and in the sharing of resources.

5. Reach out beyond our church communities and buildings.

6. Commit to prayerfully holding before God each step along the way and discerning the guidance of the Spirit as new possibilities continue to emerge.