Agenda Volume 2 - Methodist Conference

35. Larger than Circuit
Contact Name and
Details
Susan Howdle, Chair of the Larger than Circuit Working Party
SRHowdle@ukgateway.net
Summary of Content and Impact
Subject and Aims
Main Points
Background Context
and Relevant
Documents
Consultations
Impact
Risk
This report offers the Conference a full outline of the work of
the Methodist Council Working Party, that was established ‘to
oversee the process(es) by which the Regrouping for Mission
initiative proceeded in respect of ‘larger than circuit’ entities,
and proposes a way forward.
A. Report and main proposals
Introduction
A constitutional perspective
A review of a changing context for districts: why now?
Larger than Circuit: why anything?
Some common themes
The proposal
B. What flows from the proposal?
The Larger than Circuit Working Party Methodist Council Report
in March 2012 – MC 12/37,
January 2013 – MC 13/11
April 2013 – MC13/34
The Ministries Committee, The Chairs’ Meeting, Connexional
Leaders’ Forum, District Development Enablers, various
district groups upon invitation (Appendix 2 provides a more
comprehensive list).
This could have a high impact upon district and circuit life,
depending upon consultations and outcomes.
Risk of proceeding: requirement of considerable time and
energy; emergence of ‘piecemeal’ solutions.
Risk of not proceeding: continuing concerns as to ‘sustainability’
and its impact on mission.
368 Conference Agenda 2013