Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
our colourful diversity, dispersed
existence and contextualised
expressions) are to be equipped then
there is arguably no way that this
can be done through a model which
is centralised and homogenised in
its location and expression... To be
truly connexional surely means to
be diversely spread yet purposefully
joined; loosely but vitally connected.”
As a submission from a District
officers’ meeting noted, there will be
a need “to consider the differing local
contexts for mission and ministry and
the impact they should have on the
nature and content of courses and
learning experiences.”
127.3 They will be developed so that they
can be offered through a range of
methods and in diverse contexts,
including within and across Circuits
and Local Churches. This includes
the development of material which
could be offered within a small
group setting, in the context of a
Local Preachers’ Meeting, as a
seasonal study course, as part of
a sermon series, as a day event
organised across a Circuit, District or
region, or through a virtual learning
environment.
127.4 They will emphasise and enable
continuing (as well as initial)
formation for a wide range of
ministries. This includes an emphasis
on the continuing development of
ordained ministers (including those
preparing to undertake the role of
Superintendent), and the continuing
development of those exercising
other ministries and roles within
and beyond the life of the Church
(including Local Preachers and
Worship Leaders).
127.5 They will be developed alongside
and in partnership with ecumenical
partners wherever possible. As
a District officer notes in their
submission made during the
consultation period, “our development
as disciples of Christ has to be
based on a broad awareness of the
Church as a whole, and not just how
we as Methodists understand that
calling.” We also hear with humility
and thankfulness a submission from
a partner organisation, which noted
that “the Methodist Church has great
riches to bring to the ‘Kingdom table’,
riches which don’t obviously come
from elsewhere.”
Goals
128 We recommend that some of the
early goals of the Discipleship and
Ministries Learning Network should
be the following:
128.1 Supporting the development of
Learning Circuits and Local Churches
as beacons of excellence. Learning
Circuits and Local Churches
are loving, participative, rooted,
pioneering and contextual church
communities, which are able to
focus their energy and resources
on sustaining an environment which
enables formation, learning and
development. As a submission made
during the consultation period noted,
694 Conference Agenda 2012