Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
100-102 above, and as implied in
the discussion of Learning Circuits
and Local Churches in paragraph
128.1, there is also much to be
gained from the development of
practice-based formational pathways
for a number of those preparing for
ordained ministry. Within this model,
sometimes called “apprenticeshipstyle
formation”, the primary (though
not the sole) context of formation,
learning and development is the
context in which ministry is being
exercised and in which disciples are
being formed. There is a crucial role
for centres and expert staff from
outside the immediate context, as
well as for Learning Circuits and
Local Churches, in supporting and
enabling practice-based formation.
Work in this area will need to draw
on learning and good practice from
ecumenical partners, as well as
identifying necessary internal cultural
and organisational changes.
Further core recommendations
129 In order to enable the Network to fulfil
these purposes and achieve these
goals, the Committee makes four
further core recommendations. To
each of these core recommendations
we have dedicated a section of
our report. Within each section,
we outline the changes and
developments which will be required
to enable the respective core
recommendation to be adopted,
embraced and embedded within the
life of the Methodist Church.
130 Our core recommendations are:
l
l
l
l
The establishment of a
Discipleship and Ministries
Learning Network staff team,
located across the Connexion
and serving the whole Church –
see section H
The identification of appropriate
gathering spaces for formation,
learning and development
across the Connexion, and the
development of a virtual space
for formation, learning and
development – see section I
The establishment of two
connexional centres, one based
at Cliff College and the other
based at the Queen’s Foundation
– see section J
The establishment of a single
governance structure for the
Network – see section K.
131 The remainder of this section offers
reflections on one of the early goals
identified above for the Network, and
on one of the Network’s important
values.
An early goal: The design and
implementation of new pathways,
opportunities, programmes and resources
for Local Preachers and Worship Leaders
132 The current provision for those
preparing to be Local Preachers
and Worship Leaders is outlined
above in paragraphs 52-53, and the
challenges posed by this current
provision are outlined in paragraphs
103-111. It is evident from these
696 Conference Agenda 2012