Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
further work is undertaken during
2012/2013, to ensure that the
Network’s structures, policies and
procedures embed a close working
relationship between the whole of
the Network’s staff team and the
remainder of the Connexional Team.
It is already possible to see some
areas where procedural links will
necessarily be strong and robust –
for example the areas of financial
management and Human Resource
support. In other areas, further work
will be needed in order to ensure
that the Network and the remainder
of the Connexional Team operate as
a holistic group serving the whole
of the Methodist Church. Beyond all
structures, policies and procedures,
the Network and the remainder of
the Connexional Team will best serve
the Connexion when strong bonds of
colleagueship exist between expert
staff employed and deployed by the
Church, regardless of their location or
the immediate context of their work.
Allowing such bonds of colleagueship
to be nurtured and strengthened will
be an important early task for those
who will lead the Network and the
remainder of the Connexional Team.
Implementation
186 The Committee’s recommendations
in this section outline the shape of
a team of expert staff. Establishing
and moulding such a team is a
complex task. Careful processes will
need to be put in place as existing
activities are incorporated within
the Discipleship and Ministries
Learning Network. These processes
will be developed and scrutinised
by the Methodist Council and the
Development and Personnel Sub-
Committee of the Strategy and
Resources Committee as soon as
possible. As noted in paragraphs
170-171 above, timelines will also
need to take account of the work of
the Methodist Council’s “larger than
Circuit” working party. During this
period, and as further developments
take place from the spring of 2013
onwards, it will be important to
communicate clearly and effectively
with a number of colleagues who
will face insecurity and significant
pressures, and to continue to value
and support their important ministry
within the life of the Methodist
Church. It will also be important to
ensure that current strengths and
good practice across the Connexion
are protected, developed and
retained.
Section I: Spaces
Recommendation: 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.
Gathering spaces for formation, learning
and development
187 We recommend the identification of
a number of gathering and learning
spaces across the Connexion
which will support the work of the
Conference Agenda 2012 719