Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
Network, and of the regional teams in
particular. As is outlined in section J
below, the Committee has concluded
that a significant reduction in the
number of institutions, colleges and
centres sponsored by the Methodist
Church is required. However, there
is a distinction to be made between
a move away from the sponsorship
of a number of institutions across
the Connexion towards a model
which includes two centres, and
seeing those two centres as the only
gathering and learning spaces offered
by the Network. The task is to identify
and, where necessary, create the right
sort of ’spaces’ across the Connexion
where a range of learners and
participants can gather for formation,
learning and development. The
Committee’s recommendation is that
it is unnecessary for those gathering
and learning spaces to be set up as
fully-fledged institutions, colleges or
centres.
188 The need for such gathering
and learning spaces across the
Connexion was identified by several
submissions made during the
consultation period. A submission
from a District officer noted that
“I see the sense in concentrating
resources and of one [centre] through
which the training is coordinated
and held coherently and cohesively.
However, Methodism traditionally is
a multi-facetted movement which
may still require more intimate
settings through which this diversity
can continue to be taken forward,
nurtured and thrive... Sweeping away
all existing institutions may appear
the most cost effective solution today
but might we regret this in a few
years time when we struggle to find
suitable places to gather?” Another
District officer’s submission noted
that “it is understood that regional
networks are key to [the] success
of this model – I am just hoping that
these ‘networks’ will include learning
centres (like satellites, linked to the
hub but spread around the regions)
so that local people who are unable
to travel to a centralised hub (or
unable to stay away from home due
to home/work commitments) can still
access these broad pathways that will
be open to them. They need to share
with others training in person – and
not just by remote ‘e-learning’ type
solutions.” Another District officer’s
submission notes that “if we are to
offer hospitality and be welcoming
then we may need more than one
hub and need to retain appropriate
places where folks can be gathered
be they from within the Connexion,
the wider Christian communities or
the even broader secular society.
Also, if we are to become more
proactive, strategic and holistic this
cries out for discipleship that is not
fixed to one place, one institution,
one ivory tower, one temple (even
one virtual hub) but is a fluid form
of discipleship which is not called to
gather but rather sent out to witness
to the Good News of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” A tutor’s submission notes
that “the excellent environment
for learning and formation that is
envisaged for the hub could also
720 Conference Agenda 2012