Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
be creatively envisaged in different
places across the Connexion,
particularly if the majority of
learning does not happen at the
single hub location... Experience of
blended learning... has highlighted
the limitations of solely relying on
tutorials via Skype and occasional
weekend residential courses for
those training for ministry.” A partner
organisation’s submission noted that
“we affirm the need for ‘quiet restful
places’ where space and time can be
offered for theological reflection and
where events can take place which
encourage and enrich the discipleship
life of the Methodist people.”
189 The establishment of such “quiet,
restful places” where learners and
participants can gather is not an alien
concept for the Methodist people.
Local Churches are themselves,
by their very nature and purpose,
gathering spaces for formation,
learning and development. Many
Circuits and Local Churches
are investing in adaptations to
existing premises, or in building
new premises, which are better
configured as environments for study
and sharing. Within some Districts,
larger churches, central halls or other
notable buildings within the life of
the District are already developing
as gathering spaces for formation,
learning and development serving
a wide area. Development plans
being explored by the trustees of
the New Room, Bristol include the
potential for developments on the
site to create intentionally appropriate
space for study and sharing, with the
necessary ancillary facilities to make
the experience of gathering for study
and sharing both comfortable and
attractive.
190 It is therefore already possible to see
ways in which a recommendation by
the Committee to identify appropriate
gathering spaces for formation,
learning and development can
draw on existing experience and
developments, and on a willingness
across the Connexion to use our
premises more strategically as a key
resource for mission and growth.
191 Drawing on the developments already
explored by some Districts, it is
possible to imagine learning and
gathering spaces being developed
alongside District administration
hubs, so that the gathering space can
be used for a multitude of purposes
within the life of the District or region.
Drawing on the experience of the
explorations being undertaken by the
trustees of the New Room, it is also
possible to imagine the development
of gathering spaces in the historic
bases of Bristol and London, for
instance, which draw on the rich
opportunities to establish links
between the learning space and the
history of Methodism, emphasising
the spiritual and relational aspects
of gathering spaces as well as their
more functional purposes.
192 As those who act as managing
trustees for a range of premises
across the Connexion realise, spaces
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