Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
from the establishment of such
a staff team are also outlined
(180-186). Section I identifies the
importance of appropriate spaces
across the Connexion to support the
Network’s activities (187-193), as
well as the scope for greater use of
virtual learning environments (194-
196). Section J recommends the
establishment of two connexional
centres to serve the Network, one
based at Cliff College and the other
at the Queen’s Foundation. The
role of centres within the Network
is explored (198-200), as is the
number of centres required (201-
204). The section then assesses
the institutions, colleges and centres
currently sponsored and supported
by the Church in the light of the
Network’s needs and activities (205-
219). The contribution to be made
by Cliff College is outlined (220-226),
followed by a description of the
various options which the Committee
explored during the final stages
of its deliberations (227-242). A
single governance structure for the
Network is recommended in section
K (249-258), and the Network’s
recommended expenditure, funding
streams, funds and assets are
outlined in section L (259-274).
Part 1: Context
Section A: Introduction
3 The final resolution which
accompanies this report invites
the Conference to record its deep
gratitude to all those across the
Connexion who work diligently in the
fields of formation, learning, training,
theological education, scholarship,
research and development, and
to give thanks to God for their
faithful service and witness. It is
appropriate to begin in the same
place, by drawing attention to
the manifold gifts brought to the
Methodist Church by the expert staff
who serve the Connexion as tutors
and officers in these fields. Often
working in a context of insecurity
and change, their contribution to
the life of the Methodist Church has
been significant; it is their diligent
endeavours, sustained good practice
and commitment to formation, growth
and development in all its rich forms
which makes much of what this
report recommends possible.
4 The Methodist Church values deeply
its activities in the fields of formation,
learning, training, theological
education, scholarship, research and
development. Through its support
of these activities within and across
the Connexion, the Conference fulfils
some fundamental aspects of its
purpose and calling. At their best,
these activities help to nurture and
equip the Methodist people to be
Christ-like disciples in an often un-
Christ-like but never Christ-less world.
At their best, these activities help to
form and equip those called to a wide
range of ministries and roles within
and beyond the life of the Church to
be effective leaders and servants of
God’s mission. At their best, these
activities challenge and equip Circuits
Conference Agenda 2012 645