Agenda Volume 3 - Methodist Conference

57. The Fruitful Field Project
the Committee on the way in which
it has picked up and incorporated
in its revised vision so many of
the concerns expressed.” They
acknowledged that the Committee’s
response was an interim response
and that many of the details raised
in the consultation submissions had
yet to be addressed. They noted that
“more could have been done to allay
the fears and suspicions expressed
in the responses” but were reassured
that further detail would be provided
by the Committee in its report to
the Conference. On the question
of whether the submissions should
all be published, they noted that
“there were some calls from those
who did not trust the process for the
submissions to be published. We
support the decision not to do so.
Some submissions were offered in
confidence. Some were simply rude
and reflected poorly on those who
sent them.”
Subsequent deliberations
41 The Committee’s interim response
to the consultation was discussed
by the Methodist Council in March
2012. Further reflections were also
invited from the leaders of institutions
whose work was discussed in the
consultation document.
42 Since March, and prior to the
preparation of this report, the
Committee has met on two
occasions. At these meetings, as at
previous meetings, the Committee
has interrogated material closely,
debated propositions robustly, and
proceeded by consensus. Where
the Chair of the Committee has
requested a vote, as happened in
the case of the recommendations
agreed by the Committee at its late
April meeting, the members present
voted unanimously. The developed
recommendations which were agreed
by the Committee at these meetings
are outlined in sections G-L.
43 As the Committee’s recommendations
have been formed, advice has
been sought from the Connexional
Treasurers. As section K of this report
(focusing on expenditure, funding
streams, funds and assets) has been
developed, it has been scrutinised by
one of the Connexional Treasurers on
behalf of the Strategy and Resources
Committee.
A reflection from the Ministries Committee
on its work
44 The Committee has sought to work
reflectively, collaboratively, ambitiously
and prophetically in response to
the task which it was given by the
2011 Conference. This report
constitutes the culmination of a
year’s deliberations and of an even
longer period of evidence-gathering
and analysis. The Committee is
pleased that so many voices from
across the Connexion and beyond
have already been able to contribute
to the development of the project.
45 The Committee hopes that this
report, read in the context of the
658 Conference Agenda 2012