Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training Module 2: Distinctively Methodist

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Aims of Module 2 To help participants explore what it means to be part of the Methodist connexion – as individuals in a leadership role, as a local church and as a circuit draw out what is unique about Methodism and how this should impact on our way of working. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 2

Group learning agreement Learning together we will: listen to each other without interrupting respect the diversity, feelings and experiences of others respect each other’s views question in a constructive way that enables us to learn respect confidentiality within the group Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 3

Group learning agreement take responsibility for our own learning recognise that each person brings different skills and knowledge to their role. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 4

Opportunity to reflect Are there any questions about the sections of the handbook you have read? Have you applied any of the learning from Module 1? Is there anything from Module 1 you are unsure about? Have you any success stories or creative ideas you would like to share with the group? Is there anything that you would like the group’s thoughts on? Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 5

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz What word is missing from the four statements below? All need to be _____ All may be _____ All may know themselves _____ All may be _____ to the uttermost Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 6

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz ‘Saved’ All need to be saved All may be saved All may know themselves saved All may be saved to the uttermost Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 7

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz What is the name of the prayer, used during a celebration service at the start of every new year, which begins with the following line? “I am no longer my own but yours.” Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 8

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz The Covenant Prayer Annual covenant service, held in new year or at the start of the Connexional year. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 9

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz What is the most recent authorised hymn book of the Methodist Church? Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 10

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz Singing the Faith Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 11

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz What was the name given to early Methodist gatherings? Companies Associations Societies Communities Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 12

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz c) Societies John Wesley gathered people into local ‘societies’ – meeting and worshipping together in order to grow in the Christian life. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 13

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz What is the name given to the four-fold approach (using Scripture, tradition, reason and experience) that Methodists traditionally use to learn about our Christian faith and apply it to contemporary issues and Christian practice? Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 14

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Quick quiz The Methodist Quadrilateral Reason Scripture Tradition Experience Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 15

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Devotion For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptised into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NRSV) Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 16

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Being connexional It starts with local church: People simply attend or choose to become members. Provides context for us to be holy together. LOCAL CHURCH Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 17

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Being connexional Every church is in a circuit: “Primary unit in which Local Churches express and experience their interconnexion in the Body of Christ, for purposes of mission, mutual encouragement and help.” (SO 500) LOCAL CHURCH CIRCUIT Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 18

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Being connexional Every circuit is in a district: Geographical group of circuits, led by a District Chair. 30 districts in the Methodist Church in 2018. The district synod takes place twice a year. LOCAL CHURCH CIRCUIT DISTRICT Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 19

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Being connexional Then there is the Conference: A gathering of elected representatives from each Methodist district (and others). Agrees policy for the Methodist Church. Meets annually. LOCAL CHURCH CIRCUIT DISTRICT CONNEXION Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 20

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Being connexional The connexion is all the local churches connected together, primarily as circuits, but also as districts, and as the Methodist Church in Great Britain. The focus of your work at circuit level is always within the context of church, district and connexion. LOCAL CHURCH CIRCUIT DISTRICT CONNEXION Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 21

Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 Circuit assessments How are the assessments determined in your circuit? Are there any consultation processes with church treasurers? Is there any negotiation before or during the Circuit Meeting? Is there any policy about reserve funds or advance funds? Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 22

Next module: Positive working together Module 3 will explore: The circuit steward’s role in creating effective communication – both one-to-one and across a circuit. Skills for collaborative working, including facilitation, listening, understanding personal style and healthy disagreement. Ways in which pastoral care is expressed by circuit stewards – especially for presbyters and their families. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2 23