1. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training
Module 2:
Distinctively Methodist

2. 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

3. 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
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4. Group learning agreement
take responsibility for our own learning
recognise that each person brings different skills and knowledge to their role.
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5. 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?
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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.”
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9. 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.
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10. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2
Quick quiz
What is the most recent authorised hymn book of the Methodist Church?
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11. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2
Quick quiz
Singing the Faith
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12. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2
Quick quiz
What was the name given to early Methodist gatherings?
Companies
Associations
Societies
Communities
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13. 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.
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14. 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?
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15. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 2
Quick quiz
The Methodist Quadrilateral
Reason
Scripture
Tradition
Experience
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16. 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)
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17. 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
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18. 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
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19. 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
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20. 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
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21. 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
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22. 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?
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23. 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.
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