1. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training
Module 1:
The calling and role of the circuit steward

2. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1
Aims of Module 1
Help participants to:
recognise a calling to an important role within the life of the Methodist Church
explore the gifts and skills they bring as stewards
draw a distinction between the role of a steward and the tasks of a steward.
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 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.
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 3

4. 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 1 4

5. Devotion: What I bring…
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NRSV)
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 5

6. The role of a circuit steward
SO 531 (1) states: “The circuit stewards are responsible, with the Superintendent and the ministers and probationers appointed to the Circuit, for the spiritual and material well-being of the Circuit, and for upholding and acting upon the decisions of the Circuit Meeting.”
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 6

7. The role of a circuit steward
SO 500 states: “The Circuit is the primary unit in which Local Churches express and experience their interconnexion in the Body of Christ, for purposes of mission, mutual encouragement and help. It is in the Circuit that presbyters, deacons and probationers are stationed and local preachers are trained and admitted and exercise their calling.
Continued on next slide…
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 7

8. The role of a circuit steward
Continued from previous slide…
“The purposes of the Circuit include the effective deployment of the resources of ministry, which include people, property and finance, as they relate to the Methodist churches in the Circuit, to churches of other denominations and to participation in the life of the communities served by the Circuit, including local schools and colleges, and in ecumenical work in the area including, where appropriate, the support of ecumenical Housing Associations.”
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 8

9. The cathedral in our work
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 9

10. Questions for reflection
How does the role of the stone-chippers in the story compare with the role of the circuit steward?
What might be the cathedral in your work as a circuit steward?
Can you name what is beautiful, inspirational, creative, pleasing and wonderful about the role?
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 10

11. Questions on manse life
What makes a home a home?
Do manses and other homes differ?
What can help ministers and families feel at home?
How do we create boundaries needed for a minister’s family life?
How can you, as a circuit steward, be responsible while also ensuring ministers enjoy their homes?
Who should be involved when making decisions about spending money on manse repairs?
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 11

12. Leadership, governance and management
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 12

13. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1
Inspiring leaders
Who has inspired you?
What effect did their inspiration have on you?
Why did you find them inspiring?
What, as a circuit steward, can you draw from this?
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 13

14. Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1
Leadership styles
Descriptive
Mentor
Democratic
Pace-setting
Achievement
Personal
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 14

15. Next module: Distinctively Methodist
Module 2 will explore:
The history of Methodism and what makes it unique as a denomination.
The vision and values of the Methodist Church.
What it is to be part of the Methodist Connexion, and the vital role the circuit plays in that.
Circuit Stewards’ Induction Training – Module 1 15