Story five: A Superintendent offers seven top tips for merging for mission

“I’m enthusiastic and excited for the future of Methodism. These changes are giving us the freedom and flexibility to embrace, rather than fear, the future.”

‘Sam’ arrived as circuit superintendent in Sept 2018, two years after the circuit had proposed (but not actioned) the change to multi-site church around a mission hub model, which the neighbouring circuit had already adopted. They have subsequently also merged both circuits into one, consisting of four multi-site churches, including the original one from the joining Circuit. Each multi-site church acts as a mission hub, supporting mission and ministry within their local geographical area.

Top tips:

• Don’t leave it too late: proactively shape and develop your vision for the future.
• As a leader, keep offering choices and empowering local decision-making.
• Use CPD creatively.
• Keep to the agenda; don’t lose sight of the big picture. Remember you’re all a part of the whole story and vision for the wider area.
• Know where you’re called to be, then ask the ‘why?’ & ‘what?’ questions.
• Ensure transparency and good communication channels at all levels.
• The circuit resources and encourages the local church in mission. The mission hubs (local churches) each actively support the mission within their geographical area.

This story is true and is told as far as possible in the words of the person who shared it. The story has simply been anonymised by using generic names and locations.