EQUIPPING (transformation through God's love)

As we considered our vision as a circuit there were a number of things we had to consider, including:

• The Methodist Church, and how we are responsible for our churches as well as being accountable to the District and, in turn, the Connexion;
• What “leadership” looks like;
• Being sure of who it is we serve, both in terms of God and the churches and congregations we have locally;
• Assessing what we have and what we need by way of resources and where our strengths and weaknesses are;
• Acknowledging that we are part of a bigger picture in the Kingdom of God;
• How we honour the fact that our churches are part of both our Circuit family, and their local communities, each seeking to be a unique and beautiful expression of a faith-filled Christian presence where they are.

As we considered those things we were struck by the sense of both privilege and responsibility, much like what might be felt by a parent as they consider their child...

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As when a parent considers their child, we were reminded that our priority is not to live the lives of our churches for them, not to dictate their every move, and not to hold them captive, but to equip and empower them to thrive in their relationships with and service of the communities around them. In recalling that priority we find ourselves encouraged to be equippers rather than doers.

The Nottingham North East Circuit is blessed in what it has at its disposal for the service of the Kingdom of God, in physical resources, staff, volunteer capacity, wisdom and knowledge, but the real agents of change, the real experts, and therefore the best placed to lead on mission in our communities are the local churches themselves. Our vision and role as the Circuit are to see that those areas of mission are equipped and resourced, and that the people of God are empowered to share the love of God in order to see lives transformed in our communities.

It’s been said that “the equipping leader steps back, not away”* and as a circuit we are looking forward to journeying alongside our churches in mission, equipping, supporting and releasing potential rather than assuming control. We are ready, willing and able to partner with you as you seek to share the love of God.


I wonder what you and your church need in order to see transformation through God’s love in your community?


We have some ideas of how we think we might be able to equip you, but we do not presume to know everything you might need from us… Share your vision with us via Marc or the Circuit Office so that together we can discern the way forwards.


*said by Todd Stocker