{"id":4457,"date":"2023-03-02T22:21:02","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T20:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/methodist.org.za\/?page_id=4457"},"modified":"2025-11-27T13:12:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T11:12:28","slug":"world-methodist-council","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/world-methodist-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Structure"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_space=”remove_padding_top”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The Connexion” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Cabin%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

The Methodist Connexional Office, established in 1936, operates under the direction of Conference and the leadership of the Presiding Bishop. It is responsible for the administration, leadership co-ordination, and governance of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa \u2014 as meticulously organized as a diplomarbeit schreiben lassen <\/a><\/strong>. The office of the Presiding Bishop has oversight of the work of all the Units and Districts.<\/p>\n

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MCSA Structure<\/a><\/h3>\n
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The Methodist Church of Southern Africa is part of the worldwide Methodist family and is a member of the World Methodist Council. In Methodist-speak, the MCSA is referred to as a Connexion, which in turn is made up of 15 Districts. The Connexion is led by the Presiding Bishop and Connexional Executive and the principal decision-making body at a Connexional level is the annual Conference. Each District is led by a bishop and a District Executive, with the main decision-making body at a District level being the annual General District.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bishops Reports<\/a><\/h3>\n
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As of 2020 we have 15 Districts<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”The District” tab_id=”1705561650954-74ea9de3-59b9″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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6.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>THE\u00a0DISTRICTS<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0area\u00a0under\u00a0the\u00a0jurisdiction\u00a0of\u00a0Conference\u00a0is\u00a0divided\u00a0into\u00a0Districts\u00a0that\u00a0are associations of local Circuits as determined by Conference.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>THE\u00a0SYNOD<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/u>6.2.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>In each District an annual Synod shall be held, whose chief function is to provide mission leadership as well as spiritual direction and inspiration for the District.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A Special Synod may be called by the Bishop for the purpose of dealing with mission issues\/emergency situations in the District. Fourteen days\u2019\u00a0notice shall be given. The membership shall be those who\u00a0attended\u00a0the\u00a0last\u00a0annual\u00a0Synod\u00a0and\u00a080%\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0membership\u00a0shall constitute a quorum.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The rules and procedures of Synod are laid down in the Synod Order of Business (Appendix 5) and the Rules of Debate (Appendix 4).<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Membership:<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h4>\n

<\/u>6.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Synod\u00a0comprises\u00a0the\u00a0following\u00a0Ministers\u00a0and\u00a0Lay\u00a0Members\u00a0who\u00a0reside\u00a0in\u00a0the District, such Lay Members having been members of the Church for at least the past 2 years:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>all Ministers and Deacons, (including Supernumerary and\u00a0Probationer Ministers and Deacons), except those who are at Seminary. Dispensation may be granted by Synod in case of illness\u00a0or other reasonable cause;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>One\u00a0Conference\u00a0appointed\u00a0Seminarian<\/span>;\u00a0(4.28)<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one\u00a0Representative\u00a0of\u00a0each\u00a0Mission\u00a0Group\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Steward\u00a0from\u00a0each\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

N.B:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>The\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0alternate\u00a0in\u00a0attending\u00a0Synod.\u00a0If\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Steward is unable to attend, the other Circuit Steward should attend.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>three\u00a0other Representatives\u00a0of each\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one\u00a0additional\u00a0Representative\u00a0of\u00a0each\u00a0Circuit\u00a0with\u00a0between\u00a01\u00a0000\u00a0and 2\u00a0000\u00a0Full\u00a0Members,\u00a0or\u00a0with\u00a03\u00a0or\u00a04\u00a0Ministers\u00a0or\u00a0Probationer\u00a0Ministers (excluding Supernumerary Ministers);<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

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<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one further Representative of each Circuit with more than 2 000 Full\u00a0Members,\u00a0or\u00a0with\u00a05\u00a0or\u00a0more\u00a0Ministers\u00a0or\u00a0Probationer\u00a0Ministers (excluding Supernumeraries);<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Alternates for those Representatives and Circuit Stewards who cannot attend;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0Convener\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Disciplinary\u00a0Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0District\u00a0Treasurer;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0District\u00a0Statistical\u00a0Secretary;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0District\u00a0Treasurers\u00a0of\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Funds;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>any\u00a0Ministerial\u00a0or\u00a0Lay\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Official;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the General Presidents of the Men\u2019s League, Local Preachers Association, Women\u2019s\u00a0Association, Women\u2019s\u00a0Auxiliary, Women\u2019s Manyano,\u00a0Young\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Manyano\u00a0or\u00a0Young\u00a0Men\u2019s\u00a0Guild,\u00a0where they reside in the District, if the registered membership of the Organisation in the Connexion exceeds 2 000;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>District President and the District Secretary, or their authorised<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Al- ternates, of the Men\u2019s League, Local Preachers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Association, Women\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>Association,<\/span>\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Auxiliary,\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Manyano,\u00a0Young\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Manyano,\u00a0Young Men\u2019s\u00a0Guild\u00a0and\u00a0Unzondelelo,\u00a0if\u00a0the\u00a0registered\u00a0mem-\u00a0bership\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Organisation\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0exceeds\u00a0400.\u00a0If\u00a0the\u00a0mem- bership\u00a0is\u00a0below\u00a0400,\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0President\u00a0or\u00a0alternate\u00a0may\u00a0attend;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Local<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Preacher<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>recommended<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>by<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Local<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Preachers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Committee,\u00a0<\/span>appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod\u00a0to\u00a0oversee\u00a0Local\u00a0Preachers\u2019\u00a0work\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0District;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>five\u00a0Representatives\u00a0elected\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Youth\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>an\u00a0Evangelist\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0Bible\u00a0Woman\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Evangelist\u2019s and Bible Women\u2019s Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0Manager\u00a0of\u00a0any\u00a0Christian\u00a0Connexion\u00a0Resource\u00a0Centre\u00a0in\u00a0the District, if a member of the Methodist Church;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0District\u00a0Trust Properties Secretary and one other member of\u00a0the<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

District\u00a0Trust\u00a0Properties\u00a0Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>two\u00a0representatives\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Music\u00a0Association;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.4.22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>any\u00a0official\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0World\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Body\u00a0residing\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0District.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”POWERS OF SYNOD” tab_id=”1705561650954-4a3a04ea-087b”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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6.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0following,\u00a0inter\u00a0alia,\u00a0are\u00a0the\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0Synod:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to provide spiritual leadership for the District, applying the lead provided by Conference;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0determine\u00a0mission\u00a0priorities\u00a0and\u00a0activities in\u00a0the\u00a0District;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to allocate resources and provide material and other assistance to the\u00a0Circuits;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to consider and deal with the matters contained in the Order of Business\u00a0for\u00a0Synods\u00a0(Appendix\u00a05),\u00a0subject\u00a0always\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0decisions\u00a0of\u00a0Conference;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0enquire\u00a0into\u00a0the\u00a0disciplinary\u00a0behaviour\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0Ministers\u00a0in\u00a0the<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

District;<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>generally to administer the District considering and implementing matters referred to it by Conference or the Connexional Executive;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>subject to the final authority of Conference, to determine Circuit boundaries, divide or unite Circuits, and establish new Circuits.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Any change in Circuit boundaries shall be detailed in the Minutes of Synod and the District Secretary shall send a copy of the record to each Circuit affected.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.5.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>To\u00a0appoint\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Stationing\u00a0Committee.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

NB:<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h2>\n

<\/u>(a)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Obituaries of deceased Ministers and Deacons shall be forwarded by Synod to the General Secretary.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>(b)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The expenses of Supernumeraries attending Synod shall be charged to Connexional Funds.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>SYNOD\u00a0MISSION\u00a0GROUPS<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/u>6.6.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Synod\u00a0may\u00a0establish\u00a0such\u00a0Mission\u00a0Groups\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0Committees\u00a0as\u00a0it considers\u00a0necessary,\u00a0and\u00a0shall\u00a0appoint\u00a0their\u00a0members\u00a0and\u00a0officers.\u00a0The Bishop, the Vice-Chairman, the District Secretary and the Statistical Secretary are ex officio members of each Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.6.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The purpose of Mission Groups and other Committees is to promote the mission of the Church at Circuit and Society level.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.6.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Each Mission Group or Committee may co-opt members who do not thereby become members of Synod.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.6.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Secretary of each Mission Group or Committee shall report on\u00a0its\u00a0behalf\u00a0to\u00a0Synod\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0work\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0year\u00a0and\u00a0may\u00a0require\u00a0from\u00a0the Circuits and Societies such Accounts, Schedules and Reports as are necessary for this purpose.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.6.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Secretary of each Mission Group or Committee shall keep its records and documents.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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6.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Synod shall elect a District Executive from among its members. Such members\u00a0hold\u00a0office\u00a0for\u00a0one\u00a0year\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0rising\u00a0of\u00a0Synod\u00a0and\u00a0are\u00a0eligible\u00a0for re-election.\u00a0The\u00a0Executive\u00a0may\u00a0co-opt\u00a0further\u00a0members\u00a0who\u00a0do\u00a0not,\u00a0thereby, become members of Synod. The following are ex officio members:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.7.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Bishop, Vice-Chairman, District Secretary, Statistical Secretary, District Lay Leader and District Treasurer;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.7.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>any\u00a0lay\u00a0Member\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0who\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0member\u00a0of\u00a0Conference;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.7.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0District\u00a0Executive\u00a0shall\u00a0include\u00a0adequate\u00a0lay\u00a0representation;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Executive\u00a0are:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>general administration of the District between meetings of Synod, including providing spiritual direction, establishing policy and plans, implementing the decisions of Synod, and referring tasks to the Mission Groups, Committees, Circuits and Societies;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to receive and make necessary changes to the\u00a0<\/span>draft of the stations of Ministers in the District received from the stationing committee, for presentation to Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>deciding\u00a0who\u00a0may\u00a0attend\u00a0Synods\u00a0as\u00a0visitors\u00a0without\u00a0the\u00a0power\u00a0to<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

vote;<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>ensuring\u00a0that\u00a0no\u00a0Connexional\u00a0or\u00a0District\u00a0Convention\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0any Circuit without the authority of the District Executive Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>6.8.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>such\u00a0other\u00a0functions as\u00a0are delegated\u00a0to it\u00a0by\u00a0Synod.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD” tab_id=”1705561964129-c243b011-1e7c”][vc_column_text]6.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0THE\u00a0BISHOP<\/strong><\/p>\n

6.9.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Bishop\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0official\u00a0head\u00a0and\u00a0principal\u00a0pastor\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0District\u00a0and\u00a0is subject\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0directions\u00a0of\u00a0Conference\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Laws\u00a0and\u00a0usages\u00a0of\u00a0the Church. The Bishop exercises his\/her duties in the spirit of servant- leadership\u00a0that\u00a0was\u00a0taught\u00a0and\u00a0modelled\u00a0by\u00a0our\u00a0Lord\u00a0Jesus\u00a0Christ\u00a0and in a consultative and democratic spirit.<\/p>\n

6.9.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Bishop is inducted to the Ministry of oversight at the commencement of his\/her term of office.<\/p>\n

6.9.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Bishop shall be a full-time itinerant Minister, in service of the MCSA and may be fully or partially separated from Circuit work according to the circumstances of the District.<\/p>\n

6.9.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He\/she\u00a0is\u00a0accountable\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Conference\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0Presiding\u00a0Bishop and\u00a0the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive,\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0Synod and the District Executive.<\/p>\n

6.9.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0term\u00a0of\u00a0office\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0five\u00a0years\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a01st\u00a0January\u00a0of the year in which the term begins, but he\/she may assume office earlier by mutual agreement with the incumbent Bishop. A Bishop may serve a second term of 5 (five) years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0Bishop\u00a0are,\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

6.10.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0the\u00a0spiritual\u00a0leader\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0for\u00a0the<\/p>\n

spiritual\u00a0nurture\u00a0of\u00a0both\u00a0laity\u00a0and\u00a0clergy;<\/p>\n

6.10.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0the\u00a0mission-leader\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0promote\u00a0and\u00a0provide for the mission and growth of the Church;<\/p>\n

6.10.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0the\u00a0principal\u00a0pastor\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0and\u00a0provide\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0pastoral<\/p>\n

care\u00a0of\u00a0the clergy\u00a0and\u00a0their families,\u00a0as\u00a0well\u00a0as\u00a0the\u00a0laity;<\/p>\n

6.10.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0strive\u00a0for\u00a0and\u00a0be\u00a0the\u00a0custodian\u00a0and\u00a0focus\u00a0of\u00a0unity\u00a0in\u00a0the<\/p>\n

District;<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.10.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to teach and safeguard the doctrines of the Christian faith as they have been received by the MCSA;<\/p>\n

6.10.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0oversee\u00a0the\u00a0on-going\u00a0training\u00a0of\u00a0clergy\u00a0and\u00a0laity\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0work\u00a0of<\/p>\n

the\u00a0Church;<\/p>\n

6.10.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0oversee\u00a0the\u00a0liturgical\u00a0practice\u00a0and\u00a0worship\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0District and ensure that the directions of Conference in this regard are\u00a0observed;<\/p>\n

6.10.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0participate\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0ordination\u00a0of\u00a0presbyters\u00a0and\u00a0deacons\u00a0stationed\u00a0in the District or preside if deputed by the Presiding Bishop;<\/p>\n

6.10.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0represent\u00a0the\u00a0Church\u00a0ecumenically and\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0wider\u00a0society;<\/p>\n

6.10.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0facilitate the\u00a0prophetic function\u00a0of the church in\u00a0society;<\/p>\n

6.10.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0have\u00a0general\u00a0oversight\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0work\u00a0in\u00a0all\u00a0Circuits,\u00a0Organisations<\/p>\n

and institutions in the\u00a0District;<\/p>\n

6.10.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to enter any Circuit in the District and\/or preside at any Circuit meeting if satisfied, after consultation with the Superintendent, that such intervention is necessary;<\/p>\n

6.10.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0convene\u00a0and\u00a0preside\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0annual\u00a0District\u00a0Synod;<\/p>\n

6.10.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0convene\u00a0and\u00a0preside\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Executive;<\/p>\n

6.10.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that proper minutes and records are kept of the District Synod and District Executive and to sign, secure and safeguard such records;<\/p>\n

6.10.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0oversee\u00a0the\u00a0stationing\u00a0of\u00a0ministers\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0through the District Stationing Committee, the Synod and Connexional Executive and, wherever necessary, to apply to the Presiding Bishop to fill any vacancy or make any necessary change in stations during the course of the year;<\/p>\n

6.10.17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to recommend to the Connexional Executive and the Presiding Bishop the appointment of Superintendents of Circuits, or any necessary changes in or withdrawal of Superintendency;<\/p>\n

6.10.18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that the directions, decisions and requirements of the Conference,\u00a0the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Synod\u00a0are\u00a0carried out by the Circuits, Societies, ministers, officials, organisations and institutions in the District;<\/p>\n

6.10.19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0participate\u00a0in\u00a0Connexional\u00a0leadership\u00a0and\u00a0attend\u00a0Conference,<\/p>\n

the Connexional Executive and other Connexional\u00a0meetings;<\/p>\n

6.10.20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0the\u00a0chief\u00a0channel\u00a0of\u00a0communication\u00a0between\u00a0the\u00a0District,\u00a0and<\/p>\n

Conference;<\/p>\n

6.10.21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to deal with any administrative matters which are required from time to time by the District, or the Connexion;<\/p>\n

6.10.22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0Chair\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Committees\u00a0or\u00a0Unit\u00a0Meetings\u00a0as\u00a0directed\u00a0by<\/p>\n

the\u00a0Presiding\u00a0Bishop;<\/p>\n

6.10.23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0appointed\u00a0as\u00a0Superintendents\u00a0of\u00a0Circuits\u00a0in\u00a0exceptional\u00a0cases<\/p>\n

only\u00a0and\u00a0where\u00a0there\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0strong\u00a0motivation;<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.10.24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0To be the Public Relations Officer within the District in liaison with the Superintendents. A Bishop may appoint liaison officers with the local press and the regional media;<\/p>\n

6.10.25\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0delegate\u00a0any\u00a0of\u00a0these\u00a0duties\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Vice-Chairman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ELECTION\u00a0AND\u00a0APPOINTMENT\u00a0OF\u00a0BISHOPS<\/h2>\n

6.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The following regulations and procedures shall govern the\u00a0election and appointment\u00a0<\/strong>of Bishops.<\/p>\n

6.11.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0procedure\u00a0for\u00a0electing\u00a0a\u00a0Bishop is\u00a0detailed\u00a0in\u00a0Appendix\u00a011.<\/p>\n

6.11.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Candidates for nomination by Synod as Bishops shall be Ministers in full Connexion. Supernumerary Ministers and Non-itinerant Ministers are not eligible. The elections shall take place in the last year but one of the current Bishop\u2019s term of office, unless there are special circumstances, in which case the Connexional Executive or Presiding Bishop shall make a ruling.<\/p>\n

6.11.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The District Secretary shall invite all Circuit Quarterly Meetings within the District to nominate any Minister in full Connexion, whether in the District concerned or not, at the January Quarterly meeting. These\u00a0nominations\u00a0are\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0submitted\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Secretary of Conference by 31st March. The Bishop shall be appointed by Conference\u00a0following\u00a0their\u00a0election\u00a0by\u00a0Synods\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0term\u00a0of\u00a05\u00a0(five) years, renewable for 1 (one) final term<\/p>\n

6.11.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Conference\u00a0is\u00a0the\u00a0final\u00a0authority\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0appointment\u00a0of\u00a0Bishops and has the right to veto the nomination of a Synod. In such a case the Conference may institute a new election process.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE\u00a0VICE-CHAIRMAN<\/h2>\n

6.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Vice-Chairman is elected by the Synod immediately prior to taking office. The\u00a0Synod\u00a0shall\u00a0vote\u00a0by\u00a0ballot\u00a0without\u00a0previous\u00a0nomination\u00a0but only for a Minister in full Connexion and who is in the service of a Circuit\u00a0in the District. The person elected shall have a simple majority of the votes\u00a0cast.<\/p>\n

6.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Vice-Chairman\u00a0shall\u00a0act\u00a0at\u00a0all\u00a0times\u00a0subject\u00a0to\u00a0direction\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop.<\/p>\n

6.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Should the Bishop die, become incapable of the work of a Bishop, be impeached,\u00a0or\u00a0be\u00a0absent\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0prolonged\u00a0period,\u00a0the\u00a0duties\u00a0shall\u00a0devolve\u00a0upon the\u00a0Vice-Chairman\u00a0until\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0can\u00a0return,\u00a0or\u00a0until\u00a0the\u00a0successor\u00a0elected by the next Synod assumes office, as the case may be. This provision does not derogate from the powers of Conference to appoint a new Bishop with immediate effect.<\/p>\n

6.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Vice-Chairman\u00a0is\u00a0ex\u00a0officio\u00a0member\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0District\u00a0Committees.<\/p>\n

6.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Vice-Chairman\u00a0shall\u00a0hold\u00a0office\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a0term\u00a0of\u00a03\u00a0(three)\u00a0years\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a01st January and may be re-elected.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE\u00a0DISTRICT\u00a0SECRETARY<\/h2>\n

6.17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0District\u00a0Secretary\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod\u00a0after\u00a0nomination\u00a0from\u00a0the floor.\u00a0The\u00a0District\u00a0Secretary\u00a0holds\u00a0office\u00a0for\u00a03\u00a0years\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a01st\u00a0January\u00a0and may be re-elected.\u00a0The District Secretary may be a lay-person or a Minister.<\/p>\n

6.18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Secretary\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

6.18.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0support\u00a0and\u00a0facilitate\u00a0the\u00a0administrative\u00a0work\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District;<\/p>\n

6.18.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0keep proper records of all proceedings of\u00a0Synod;<\/p>\n

6.18.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0prepare\u00a0one\u00a0unbound\u00a0copy\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0records\u00a0for\u00a0immediate\u00a0forwarding\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0General\u00a0Secretary,\u00a0and\u00a0three\u00a0bound\u00a0copies\u00a0for\u00a0signature\u00a0by\u00a0the Bishop,\u00a0the\u00a0Vice-Chairman\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Secretary.\u00a0One\u00a0bound\u00a0copy\u00a0to\u00a0be forwarded to the Methodist Connexional Office;<\/p>\n

6.18.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0forward\u00a0all\u00a0documents,\u00a0reports,\u00a0resolutions\u00a0and\u00a0schedules\u00a0as<\/p>\n

required;<\/p>\n

6.18.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0persons\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod\u00a0to\u00a0any\u00a0office,\u00a0Group\u00a0or\u00a0Committee\u00a0shall be advised accordingly by the District Secretary;<\/p>\n

6.18.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0discharge\u00a0such\u00a0other duties\u00a0as\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop or\u00a0Synod\u00a0may\u00a0require.<\/p>\n

6.19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0District\u00a0Secretary\u00a0is\u00a0ex-officio\u00a0a\u00a0member\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0District\u00a0committees.<\/p>\n

6.20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Synod\u00a0may\u00a0appoint\u00a0an\u00a0Assistant\u00a0Secretary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE\u00a0STATISTICAL\u00a0SECRETARY<\/h2>\n

6.21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0District\u00a0Statistical\u00a0Secretary\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod,\u00a0holds\u00a0office\u00a0for 3\u00a0(three)\u00a0years\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a01st\u00a0January\u00a0after\u00a0appointment\u00a0and\u00a0may\u00a0be\u00a0re-elected;<\/p>\n

6.22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Statistical Secretary is ex-officio a member of Synod and of all District Mission\u00a0Groups\u00a0and\u00a0Committees\u00a0and\u00a0shall\u00a0gather\u00a0the\u00a0required\u00a0statistics\u00a0of\u00a0the District, interpret them, and forward them as required.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DISTRICT\u00a0LAY\u00a0LEADER<\/h2>\n

6.23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Election\u00a0and\u00a0Appointment\u00a0of\u00a0District\u00a0Lay\u00a0Leader<\/h3>\n

The District Lay Leader shall be nominated, with motivation, at District Synod\u00a0for\u00a0election\u00a0and\u00a0appointment\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a03\u00a0(three)\u00a0year\u00a0term,\u00a0and\u00a0may\u00a0be\u00a0re- elected for a further term.<\/p>\n

6.24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Role\u00a0and Functions\u00a0of a\u00a0Lay\u00a0Leader<\/h3>\n

Within the broad parameters of the following, each District shall determine the nature and functions of this role within its own context.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Guidelines\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0office\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Lay\u00a0Leader\u00a0may\u00a0include\u00a0the<\/h3>\n

following:<\/strong><\/p>\n

6.24.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to represent the views and interests of the Church and its members throughout the District;<\/p>\n

6.24.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0an\u00a0advisor\u00a0to the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0Executive;<\/p>\n

6.24.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0advocate\u00a0for\u00a0greater\u00a0involvement\u00a0of\u00a0Laity\u00a0and\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0to<\/p>\n

focus on issues facing the\u00a0Church;<\/p>\n

6.24.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0facilitate\u00a0dialogue\u00a0on\u00a0missional\u00a0and\u00a0Organisational\u00a0issues;<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.24.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0have\u00a0an\u00a0educative\u00a0focus,\u00a0conscientising\u00a0and\u00a0informing\u00a0lay\u00a0persons<\/p>\n

on\u00a0critical\u00a0Church\u00a0and\u00a0Social\u00a0matters;<\/p>\n

6.24.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0galvanise\u00a0support\u00a0for\u00a0Connexional\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0projects\u00a0and<\/p>\n

events;<\/p>\n

6.24.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to assist Laity in adding value to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa\u2019s vision and Mission.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DISTRICT\u00a0FINANCES<\/h2>\n

6.25\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Synod shall elect a District Finance Committee comprising the ex-officio members\u00a0(as\u00a0designated\u00a0in\u00a0Laws\u00a0and\u00a0Discipline\u00a0para\u00a06.6.1)\u00a0and\u00a0not\u00a0less\u00a0than 4\u00a0(four)\u00a0other\u00a0persons\u00a0with\u00a0appropriate\u00a0skills\u00a0and\u00a0competencies.\u00a0Members\u00a0of the Committee are elected for a period of three years and may be re-elected. Synod shall designate the Chairman of the Committee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Finance\u00a0Committee\u00a0are,\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

6.26.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0prepare\u00a0a\u00a0District\u00a0Budget\u00a0for\u00a0submission\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Executive<\/p>\n

and\u00a0Synod\u00a0for\u00a0consideration\u00a0and\u00a0approval;<\/p>\n

6.26.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to give oversight of all financial matters pertaining to the District, Organisations and Institutions; and ensure that all expenditure incurred is in accordance with approved budgets;<\/p>\n

6.26.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that all audited\u00a0Annual Financial Statements pertaining to District, Circuit and Society finances\u00a0are prepared and submitted to the District Treasurer by Synod and ensure that paragraphs 9.87 to<\/p>\n

9.89\u00a0(Financial\u00a0Form\u00a04c\u00a0and\u00a04s\u00a0Schedules)\u00a0are\u00a0implemented\u00a0within<\/p>\n

the\u00a0District;<\/p>\n

6.26.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to scrutinise the data sent to the District Treasurer in respect of Circuits that are in arrears, and to ensure that paragraphs 9.54 (Consequences\u00a0for\u00a0Circuits\u00a0which\u00a0do\u00a0not\u00a0pay\u00a0assessments),\u00a0and\u00a09.56 (Arrears), are implemented within the District;<\/p>\n

6.26.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to have oversight regarding the implementation of the Connexional Policy on Financial Management and the Institutional Competency Assessment\u00a0(determined\u00a0by\u00a0Conference)\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0District,\u00a0to\u00a0give assistance to the Bishop, Superintendents and other persons within the\u00a0District\u00a0in\u00a0respect\u00a0thereof,\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0the\u00a0required\u00a0reports are submitted to Synod;<\/p>\n

6.26.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to advise the District of any financial concerns or irregularities regarding\u00a0finances\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Executive\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0ensure that any investigations or remedial steps that may be required are\u00a0undertaken;<\/p>\n

6.26.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0Trust\u00a0Funds,\u00a0Bequests\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0Funds\u00a0designated\u00a0for\u00a0specific\u00a0purposes\u00a0are\u00a0used\u00a0for\u00a0their\u00a0intended\u00a0purpose\u00a0and\/or\u00a0mandate;<\/p>\n

6.26.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to nominate to Synod persons to serve as members of the District Finance Committee.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE\u00a0DISTRICT\u00a0TREASURER<\/h2>\n

6.27\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0District\u00a0Treasurer\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0appointed\u00a0by\u00a0Synod,\u00a0holds\u00a0office\u00a0for\u00a0three\u00a0(3) years from the 1st January after appointment and may be reappointed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.28\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Treasurer\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

6.28.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0assist\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0Executive\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0effective\u00a0financial<\/p>\n

management and administration of the\u00a0District;<\/p>\n

6.28.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that all banking accounts conducted in the District, including Organisations & Institutions are correctly opened and maintained and that any deposits into or withdrawals from such bank accounts are procedural and properly recorded;<\/p>\n

6.28.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that all payments on behalf of the District, Organisations and Institutions are drawn by cheque or debit order and that all payments\u00a0are\u00a0signed\u00a0by\u00a0two\u00a0duly\u00a0authorised\u00a0persons.\u00a0No\u00a0credit\u00a0card transactions are permitted.\u00a0Electronic payments are only permitted where\u00a0there\u00a0is\u00a0dual\u00a0control\u00a0of\u00a0authorisation\u00a0of\u00a0payment\u00a0and\u00a0separate confidential passwords are utilised;<\/p>\n

6.28.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0nominate\u00a0to\u00a0Synod\u00a0for\u00a0appointment\u00a0a\u00a0book-keeper,\u00a0if\u00a0required,<\/p>\n

and\u00a0an\u00a0auditor\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0accounts;<\/p>\n

6.28.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to submit annually to Synod the audited District Annual Financial Statements\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0Budget\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0forthcoming\u00a0year\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0verbal and\u00a0written\u00a0report.\u00a0The\u00a0written\u00a0report\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0included\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Synod Blue Book;<\/p>\n

6.28.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0submit\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0General\u00a0Treasurers\u00a0before\u00a031st\u00a0March\u00a0a\u00a0District<\/p>\n

Finance\u00a0Report\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0prescribed\u00a0format;<\/p>\n

6.28.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to build relationships with and liaise with all Circuits and Society Treasurers and Circuit Stewards in respect of financial and administrative matters within the District;<\/p>\n

6.28.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0help\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0all\u00a0Circuit\u00a04c\u00a0and\u00a0Society\u00a04s\u00a0Schedules\u00a0within\u00a0the District are submitted to the Finance Unit by 15th June annually;<\/p>\n

6.28.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to report any matter of concern pertaining to finance and administration\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0General\u00a0Treasurers\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Church\u00a0of Southern\u00a0Africa.<\/p>\n

6.28.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to ensure that no Connexional or District Convention is held in a Circuit\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0not\u00a0financially\u00a0viable,\u00a0or\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0in\u00a0arrears\u00a0with\u00a0stipend\u00a0assessments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GENERAL\u00a0REGULATIONS<\/h2>\n

6.29\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Connexional\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions<\/h3>\n

6.29.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0Connexional\u00a0or\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit<\/p>\n

that\u00a0is\u00a0not\u00a0financially\u00a0viable,\u00a0or\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0in\u00a0arrears\u00a0with\u00a0assessments.<\/p>\n

6.29.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0Connexional\u00a0or\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0any\u00a0Circuit without the authority of the District Executive Committee.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”THE CIRCUIT AND THE SOCIETIES” tab_id=”1705562083635-c03c38a1-144c”][vc_column_text]7.1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Districts\u00a0are\u00a0divided\u00a0into\u00a0Circuits\u00a0each\u00a0consisting\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0number\u00a0of\u00a0Societies.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”THE CIRCUIT” tab_id=”1705562230529-3f32f65c-7981″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n

Circuits\u00a0oversee\u00a0and\u00a0coordinate\u00a0the\u00a0work\u00a0of\u00a0Societies\u00a0and\u00a0promote\u00a0and\u00a0ensure\u00a0the<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

implementation of mission imperatives throughout the\u00a0Circuit.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h3>\n

The<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Circuit<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Quarterly<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Meeting<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>administers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>affairs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Church<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>within<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span>Circuit.\u00a0The\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0is\u00a0responsible\u00a0for\u00a0planning,\u00a0promoting and\u00a0monitoring\u00a0the\u00a0spiritual\u00a0life\u00a0and\u00a0mission\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Church\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit.\u00a0The Order\u00a0of\u00a0Business\u00a0in\u00a0Appendix\u00a08\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Laws\u00a0and\u00a0Discipline\u00a0must\u00a0be\u00a0included in the agenda of any Circuit Quarterly Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Quarterly Meeting shall establish such Mission Groups as it deems\u00a0necessary,\u00a0and\u00a0shall\u00a0appoint\u00a0the\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Groups\u00a0and\u00a0convenors with power to appoint further members. Mission Group members may be drawn from beyond the membership of the Meeting but they do not thereby become members of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0may\u00a0appoint\u00a0ad\u00a0hoc\u00a0committees\u00a0to\u00a0initiate\u00a0and implement special projects. Mission Groups and committees receive their authority from, and are accountable to the Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Quarterly Meeting may appoint a Circuit Executive Committee consisting of the Ministers, the Circuit Stewards, the Circuit Treasurer and others\u00a0elected\u00a0from\u00a0the\u00a0Meeting\u00a0so\u00a0that\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0at\u00a0least\u00a0as\u00a0many\u00a0lay-persons as\u00a0Ministers.\u00a0The\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0shall\u00a0preside\u00a0over\u00a0the\u00a0Executive\u00a0Committee.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Quarterly Meeting shall be held once a quarter in the Circuit, usually in January, April, July and October, the October Meeting being devoted to planning the Circuit\u2019s work for the coming year.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Quarterly Meeting shall devote significant time, at least twice a year, to mission planning and reflection.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Membership:<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The following are members of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting, provided that they\u00a0are\u00a0full\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Church\u00a0of\u00a0Southern\u00a0Africa\u00a0for\u00a0at\u00a0least the past two consecutive years:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Ministers, Probationers, Supernumerary Ministers, Deacons and Evangelists\u00a0stationed\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0any\u00a0other\u00a0Ministers\u00a0who\u00a0are<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

members\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Biblewomen\u00a0and\u00a0Lay\u00a0Agents\u00a0in\u00a0the<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Circuit;<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0Stewards\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Circuit\u00a0Secretary;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Circuit\u00a0Treasurer;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>conveners\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Mission\u00a0Groups\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Societies;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>one\u00a0Steward\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Poor\u00a0Fund\u00a0from\u00a0each\u00a0Society;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the duly appointed Leaders of all Classes, Junior Classes, Home Bible Study and Fellowship Groups, and of Ministries established by the Societies;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>five Local Preachers elected annually by the Local Preachers\u2019 Quarterly Meeting;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Circuit President and one duly appointed representative of the Circuit\u00a0Women\u2019s Manyano,\u00a0Young\u00a0Women\u2019s Manyano and\u00a0Young Men\u2019s Guild;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0President\u00a0or\u00a0duly\u00a0appointed\u00a0representative\u00a0of\u00a0every\u00a0branch\u00a0of\u00a0the Women\u2019s\u00a0Association, Women\u2019s\u00a0Auxiliary and Men\u2019s League;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>any<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>office-bearer<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>General<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Executive<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>or<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Executive<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of the Women\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Association, Women\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Auxiliary, Women\u2019s Manyano,\u00a0<\/span>Young Women\u2019s Manyano,\u00a0Young Men\u2019s Guild, or Men\u2019s League being a member of a Society in the Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>every\u00a0person\u00a0appointed\u00a0to\u00a0preside\u00a0over\u00a0a\u00a0Trust\u00a0Properties\u00a0Committee<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

in the\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>a\u00a0representative\u00a0of\u00a0every\u00a0branch\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Youth\u00a0Unit,\u00a0who\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0not less than eighteen years of age;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the\u00a0Secretary\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Youth\u00a0Unit\u00a0Council;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.8.15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>any member of the Connexional Executive who resides in the\u00a0Circuit.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A\u00a0united congregation, forming part of a Circuit, shall be represented at the Circuit Quarterly Meeting on the same basis as a Methodist Society.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Powers and\u00a0Duties:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0powers\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0spread\u00a0the\u00a0Gospel\u00a0and\u00a0extend\u00a0the\u00a0work\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Church\u00a0especially by planning, promoting and monitoring the spiritual life and the mission of the Church in the Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0control\u00a0and\u00a0administer\u00a0the\u00a0affairs\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0appoint\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Mission\u00a0Groups\u00a0and\u00a0monitor\u00a0their\u00a0activities;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0receive,\u00a0consider\u00a0and\u00a0act\u00a0upon\u00a0spiritual,\u00a0numerical\u00a0and\u00a0financial reports\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Societies\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0and\u00a0of\u00a0Women\u2019s,\u00a0Men\u2019s\u00a0and Youth work in the Circuit, and of such Units of the Church as are required\u00a0to\u00a0operate\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0as\u00a0well\u00a0as\u00a0any\u00a0other\u00a0societies and organisations in connection with the Societies;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to elect by majority vote, after nomination by the meeting, up to four\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0give\u00a0them\u00a0authority\u00a0jointly\u00a0to\u00a0operate upon the banking account of the Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0appoint a Secretary\u00a0to the\u00a0Meeting;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to appoint a Circuit Auditor and, if considered necessary by the Meeting, a Circuit Treasurer;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>the Circuit Treasurer shall be appointed after careful consultation between the Superintendent Minister and the Circuit Stewards\u00a0and ratified at the October Quarterly Meeting. The appointment shall\u00a0be\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a03\u00a0(three)\u00a0year\u00a0term\u00a0renewable\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0maximum\u00a0of\u00a03 (three) terms;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to appoint, if considered necessary, a Circuit Finance Committee to\u00a0assist\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0management\u00a0of\u00a0Circuit\u00a0finances.\u00a0Such\u00a0a\u00a0Committee shall be representative of the Societies in the Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to make provision for Circuit expenses and to pay, through the Circuit Stewards, all claims on Circuit funds including traveling expenses within the Circuit, the amounts due to Connexional Funds and the stipends and other allowances of the Ministers;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0consider\u00a0paying\u00a0an\u00a0allowance\u00a0in\u00a0lieu\u00a0of\u00a0rent\u00a0to\u00a0Ministers\u00a0who<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

provide their own\u00a0accommodation;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to receive reports of contributions of the Circuit to Connexional\u00a0Funds;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0approve\u00a0or\u00a0otherwise\u00a0Candidates\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0Ministry\u00a0nominated\u00a0by<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

the\u00a0Superintendent;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0invite,\u00a0upon\u00a0the\u00a0nomination\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards,\u00a0Ministers<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

to labour in the\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0appoint\u00a0Lay\u00a0pastoral\u00a0staff\u00a0to\u00a0work\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Societies;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.16.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0make recommendations to\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.17.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to consider and act upon such matters as may be referred to it by Conference, the Connexional Executive or Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.18.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0elect\u00a0representatives\u00a0to\u00a0Synod\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0elect\u00a0an\u00a0alternate\u00a0should\u00a0a Circuit Steward not be able to attend Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.19.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to approve the necessary reports and schedules for submission to\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.20.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0appoint\u00a0a\u00a0Treasurer\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Ministerial\u00a0Students\u2019\u00a0Fund,\u00a0who\u00a0shall promote the interests of the Fund and solicit subscriptions on its\u00a0behalf;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.21.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to perform and discharge the functions and duties of a Circuit Local Preachers\u2019\u00a0Meeting where there is no such Meeting;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.22.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0perform\u00a0and\u00a0discharge\u00a0the\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0Local\u00a0Trust Properties Committee where there is no such Committee;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.10.23.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to consider necessary changes in times of services on the Lord\u2019s Day in consultation with the Local Preachers\u2019\u00a0Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

General\u00a0Regulations:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>If a Circuit Quarterly Meeting invites Synod to meet in an area where there is more than one Circuit, it shall collaborate with the other Circuit Quarterly Meetings\u00a0before\u00a0extending\u00a0such\u00a0an\u00a0invitation,\u00a0unless\u00a0it\u00a0is\u00a0prepared\u00a0to\u00a0meet\u00a0all the local expenses involved.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Membership\u00a0Records<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h3>\n

Circuits\u00a0shall\u00a0keep\u00a0permanent\u00a0records\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0persons\u00a0received\u00a0into\u00a0full<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

membership.<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Gambling<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h3>\n

No\u00a0Circuits,\u00a0Organisations\u00a0and\u00a0Societies\u00a0shall\u00a0raise\u00a0funds\u00a0through\u00a0\u201cgames\u00a0of chance\u201d (e.g. raffles, gambling etc.).<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Care\u00a0of\u00a0Prisoners<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h3>\n

Conference directs Ministers with prisons within their Circuit boundaries to ensure that Methodist Spiritual Workers are appointed to such prisons. The procedure\u00a0for\u00a0such\u00a0appointments\u00a0is\u00a0a\u00a0personal\u00a0application\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Head\u00a0of\u00a0the Local Prison, where Form G317 must be completed in triplicate.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Stationing\u00a0of\u00a0Ministers<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/u>7.15.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/u>Stationing\u00a0through\u00a0Invitation:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0may\u00a0invite\u00a0a\u00a0Minister\u00a0to\u00a0labour\u00a0in\u00a0the Circuit\u00a0in\u00a0a\u00a0duly\u00a0recognised\u00a0appointment.\u00a0The\u00a0following\u00a0regulations must be observed but nothing shall derogate from the authority of the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive\u00a0to\u00a0decide\u00a0the\u00a0annual\u00a0appointments\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0Ministers.<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>When an invitation is to be extended, whether for an initial\u00a0or\u00a0a\u00a0subsequent\u00a0period,\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0shall report to the Bishop. The Circuit Stewards shall then convene\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stationing\u00a0Committee\u00a0comprising\u00a0the Superintendent and Circuit Stewards. If the invitation relates\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0then\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stationing Committee shall comprise the Bishop and the Circuit\u00a0Stewards.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The Circuit Stationing Committee shall call a meeting of the Society Stewards of the Societies affected by\u00a0the invitation in order to consult on principles (not names) such as budget, profiles and the mission needs of the Societies. This Society Stewards\u2019 consultative meeting shall not vote at any stage other than at the Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting.\u00a0No\u00a0less\u00a0than\u00a0three\u00a0and\u00a0no<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

more than five Society Stewards shall be elected by\u00a0this consultative meeting to be members of the Circuit Stationing Committee while the invitation that affects them is considered.<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Before\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stationing\u00a0Committee\u00a0finalises\u00a0a\u00a0list of\u00a0names\u00a0of\u00a0ministers\u00a0who\u00a0could\u00a0potentially\u00a0be\u00a0invited, they shall consult with the Bishop, or the person mandated by the Bishop, who may add names to this list for consideration. The Bishop will also engage the Committee on transformational issues such as gender and race. No invitation (or re-invitation) shall be extended to any minister without the agreement of the\u00a0Bishop.<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Before\u00a0taking\u00a0any\u00a0steps\u00a0to\u00a0replace\u00a0a\u00a0Minister\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit Stewards shall advise that Minister.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Stewards shall all sign a Letter of Enquiry, asking\u00a0whether\u00a0the\u00a0Minister\u00a0selected\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Committee would accept the appointment concerned. A copy of this\u00a0letter\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0forwarded\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0local\u00a0Bishop\u00a0as\u00a0well as the Bishop of the District in which the Minister is currently stationed.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A Minister shall not consider such an enquiry before advising the local Circuit Stewards and Bishop.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0Minister\u00a0shall\u00a0reply\u00a0in\u00a0writing\u00a0within\u00a0two\u00a0weeks\u00a0of receiving\u00a0the\u00a0letter\u00a0of\u00a0enquiry.\u00a0If\u00a0the\u00a0reply\u00a0is\u00a0affirmative neither the Minister nor the Circuit Stewards may consider other enquiries.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>After\u00a0an\u00a0affirmative\u00a0reply\u00a0has\u00a0been\u00a0received,\u00a0the\u00a0matter shall be introduced at the next Quarterly Meeting. The\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0shall\u00a0propose\u00a0and\u00a0second\u00a0the\u00a0invitation.\u00a0There shall be no debate but questions for clarification shall be allowed. No amendment may be proposed by the Meeting, which shall vote for or against.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Should\u00a0the\u00a0Meeting\u00a0resolve\u00a0to\u00a0make\u00a0the\u00a0invitation, the Circuit Stewards shall convey this information to the Minister and the local Bishop within 7 days. The Minister and the Circuit are then committed to each other\u00a0in\u00a0terms\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0invitation\u00a0but\u00a0always\u00a0subject\u00a0to\u00a0the authority of the Conference.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Should the Meeting resolve not to make the invitation, the Circuit Stewards shall convey this information in writing to the Minister and the local Bishop within 7<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

days. If time permits for the procedure to be repeated\u00a0in\u00a0respect\u00a0of\u00a0another\u00a0Minister\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0may begin again as in para. 7.15.1.1. Otherwise the matter shall\u00a0be\u00a0referred\u00a0through\u00a0the\u00a0Synod\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>An invitation may not be extended later than the\u00a0April Quarterly Meeting or earlier than 2 years before the beginning of the period to which the invitation relates.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>An invitation is for an initial period of five (5) years.\u00a0It may be extended by the Quarterly Meeting as per\u00a0the procedure above, by up to 5 years at a time, as the Circuit Quarterly Meeting may decide.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Under\u00a0exceptional\u00a0circumstances\u00a0where\u00a0it\u00a0appears that the current period cannot be sustained, the Circuit Stationing\u00a0Committee\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Minister\u00a0concerned\u00a0shall meet to discuss the matter. The Circuit Stewards shall submit\u00a0a\u00a0report\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0who\u00a0shall\u00a0place\u00a0the\u00a0matter before Synod.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>No Minister shall entertain an enquiry concerning an invitation,\u00a0neither\u00a0shall\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0extend\u00a0such\u00a0an enquiry, where the Minister concerned has served for less than 3 years in the present appointment (except as provided\u00a0for\u00a0in\u00a0para.\u00a07.15.1.12).\u00a0An\u00a0Ordinand,\u00a0however, may receive and accept an invitation for the year following\u00a0ordination\u00a0regardless\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0period\u00a0of\u00a0service in the present Circuit. Probationers are not eligible for\u00a0invitation.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A District Stationing Committee consisting of the\u00a0District\u00a0officials\u00a0as\u00a0well\u00a0as\u00a0five\u00a0Synod-elected\u00a0lay\u00a0people\u00a0and five Synod-elected clergy shall meet at least once before the annual Synod. They\u00a0will present the draft\u00a0of\u00a0Stations\u00a0for\u00a0interrogation\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Synod,\u00a0and\u00a0meet at least once more before Conference. The Committee shall\u00a0invite\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0and\u00a0one\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Steward of any Circuit affected by changes in the stations of ministers. The committee is elected by Synod for a three year term, renewable.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A Pastoral Commission Report shall be provided by\u00a0the Bishop of a District in which a Minister is left without a station for the ensuing year.\u00a0This report shall be submitted to the General Secretary within 21 days\u00a0of the rising of Conference for the consideration of the Presiding Bishop.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.1.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Connexional Stationing is the work of Conference as delegated to the Preliminary Stationing Meeting by Bishops and the Connexional Executive, and the final reading of stations shall take place at Conference.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Stationing\u00a0by\u00a0Conference:<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h3>\n

<\/u>7.15.2.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Noting that Methodist Ministers are always under annual\u00a0review\u00a0in\u00a0accordance\u00a0with\u00a0para\u00a04.61,\u00a0a\u00a0Minister stationed without invitation to a Circuit shall remain\u00a0in the appointment for at least 3 years. In the second\u00a0or third year the Circuit may invite the Minister to complete the remainder of an initial period of 5 years. Such\u00a0a\u00a0Minister\u00a0may,\u00a0alternatively,\u00a0accept\u00a0an\u00a0invitation to\u00a0serve\u00a0(after\u00a03\u00a0years)\u00a0in\u00a0another\u00a0Circuit.\u00a0Failing\u00a0either such\u00a0invitation,\u00a0the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive\u00a0shall\u00a0decide where to station the Minister.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.15.2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Under\u00a0exceptional\u00a0circumstances\u00a0where\u00a0it\u00a0appears that the current period cannot be sustained, the Circuit Stationing\u00a0Committee\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Minister\u00a0concerned\u00a0shall meet to discuss the matter. The Circuit Stewards shall submit\u00a0a\u00a0report\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0who\u00a0shall\u00a0place\u00a0the\u00a0matter before Synod.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0Minister:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Superintendent of the Circuit is the official head of the Church in the Circuit and shall exercise authority and carry out duties as such subject to the directions of the Conference and the Laws and Discipline of the Church, being responsible in the first instance to the Bishop. The Connexional Executive\u00a0appoints\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0who\u00a0assumes\u00a0office\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a01st\u00a0January and may be reappointed. The Bishop should consult the District Executive, and the Ministers\u00a0and Circuit Stewards\u00a0of the Circuit, before recommending the appointment of a Superintendent.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Superintendent shall be an ordained Minister in the Circuit unless the Connexional Executive otherwise directs. If necessary, the Superintendent may\u00a0depute\u00a0another\u00a0ordained\u00a0Minister\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0to\u00a0act\u00a0as\u00a0Superintendent. With the approval of the Bishop, a Probationer in the Circuit or an ordained Minister from another Circuit may serve as the deputy.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Powers and\u00a0Duties:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0powers\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0lead\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0in\u00a0spiritual\u00a0matters\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0pastor\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Ministers in the Circuit and their families;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>arrange<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>regular<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>meeting<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Ministers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>oversee<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>their<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>work;<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0oversee\u00a0especially\u00a0the\u00a0character\u00a0and\u00a0effectiveness\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

in leading the\u00a0Classes;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0preside\u00a0at\u00a0all\u00a0official\u00a0meetings\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0and,\u00a0when\u00a0unable\u00a0to attend, to depute another Minister so to preside;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0submit\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0persons\u00a0to\u00a0be\u00a0considered\u00a0for\u00a0ac-<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

ceptance<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Members<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Church,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>or<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>depute<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>colleague<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>do<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>so;<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0nominate\u00a0Candidates\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0Ministry\u00a0(4.12);<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to decide whether to permit any appeal for funds made by or on behalf of organisations from elsewhere in the Connexion, or made by external organisations. Such permission must be in writing;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0hold\u00a0in\u00a0safe\u00a0custody\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0keep\u00a0with\u00a0accuracy\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0records and registers of people and property and, on moving from the Superintendency, to submit these to the new Superintendent;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0Circuit\u00a0records\u00a0which\u00a0are\u00a0more\u00a0than\u00a0fifty\u00a0years\u00a0old\u00a0be placed\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0custody\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Archives\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0Cory\u00a0Library for\u00a0Historical\u00a0Research\u00a0at\u00a0Rhodes\u00a0University.\u00a0Societies\u00a0and\u00a0Circuits are invited to deposit objects of historical and cultural interest,\u00a0such as clothing, vessels and paintings, in the care of the Albany Museum, Grahamstown. If such objects are retained locally, the Albany Museum offers advice about methods of conservation.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0an\u00a0exact\u00a0inventory\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0furniture,\u00a0belonging\u00a0to the Church, in each Minister\u2019s house is prepared and periodically corrected by the Circuit Stewards and the Minister in residence;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to prepare and forward, after being approved by the Quarterly Meeting, the Reports and Schedules required by Synod or the Committees or officers appointed by the Connexional Executive;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0furnish\u00a0the\u00a0Bishop\u00a0immediately\u00a0after\u00a0their\u00a0election\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0names and addresses of the Circuit Stewards and other members elected\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0as\u00a0Representatives\u00a0to\u00a0Synod,\u00a0and\u00a0with\u00a0the names and addresses of their alternates;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to ensure that all monies held by organisations or departments in\u00a0the Circuit are reported to the Quarterly Meeting, and the accounts audited before being presented to Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0all\u00a0collections\u00a0and\u00a0assessments\u00a0for\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Funds are\u00a0made\u00a0and\u00a0remitted\u00a0according\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0directions\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Connexional\u00a0Executive.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to report all Bequests to\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0be\u00a0responsible for\u00a0preparing\u00a0the Circuit\u00a0Preaching\u00a0Plan;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.18.17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0observe\u00a0and\u00a0carry\u00a0out\u00a0all\u00a0official\u00a0directions\u00a0and\u00a0regulations.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The Circuit\u00a0Stewards:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.19\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>There\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0not\u00a0less\u00a0than\u00a02\u00a0(two)\u00a0and\u00a0not\u00a0more\u00a0than\u00a04\u00a0(four)\u00a0Circuit Stewards who are the Executive Officers of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Circuit Stewards shall be nominated, with motivation, by members of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting for election and appointment at the October Circuit Quarterly Meeting for a 3 (three) year term, up to a maximum of 3 (three)\u00a0terms.\u00a0If\u00a0a\u00a0vacancy\u00a0arises\u00a0it\u00a0may\u00a0be\u00a0filled\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0next\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Circuit Stewards are the officers through whom all communications affecting the appointment of Ministers are addressed.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to provide for the effective operation of the Circuit subject to the directions of the Quarterly Meeting;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to manage all Circuit funds on behalf of the Quarterly Meeting and in\u00a0conjunction\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Finance\u00a0Committee\u00a0where\u00a0this\u00a0exists. No other person shall perform this duty and the Circuit Treasurer, where appointed, shall operate under the direction of the Circuit\u00a0Stewards;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0open\u00a0a\u00a0Banking\u00a0Account\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0name\u00a0of\u00a0\u2018The\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Church<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

of\u00a0Southern\u00a0Africa,\u00a0\u00a0Circuit\u2019\u00a0and\u00a0jointly\u00a0to\u00a0operate\u00a0thereon.\u00a0The signatories\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0Banking\u00a0Account\u00a0may\u00a0include\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent or a duly appointed deputy;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>pay<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Connexional<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Office<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>amounts<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>due<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Connexional\u00a0<\/span>Funds\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0stipends\u00a0and\u00a0other\u00a0allowances\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Ministers,\u00a0and\u00a0all other claims on the Circuit funds;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to keep proper accounts of income and expenditure, and to submit them to each Quarterly Meeting;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0have\u00a0the\u00a0annual\u00a0financial\u00a0schedules\u00a0audited\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0submit\u00a0them\u00a0to\u00a0Synod;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to consult the Ministers and Society Stewards so as to know the needs and wishes of the Societies and the Ministers in connection with the stationing of Ministers in the Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to convene and form part of the Circuit Stationing Committee and to\u00a0correspond\u00a0with\u00a0Ministers\u00a0concerning\u00a0invitations\u00a0to\u00a0labour\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to nominate to the Quarterly Meeting any Minister for invitation to labour in the Circuit, and to advise the Bishop of the decisions of the Circuit Stationing Committee and of the Quarterly Meeting in connection with invitations to Ministers;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to correspond with the newly-appointed Minister immediately after the Connexional Executive has made the appointment, to meet the Minister on arrival in the Circuit and to facilitate the removal;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that,\u00a0if\u00a0the\u00a0Minister\u00a0is\u00a0to\u00a0occupy\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit\u00a0house,\u00a0it\u00a0is\u00a0ready and fit for occupation and adequately furnished;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to\u00a0take turns\u00a0in attending\u00a0Synod\u00a0as\u00a0a\u00a0representative;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.21.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>to be ex-officio members of all Committees in the Circuit and\u00a0Societies.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Memorials\u00a0from\u00a0Circuits\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Conference:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.22\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The Quarterly Meeting may memorialise the Conference or Connexional Executive.\u00a0At least fourteen days\u2019\u00a0notice of the proposed memorial shall be given\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0proposer\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Meeting. The Meeting may amend the proposal.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.22.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Once\u00a0approved,\u00a0a\u00a0Memorial\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0signed\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards on behalf of the Meeting and forwarded by the Superintendent to the General Secretary, at least 1 (one) month before the meeting of\u00a0Conference;<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.22.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>no Memorial may be adopted by the Quarterly Meeting which is\u00a0manifestly\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0seditious\u00a0character,\u00a0or\u00a0is\u00a0in\u00a0conflict\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0Doctrines,\u00a0Discipline or Ethos of the Methodist Church of Southern\u00a0Africa, or involves direct interference in the affairs of another Circuit.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Circuit\u00a0Finances:<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/u>7.23\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The\u00a0chief\u00a0sources\u00a0of\u00a0Circuit\u00a0income\u00a0are:\u00a0Assessments\u00a0levied\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Quarterly Meeting\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0Societies,\u00a0Donations,\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0Offerings\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0people\u00a0whether in pledged giving, weekly collections, or contributions in the Classes.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>The funds of the Church shall be operated only through a Bank Cheque Account in the name of \u2018The Methodist Church of Southern\u00a0Africa, \u2026\u2026\u2026. Circuit\u2019, and shall be managed by the Circuit Stewards under the direction\u00a0of the Quarterly Meeting. The Church\u2019s financial policy as recorded in the Policy Manual which is obtainable from the Methodist Connexional Office shall\u00a0be\u00a0strictly\u00a0adhered\u00a0to.\u00a0In\u00a0no\u00a0circumstance\u00a0shall\u00a0any\u00a0monies\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Church be placed in the account of a Minister or anyone else.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.25\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>No\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0Society\u00a0or\u00a0organisation\u00a0shall\u00a0overdraw\u00a0any\u00a0account\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Church or\u00a0enter\u00a0into\u00a0a\u00a0hire-purchase\u00a0agreement\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0name\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Church\u00a0without\u00a0the permission of the General Treasurers.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Financial statements prepared for Societies and Circuits by a person other than a registered accountant shall be audited by a person with an accounting qualification, whose qualifications shall be stated in the audited financial\u00a0statements.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.27\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>A Circuit which does not meet its assessment or any other financial commitment\u00a0for\u00a0three\u00a0consecutive\u00a0months\u00a0shall,\u00a0until\u00a0it\u00a0meets\u00a0its\u00a0obligations, lose control of its finances, choice of ministerial assistance, and the right to\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0Minister\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0as\u00a0its\u00a0Superintendent.\u00a0The\u00a0Presiding\u00a0Bishop,\u00a0in consultation with the Bishop, is empowered to appoint a Commission to supervise the finances of such a Circuit, and to institute an investigation to examine the viability of the Circuit with a view to amalgamation with or incorporation into another Circuit, or disbandment if necessary.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.28\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>No financial appeal by or on behalf of any Circuit or Methodist Institution shall\u00a0be\u00a0made\u00a0without\u00a0the\u00a0consent\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Finance\u00a0Committee\u00a0and\u00a0the Bishop.\u00a0Any\u00a0financial\u00a0appeals,\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit,\u00a0from\u00a0outside\u00a0the\u00a0Church,\u00a0shall\u00a0be made through the Superintendent and with his\/her\u00a0written approval in order to expedite the process of such appeals<\/i>.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.29\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>All organisations within the Circuit making any donation to, or conducting business with an outside organisation shall do so only with the written approval of the Superintendent.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.30\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Affiliation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>with<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>other<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Organisations<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h3>\n

No\u00a0Organisation\u00a0within\u00a0the\u00a0Church\u00a0shall\u00a0affiliate\u00a0with\u00a0an\u00a0outside\u00a0organisation without the approval of the Superintendent, who may consult the Bishop if\u00a0necessary.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.31\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Loans<\/span><\/u><\/u><\/h3>\n

No loan from Circuit or Connexional Funds may be made to any private person or body.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>7.32\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/u>Matters\u00a0Referred\u00a0to\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meetings<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/h3>\n

Superintendents\u00a0and\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0are\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0all\u00a0matters\u00a0sent\u00a0down for debate in Quarterly Meetings be so debated and that failure to do so is a breach of our discipline.<\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”THE SOCIETY” tab_id=”1705561961548-421e485f-5c64″][vc_column_text]7.33\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Circuits\u00a0are\u00a0divided\u00a0into\u00a0Societies\u00a0as\u00a0determined\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit\u00a0Quarterly Meeting and set forth in the records of the Circuit.<\/p>\n

7.34\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0All\u00a0Methodist\u00a0Societies\u00a0shall:<\/p>\n

7.34.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0display a Connexional\u00a0identity;<\/p>\n

7.34.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0be outward looking and\u00a0missional;<\/p>\n

7.34.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0exercise the care and discipling of\u00a0members;<\/p>\n

7.34.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0promote every member\u00a0Ministry;<\/p>\n

7.34.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0offer\u00a0healing\u00a0and\u00a0transformation,\u00a0especially\u00a0in\u00a0relation\u00a0to\u00a0our\u00a0Mission Pillars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Annual\u00a0Society\u00a0Meeting:<\/h4>\n

7.35\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Society\u00a0shall\u00a0hold\u00a0an\u00a0Annual\u00a0Meeting\u00a0open\u00a0to\u00a0all\u00a0Members.<\/p>\n

7.36\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0or\u00a0a\u00a0Minister\u00a0deputed\u00a0by\u00a0him\/her\u00a0to\u00a0preside\u00a0over the Society Leaders\u2019 Meeting shall also preside over the Annual Society\u00a0Meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Functions:<\/h4>\n

7.37\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0following\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia\u00a0the\u00a0functions\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Annual\u00a0Society\u00a0Meeting:<\/em><\/p>\n

7.37.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to decide the mission objectives of the\u00a0Society;<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7.37.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to elect not less than two and not more than ten Society Stewards. Society Stewards shall be nominated by the Leaders\u2019 Meeting as well as by members of the Society at the Annual Society Meeting for election and appointment at the\u00a0Annual Society meeting for a 3 (three) year term up to a maximum of 3 (three) terms;<\/p>\n

7.37.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0a\u00a0Secretary\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting;<\/p>\n

7.37.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to appoint a Society Treasurer after careful consultation between the Minister and the Society Stewards and ratified at the annual Society meeting.\u00a0The appointment shall be for a 3 (three) year term renewable up to a maximum of 3 (three) terms;<\/p>\n

7.37.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0Auditor;<\/p>\n

7.37.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0such\u00a0Society\u00a0Mission\u00a0Groups\u00a0as\u00a0it\u00a0deems\u00a0necessary;<\/p>\n

7.37.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to elect members to convene the Mission Groups, where possible using the Society Stewards;<\/p>\n

7.37.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0establish\u00a0Ministries\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0a\u00a0leader\u00a0for\u00a0each such Ministry;<\/p>\n

7.37.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0receive\u00a0and\u00a0consider\u00a0the\u00a0reports\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0activities\u00a0and\u00a0expenditure as well as the plans and estimated expenditure of the Mission\u00a0Groups;<\/p>\n

7.37.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to elect annually, after nomination from the floor, the Stewards of the Poor Fund. The Meeting shall appoint one of the Poor Fund Stewards as a member of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting;<\/p>\n

7.37.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to elect Class Leaders who are appropriately identified and skilled, ratified by the Society Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting and appointed for a 3 year term\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0max\u00a0of\u00a03\u00a0terms.\u00a0The\u00a0meeting\u00a0is\u00a0also\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0Assistant Class Leaders and two representatives to the Children\u2019s ministry.<\/p>\n

7.37.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0receive\u00a0and\u00a0consider\u00a0the\u00a0financial\u00a0statement\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0and\u00a0to approve the budget for the following year;<\/p>\n

7.37.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0\u00a0appoint\u00a0\u00a0annually\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0\u00a0members\u00a0\u00a0of\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0\u00a0Trust\u00a0\u00a0Properties<\/p>\n

Committee;<\/p>\n

7.37.14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0allocate\u00a0funds\u00a0needed\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Trust\u00a0Committee\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0receive\u00a0an<\/p>\n

account of the use of the\u00a0funds;<\/p>\n

7.37.15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to elect two Local Preachers, being members of that Society, to be members of the Society Leaders\u2019 Meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mission\u00a0Groups:<\/h4>\n

7.38\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Society Mission Groups report to the Annual Society Meeting but are accountable to the Leaders\u2019 Meeting. The following activities should be\u00a0part of every Society\u2019s life and the\u00a0Annual Society Meeting should appoint Mission Groups which best promote them:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spiritual\u00a0Formation;\u00a0Mission\u00a0and\u00a0Extension;\u00a0Youth;\u00a0Justice\u00a0and\u00a0Service;<\/p>\n

Property;\u00a0and\u00a0Finance.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7.39\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Annual\u00a0Society\u00a0Meeting\u00a0may\u00a0permit\u00a0any\u00a0activity\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0to\u00a0operate without being included under a Mission Group.<\/p>\n

7.40\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Organisations in the Church, such as the Women\u2019s and the Men\u2019s Organisations and Youth Unit are part of the mission of the Society and should therefore be regarded as Mission Groups.<\/p>\n

7.41\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0and\u00a0Minister(s)\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0are\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0Mission Groups and shall receive the Minutes of all their meetings.<\/p>\n

7.42\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0Mission\u00a0Group\u00a0shall\u00a0incur\u00a0expenditure\u00a0or\u00a0a\u00a0liability\u00a0thereto\u00a0without the authority of the Annual Society Meeting, but in an emergency, special authority for expenditure which falls outside the approved budget may be granted\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting.\u00a0Such\u00a0authority\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0reported\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0next Annual Society Meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Society\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting:<\/h4>\n

7.43\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A Leaders\u2019 Meeting shall be held as and when occasion may demand, to oversee\u00a0the\u00a0life\u00a0and\u00a0mission\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0and\u00a0to\u00a0administer\u00a0the\u00a0affairs\u00a0of\u00a0the Society. It shall be presided over by the Superintendent, or by a Minister in the Circuit deputed thereto by the Superintendent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The\u00a0functions\u00a0and\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0are\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

7.43.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to propose mission and other objectives to the Annual Society Meeting. (The Meeting is referred to in Question 4 in the Order of Business for Circuit Quarterly Meetings in Appendix 8);<\/p>\n

7.43.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to consider the spiritual state of the Classes and Bible-Study\u00a0Groups;<\/p>\n

7.43.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0leaders\u00a0of\u00a0Home\u00a0Bible\u00a0Study\u00a0and\u00a0Fellowship\u00a0Groups;<\/p>\n

7.43.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0an\u00a0Organist\u00a0and\u00a0a\u00a0Choir\u00a0Leader\u00a0where\u00a0necessary;<\/p>\n

7.43.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0appoint\u00a0annually\u00a0an\u00a0appropriate\u00a0number\u00a0of\u00a0Door\u00a0Stewards\u00a0and\u00a0to define their duties;<\/p>\n

7.43.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to decide on applications for membership by persons on Trial submitted by the Superintendent or a Minister deputed by the\u00a0Superintendent;<\/p>\n

7.43.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to decide on the removal of members to and from\u00a0the\u00a0Society;<\/p>\n

7.43.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0recommend\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Quarterly\u00a0Meeting\u00a0the\u00a0appointment\u00a0of\u00a0lay ministry, pastoral and administration staff to work in the Society;<\/p>\n

7.43.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to receive and consider at each Meeting a report of Sunday School work in the Society;<\/p>\n

7.43.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0administer the\u00a0Fund\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0Poor;<\/p>\n

7.43.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to administer Society funds, where the Quarterly Meeting permits the Society to administer part of the funds it receives.<\/p>\n

7.43.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0Society\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting shall\u00a0elect a Society Steward when a vacancy occurs in between\u00a0Annual Society Meetings. This shall be until the next ASM.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7.44\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Where\u00a0there\u00a0is\u00a0no\u00a0Society\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0its\u00a0functions\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0performed by the Leaders\u2019 Meeting of a neighbouring Society or by the Quarterly Meeting, as decided by the Superintendent.<\/p>\n

7.45\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Leaders\u2019 Meeting may delegate any of its functions, to an Executive Committee which it shall appoint from among its members and which shall include the Society Stewards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Membership:<\/h4>\n

7.46\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The following are members of the Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting. (Elected members and ex officio members remain members of the Meeting only while members of the Society):<\/p>\n

7.46.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the Ministers, Deacons, Supernumerary Ministers and Probationers who are appointed to work in the Circuit and any other Ministers who are members of the Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0duly appointed\u00a0Evangelists,\u00a0Lay\u00a0Agents\u00a0and\u00a0Biblewomen\u00a0serving\u00a0the Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the Circuit\u00a0Stewards;<\/p>\n

7.46.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0Stewards;<\/p>\n

7.46.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0Stewards\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Poor\u00a0Fund;<\/p>\n

7.46.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the Leaders of all Classes, Junior Classes, Home Bible Study and Fellowship Groups, and Ministries;<\/p>\n

7.46.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the President and a duly appointed representative of each branch\/ sub-branch of the Women\u2019s Manyano, Young Women\u2019s Manyano and Young Men\u2019s Guild in the Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0the\u00a0President\u00a0or\u00a0duly\u00a0appointed\u00a0representative\u00a0of\u00a0each\u00a0branch\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Association,\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Auxiliary,\u00a0and\u00a0Men\u2019s\u00a0League\u00a0in\u00a0the Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0any\u00a0office-bearer\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0General\u00a0Executive\u00a0or\u00a0the\u00a0District\u00a0Executive\u00a0of the Women\u2019s\u00a0Association, Women\u2019s\u00a0Auxiliary, Women\u2019s Manyano,\u00a0Young\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0Manyano,\u00a0Young\u00a0Men\u2019s\u00a0Guild\u00a0or\u00a0Men\u2019s\u00a0League\u00a0if a member of the Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0a representative of every branch of the Youth Unit in the Society, being eighteen years of age or older;<\/p>\n

7.46.11\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0two\u00a0Local\u00a0Preachers\u00a0being\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0that\u00a0Society;<\/p>\n

7.46.12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0any\u00a0member\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0appointed\u00a0to\u00a0convene\u00a0a\u00a0Mission\u00a0Group;<\/p>\n

7.46.13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0any member of the Society who is a member of the Connexional Executive or Conference.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Society\u00a0Stewards:<\/h4>\n

7.47\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Society Stewards are the executive Officers of the Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting of the Society to which they belong, and are ex-officio members of the Quarterly\u00a0Meeting.<\/p>\n

7.48\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Society\u00a0Stewards\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0nominated\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0as\u00a0well\u00a0as<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

by members of the Society at the Annual Society Meeting for election and appointment at the\u00a0Annual Society Meeting for a 3 (three) year term up to a maximum of three (3) terms.<\/p>\n

7.49\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0Stewards\u00a0are,\u00a0inter\u00a0alia:<\/em><\/p>\n

7.49.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0co-operate\u00a0with\u00a0the\u00a0Ministers\u00a0and\u00a0Leaders\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Society\u00a0to<\/p>\n

promote\u00a0its\u00a0spiritual\u00a0and\u00a0temporal\u00a0welfare;<\/p>\n

7.49.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0attend\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0of\u00a0which\u00a0they\u00a0are\u00a0members;<\/p>\n

7.49.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0ensure\u00a0that\u00a0all\u00a0approved\u00a0Collections\u00a0are\u00a0duly\u00a0made\u00a0at\u00a0the\u00a0proper<\/p>\n

time;<\/p>\n

7.49.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to take charge and keep an account of collections for Circuit and Connexional funds, and to remit to the Circuit Stewards without\u00a0delay;<\/p>\n

7.49.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0pay\u00a0to\u00a0the Circuit\u00a0Stewards\u00a0all\u00a0funds due\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0Circuit;<\/p>\n

7.49.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0distribute\u00a0all\u00a0pulpit\u00a0notices\u00a0signed\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Superintendent\u00a0or\u00a0the<\/p>\n

person deputed\u00a0thereto;<\/p>\n

7.49.7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to make proper arrangements for\u00a0Baptisms;<\/p>\n

7.49.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to be in attendance in the vestry to receive the\u00a0Preacher;<\/p>\n

7.49.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0make\u00a0the\u00a0best\u00a0arrangements\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0service\u00a0should\u00a0the\u00a0Preacher<\/p>\n

appointed\u00a0fail to keep\u00a0the appointment or\u00a0send\u00a0a\u00a0supply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Class Leaders (Fellowship group leaders\/Bible study group leaders, hereafter Class Leaders):<\/h3>\n

7.50\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A\u00a0Class\u00a0Leader\u00a0is\u00a0appointed\u00a0to\u00a0have\u00a0spiritual\u00a0oversight\u00a0of\u00a0a\u00a0number\u00a0of<\/p>\n

Members\u00a0and\u00a0should\u00a0be\u00a0trained\u00a0for\u00a0such\u00a0work.<\/p>\n

7.51\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A Class Leader shall be a member of the Church in good standing. Class Leaders\u00a0should\u00a0be\u00a0appropriately\u00a0identified\u00a0and\u00a0skilled,\u00a0ratified\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Society Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting\u00a0and\u00a0appointed\u00a0for\u00a0a\u00a03\u00a0(three)\u00a0year\u00a0term\u00a0up\u00a0to\u00a0a\u00a0maximum\u00a0of 3 (three) terms, by the Annual Society Meeting.<\/p>\n

7.52\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0duties of the Class Leaders are, inter\u00a0alia:<\/p>\n

7.52.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to assist the members of the Class in their spiritual life and growth, making this the primary aim of the Class meetings;<\/p>\n

7.52.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0visit\u00a0the\u00a0members\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Class\u00a0as\u00a0frequently\u00a0as\u00a0possible\u00a0in\u00a0order\u00a0to<\/p>\n

watch\u00a0over\u00a0their\u00a0spiritual\u00a0life;<\/p>\n

7.52.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to keep Class Registers of the Class\u00a0members.<\/p>\n

7.53\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0Class\u00a0Leader\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0removed\u00a0from\u00a0office\u00a0except\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Leaders\u00a0Meeting, but those who have no members under their care cease to be Class Leaders. Class Leaders who remove from the Society thereby surrender their office.<\/p>\n

7.54\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Class Leaders are members of the Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting of the Society to which they belong and are members of the Quarterly Meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stewards\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Poor\u00a0Fund\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Communion\u00a0Stewards<\/h4>\n

7.55\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There shall be not more than 6 Stewards of the Poor Fund, who are also Communion Stewards.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7.56\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The\u00a0duties\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Stewards\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Poor\u00a0Fund\u00a0are:<\/em><\/p>\n

7.57.1\u00a0to act as Communion Stewards by providing for the administration of the Lord\u2019s Supper and Love Feasts, by preparing the elements;<\/p>\n

7.56.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to arrange for the collection of funds for the\u00a0needy;<\/p>\n

7.56.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to inform the Minister of any who are ill or in distress and to collaborate with the Minister in caring for them and in making disbursements from the Poor Fund;<\/p>\n

7.56.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0keep\u00a0proper\u00a0accounts\u00a0of\u00a0all\u00a0receipts\u00a0and\u00a0payments\u00a0from\u00a0the Poor Fund, certify these as correct, and report them to the Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting;<\/p>\n

7.56.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0to attend the Leaders\u2019\u00a0Meeting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PREACHING\u00a0PLACES<\/h2>\n

7.57\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Conference\u00a0recognises\u00a0the\u00a0difficulty\u00a0Circuits\u00a0have\u00a0in\u00a0differentiating\u00a0between Societies and Preaching Places and offers the following guidelines:<\/p>\n

7.57.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0must\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0Steward;<\/p>\n

7.57.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0should\u00a0have\u00a0at\u00a0least\u00a015\u00a0Full\u00a0Members;<\/p>\n

7.57.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0should\u00a0have\u00a0at\u00a0least\u00a0one\u00a0Class\u00a0Leader\u00a0with\u00a0a\u00a0functioning<\/p>\n

class;<\/p>\n

7.57.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0a\u00a0Society\u00a0should\u00a0ideally\u00a0be\u00a0able\u00a0to\u00a0do\u00a0its\u00a0own\u00a0bookkeeping.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”GENERAL REGULATIONS” tab_id=”1705562335729-5795ee7f-330c”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

7.58\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Connexional\u00a0and\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions<\/h3>\n

7.58.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0No\u00a0Connexional\u00a0or\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0a\u00a0Circuit<\/p>\n

that\u00a0is\u00a0not\u00a0financially\u00a0viable,\u00a0or\u00a0that\u00a0is\u00a0in\u00a0arrears\u00a0with\u00a0assessments.<\/p>\n

No\u00a0Connexional\u00a0or\u00a0District\u00a0Conventions\u00a0shall\u00a0be\u00a0held\u00a0in\u00a0any\u00a0Circuit without the authority of the<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”World Methodist Council” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Cabin%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=””]The MCSA is a wmc member of the World Methodist Council, which is an association of the Churches in the Methodist tradition throughout the world that promotes unity and seeks to:<\/p>\n

Deepen fellowship<\/strong>
\nFoster Methodist participation in the ecumenical movement
\nAdvance unity of theological and moral standards
\nSuggest priorities in Methodist activity
\nPromote effective use of Methodist resources in the Christian mission
\nEncourage evangelism
\nPromote Christian education
\nPray for and support needs of persecuted Christians
\nEncourage ministries of justice and peace
\nStudy union and reunion proposals which effect Member Churches
\nSponsor a Minister exchange program
\nEncourage the development of worship and liturgical life in Member Churches
\nCoordinate and support worldwide Methodist publishing interests
\nThrough the World Methodist Peace Award, honor individuals\/groups who work to bring reconciliation and peace in God\u2019s work, even in modern challenges like online casino paysafecard<\/a> use.
At the 2011 World Methodist Conference held recently in Durban, the MCSA\u2019s current Presiding Bishop, Rev Ivan Abrahams, was elected to serve as the incoming Secretary General of the World Methodist Council.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”20″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Assurance of God’s love” tab_id=”1705499006540-dbcacdcc-712e”][vc_column_text]John Wesley
\n\u201cIn the evening I went very unwillingly to a society at Aldersgate Street, where one was reading from Luther\u2019s preface to the Epistle to the Romans.<\/p>\n

About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change that God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.<\/p>\n

I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation. And an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.\u201d<\/p>\n

John Wesley[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Living a holy life” tab_id=”1705499006540-2e553098-ed98″][vc_column_text]The longing for holiness is not about wanting to be \u2018holier than thou\u2019. It is about wanting the love of God to permeate all of our life, and for that love to be shown through our lives to other people.<\/p>\n

God gives us the Holy Spirit, and when we respond, there is no limit to what the grace of God is able to do in a human life. John Wesley taught about \u2018Christian perfection.\u2019 He believed that a mature Christian can reach a state where the love of God reigns supreme in our heart. We can\u2019t be perfect in an absolute way, as God is. But we can be made perfect in love.<\/p>\n

However we do not become holy all on our own. Methodists believe in what John Wesley called \u2018social holiness\u2019. It is vital to meet and worship with other Christians in order to grow in the Christian life and to understand what is God\u2019s will for us and for our community.<\/p>\n

The Methodist movement began in the eighteenth century when John and Charles Wesley got together with like-minded friends in Oxford to meet regularly for prayer, Bible study and Holy Communion, and to visit prisons and workhouses. It was called the Holy Club.<\/p>\n

Holiness is not just about personal spirituality and prayer. It will also be expressed through a commitment to social justice and to enabling other people to become followers of Jesus.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Methodist quadrilateral” tab_id=”1705499006541-7595afb6-2d2e”][vc_column_text]Methodists traditionally use a fourfold approach to learn about our Christian faith and apply it to contemporary issues and to our Christian practice:<\/p>\n

Scripture<\/strong><\/p>\n

We seek to discover the word of God through reading the Bible. There are different understandings among Methodists about the Bible\u2019s authority in our lives. We need to use resources like different Bible translations, commentaries and Bible reading notes.<\/p>\n

Tradition<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the wisdom and creativity of Christians over time and across the world. It includes inspirational material like hymns, songs, prayers, poetry, Christian art and devotional books,. There are also formally agreed teachings like the creeds, the content of the catechism, and statements and reports from the Methodist Conference.<\/p>\n

Reason<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are called to love God with our minds as well as with our hearts. To the best of our ability we need to think things through in the light of reason. This means becoming aware of different points of view, and using our own critical thinking to make sense of God\u2019s world.<\/p>\n

Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Methodism particularly stresses the importance of our own experience of God\u2019s grace working in our lives. We gain wisdom and maturity from life experience, especially when we pray and reflect about our story with other Christians.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Small groups” tab_id=”1705499006541-6bda9865-7405″][vc_column_text]Early Methodist gatherings were called \u2018societies\u2019. John Wesley encouraged different kinds of small group to develop, so that both leaders and members of the societies could receive support and challenge in their faith.<\/p>\n

These groups, called \u2018classes\u2019 and \u2018bands\u2019 met regularly, and the idea was to be accountable to each other about how each person was living the Christian life. So people had to be very open and willing to be changed by the experience.<\/p>\n

In the twentieth century it became less common for classes to meet in this way, but recently many Methodists have been trying to reclaim this tradition.<\/p>\n

The supportive small group has been found to be one of the most powerful ways for people to feel that they belong and to learn and grow.<\/p>\n

Many Methodist churches have home fellowships, Bible studies and house groups. Increasingly they are seeking in various ways to renew and expand the opportunities for Christian conversation about the things that matter.<\/p>\n

You can download a leaflet called Resurrecting the Classes here. Resurrecting the Classes explores the tradition of small groups in Methodist history, explains how they connect with the more recent development of cell church and gives lots of practical advice about doing small groups well.<\/p>\n

Some churches have been re-thinking the whole way their church is structured, and have put small groups at the centre, through Cell Church.<\/p>\n

@coyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Reading the Bible” tab_id=”1705499006542-d28d7d66-d30d”][vc_column_text]Christians need to be familiar with the Bible and to immerse themselves in it. The books of the Old and New Testaments contain a wide variety of literature, including history, law, poetry, gospels, letters, polemic, stories and apocalyptic visions.<\/p>\n

The texts were written and gathered together over a long period of time, and it is important to find out as much as we can about the original contexts in which texts were produced.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Christians read the Bible as part of a faith community, and read the Bible to put ourselves into the story of God\u2019s dealings with humanity. The Bible can be puzzling but it is continually a source of inspiration and direction in our lives.<\/p>\n

\u2018The Bible is the record of God\u2019s self revelation, supremely in Jesus Christ, and is a means through which he still reveals himself, by the Holy Spirit.\u2019
\nA Catechism for the people called Methodists, Question 52<\/p>\n

It is good for Christians with differing approaches to the interpretation of the Bible to engage with each other and argue through how the Bible should be applied to issues in our contemporary world.<\/p>\n

Other resources for making sense of the Bible
\nThere are many different resources to help you develop the habit of reading the Bible regularly and to find out more about biblical texts and stories.<\/p>\n

The authority of the Bible
\nA Methodist Conference report \u2018 A Lamp to my Feet and a Light to my Path\u2019 identified a wide range of views among contemporary Methodists about the Bible\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The Connexion” tab_id=”1705499006542-c0daf91f-0021″][vc_column_text]Methodists belong to local churches or ecumenical partnerships, but also feel part of a larger connected community, the Connexion.<\/p>\n

This sense of being connected makes a difference to how the Methodist Church as a whole is structured. At its heart is an understanding of the Christian community as the \u2018body of Christ \u2018. Just as a human body contains different limbs and organs that depend on each other, so we should be close and caring enough to feel each other\u2019s pain and delight. We should put the good of the whole body before our own individual needs.<\/p>\n

\u2018Do not allow yourself one thought of separating from your brothers and sisters, whether their opinions agree with yours or not.\u2019John Wesley
\nThe promise of mutual support is a strength of Methodism. If you become a member of the Methodist Church, a pastoral visitor is responsible for visiting you and offering spiritual support, encouragement and challenge.<\/p>\n

In the Methodist Church decisions are made as openly as possible, giving opportunities for all to contribute. It is important for all views to be heard and taken seriously, especially where Christians disagree.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”A grassroots movement” tab_id=”1705499006543-0c129998-2834″][vc_column_text]It is a strong feature of Methodism that ordinary lay people play a major part in the running of the Church.<\/p>\n

Local lay people called \u2018stewards\u2019 take responsibility for the fabric of church buildings and manses and for the handling of money. They share with ordained ministers the role of setting direction for the churches in a particular area or \u2018circuit\u2019.<\/p>\n

Worship each week is not always led by an ordained minister, but often by a local preacher \u2013 a lay person who has been trained and authorized to lead worship and preach. Every ordained minister in the Methodist Church was first a local preacher.<\/p>\n

At all levels of the Methodist Church, lay people are involved in decision making, and the vice-president of the Conference is always a lay person.<\/p>\n

This emphasis goes back to the roots of Methodism. John Wesley was very much a folk theologian who wanted to speak \u2018plain truth to plain people\u2019. He took seriously the working people of his day. He addressed his preaching to them, and drew great crowds in the street or on hillsides.<\/p>\n

He also trusted them with responsibilities. In building the local Methodist groups or \u2018societies\u2019, he trained many lay people who then maintained the meetings and gave pastoral care and challenge to the members. He also trained preachers, who led worship locally, rather than travelling the country like himself.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Born in song” tab_id=”1705499006543-f24c8733-d385″][vc_column_text]Methodists are well known as enthusiastic singers, in choirs and congregations. Singing is still an important means of learning about, sharing and celebrating our faith.<\/p>\n

The newly authorised hymnbook of the Methodist Church is Singing the Faith (see\u00a0www.singingthefaithplus.org.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The annual Methodist Conference always opens and closes with traditional hymns. Many visitors are inspired by the power of a large gathering singing unaccompanied in harmony.<\/p>\n

John and Charles Wesley first realised the power of singing to strengthen faith when they were travelling across the Atlantic to Georgia in January 1736. There was a terrible storm at sea, but a group of German Moravian Christians inspired the brothers with their confidence in God. They preached and sang hymns together and the Wesley brothers realised their own faith was much weaker.<\/p>\n

Two years later, back in London, both John and Charles experienced a kind of conversion in which they felt a deep assurance that they personally had received salvation.<\/p>\n

Charles wrote in all about 6000 hymns, and many of them are still sung today, not only by Methodists, but by Christians across the world.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”A Covenant with God” tab_id=”1705499006543-7204535f-689d”][vc_column_text]\u2018IA covenant with God am no longer my own but yours.
\nPut me to what you will,
\nrank me with whom you will;
\nput me to doing,
\nput me to suffering;
\nlet me be employed for you,
\nor laid aside for you,
\nexalted for you,
\nor brought low for you;
\nlet me be full,
\nlet me be empty,
\nlet me have all things,
\nlet me have nothing:
\nI freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
\nto your pleasure and disposal.
\nAnd now, glorious and blessed God,
\nFather, Son and Holy Spirit,
\nyou are mine and I am yours. So be it.
\nAnd the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.\u2019<\/p>\n

Download a study guide on the Methodist Covenant Prayer
\nFrom
\nwww.rootsontheweb.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Methodist Covenant Prayer<\/p>\n

Methodists hold an annual Covenant Service, at which we celebrate all that God has done for us, and affirm that we give our lives and choices to God.<\/p>\n

Most churches hold the service in the New Year, but some hold them in September, at the beginning of the Methodist year.<\/p>\n

The traditional Covenant prayer (shown above) makes it very clear that this affirmation is a serious one that embraces the whole of our life, in all its parts. Most people find it quite tough to say, and really mean it. But the prayer is so central to the Christian life that other Churches have also adopted it.<\/p>\n

In our culture we tend to prize our ability to make decisions and choose our own path in life. It can feel very hard to give that up. But this prayer is like a love poem. It is about surrendering to God in love and joy.<\/p>\n

@copyright of www.methodist.org.uk[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_space=”remove_padding_top”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The Connexion” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Cabin%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=””] The Methodist Connexional Office, established in 1936, operates under the direction of Conference and the leadership of the Presiding Bishop. It is responsible […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4457","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4457"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4457\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6645,"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4457\/revisions\/6645"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/methodist.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}