Closer Working: Ethos 2

Image by paul-simpson.org via Flickr

The group focusing on ethos at the Closer Working Methodist URC Consultation, made the following points about Methodists and United Reformed churches working together.   They presented material about culture, communications and language.  Please remember this was a consultation between Methodists and United Reformed, references to other traditions should be read in that light.

CULTURE

Description

• Cultural
• Elders/Stewards
• Governance

Local Initiative

• Create a training programme to explain the denominational differences in order to improve understanding
• Anglican / URC can be closer because of their common understanding of being a local church
• Methodist 'Connexionalism' needs explaining to both churches
• Ministers and Local Preachers to have training in the differences to help make a more inclusive language when leading services in a LEP
• The difference between Elders for life and stewards needs clarification

Strategic

• The URC are without a structure to fit the needs of LEPs – more formal in the past
• Causes a breakdown in the communication flow

For Attention of Methodist URC Liaison Group

• Examine the problem where Methodists are over directed and URC respond more locally
• Examine the National differences in preaching styles to help local needs
• Broad spectrum in the styles of ministers – for LEP’s give more guidance

COMMUNICATIONS

Description

• Communications
• Better use of email
• Lack of liaison between the Circuit Leadership Team

Local Initiative

• Methodists tend to send emails to Methodists, they need to check distribution lists to include other members of the LEP
• Denominational communications that have an impact on LEP must be shared
• If a URC minister takes over as a Superintendent of a circuit because of a local staffing problem, the Methodist Church must include them in the mailing

Strategic

• If a URC minister takes over as a Superintendent of a circuit because local staffing problem the Methodist Church does not recognise them and they are ignored in mailings – recommend changes
• Email simplifies communication check, LEP’s are correctly covered

Liaison Group

• Clear up the misunderstanding about Synods and what they represent in each denomination – circulate results of this discussion to local LEP’s
• If a URC minister takes over as a Superintendent of a circuit because local staffing problem the Methodist Church does not recognise them and they are ignored in mailings – recommend changes

LANGUAGE

Description

• Language (Common)
• Ignorance of differences in terminology
• Ministerial lack of knowledge of Denominations

Local Initiative

• LP Meetings to have a training session
• Make sure exchanges between ministers of different denominations happens, to reduce ignorance
• Better and more careful use of Circuit Plans

Strategic

• Recognised & Regarded term is modified to something more appropriate
• URC and Methodist materials used for training Local/Lay Preachers need modifying so that we have a common training pack

Liaison Group

• National training materials for ministers needs revising to ensure terminology is explained
• Better ministerial training for those going into a LEP post
• Training in the different styles of service
• Some ministers working in LEPs don’t appear to know how to delegate, which creates frustration

Please note I'm on leave and will respond to comments on or soon after Tuesday 24 August 2010.