About the Policy

This is our Circuit Policy. It is intended to sum up what we should be and to be a point of reference when making plans across the Circuit. Our churches are made up of people, which means we're liable to get things wrong - that is why the Circuit Policy is what we aim to be, not just a summary of what we are!

Mission Statement

“To enable the local churches, individually and collectively, to proclaim the Gospel of Christ through Worship, Witness and Service.”

The Policy

Worship

To provide a range of worship opportunities focused on, but not limited to Sundays. Our worshipping life:

• aims to be accessible to people of different ages, backgrounds and understanding;
• seeks to give those taking part a sense of God’s presence;
• acknowledges the central place of the Bible for preaching and teaching;
• has the sacrament of Holy Communion as an integral part.

Evangelism

To ensure that churches constantly recognise the obligation to bring people to faith in God through Jesus Christ. The Circuit encourages and supports:

• the local churches in seeking ways to attract and welcome enquirers;
• mission initiatives of the local churches;
• Circuit-wide and ecumenical evangelism where appropriate.

Nurture & Growth

To emphasise the belief that the Christian life, both personal and collective, is a journey of discovery and development. The Circuit aims to:

• encourage a deeper commitment to both personal and corporate prayer;
• encourage all those involved in the church to participate in Christian fellowship outside of Sunday worship;
• resource and co-ordinate opportunities for study and training which are open to all both on a circuit-wide basis and in the local church.

Support & Means

To provide the necessary resources, both in terms of people and finance, this will allow the work of the Circuit to be fulfilled (both now and in the future.) The Circuit has responsibilities in the following areas:

• The appointment of both ordained and lay people (paid and unpaid) to undertake specific ministries of leadership, preaching, teaching and pastoral care;
• The provision (jointly with local churches where appropriate) of suitable accommodation for congregations and ministers;
• The effective working of the Circuit through various bodies openly accountable to the Circuit Meeting.

Service

To affirm and encourage individuals and local churches in expressing their faith through service to the community and the wider world. The Circuit encourages Christian work and witness in the widest possible sense:

• Through employment or voluntary work opportunities;
• Through the Church;
• Through non-Church bodies and agencies.