GROWING CIRCUITS: CASE STUDY RESEARCH EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CIRCUIT SYSTEM AND CHURCH GROWTH WITHIN THE METHODIST CHURCH IN GREAT BRITAIN

Abstract

Abstract This study explores numerical church growth in a modern Methodist context and examines its relationship to the circuit structure within the Methodist Church in Great Britain. Despite the circuit being a key part of the ecology of the Methodist Church there exists little or no work to examine its suitability for the contemporary church. The thesis surveys literature and historical development of circuits within the Methodist Church and Church Growth movement. This set a foundation for empirical study and informed the research question. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to research combining basic statistical analysis with in-depth case study research of four circuits that have demonstrated a total growth in membership in recent years. In undertaking such research, the fundamental question was posed: ‘what is happening where growth is occurring?’ Through the use of semi-structured interviews and multiple cycles of coding, assisted by Nvivo software to aid qualitative analysis, four themes emerged from the data that described common experiences across the cases. These were a ‘culture of mission’; a prioritization of local mission; a style of leadership described as entrepreneurial; and a shared ministry between ordained and lay people. Theological reflection is offered on each of these themes in the final four chapters of the thesis. The participants were leaders and members in four growing circuits, with equivalent office-holders interviewed in each setting. There was a mix of ordained and lay, paid and voluntary respondents. Superintendent Ministers in each case acted as gatekeepers. The central argument of the thesis is that where mission is prioritised, church growth occurs. Furthermore, in a missional paradigm, a local focus of missionary activity, leadership that is creative, challenging and inspirational, and a partnership in ministry with all of God’s people are themes which support the missiological goal. In these cases, mission has been the defining factor in determining church structures and policy – energy is driven in these cases towards locally focussed mission; for leadership style – it is argued that the style is entrepreneurial; and for the nature of collaboration between lay and ordained – in these cases there is a shared sense of ministry. This project is a unique study of four locations where growth is occurring and by noting observations and reflecting on them, makes an original contribution to the field of missiology and Methodist studies. In such a missional paradigm these circuits have made their structures work. Mission therefore should define the required structures and not structures that define the mission.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Stephen Skuce (Supervisor)