Some large churches, such as Methodist Central Hall (pictured), are standalone Circuits.

The organisation of the Methodist Church of Great Britain is based on the principle of connexionalism. This means that British Methodism, from its inception under John Wesley (1703–1791), has always laid strong emphasis on mutual support, in terms of ministry, mission and finance, of one local congregation for another. No singular church community has ever been seen in isolation either from its immediately neighbouring church communities or from the centralised national organisation. Wesley himself journeyed around the country, preaching and establishing local worshipping communities, called "societies", often under lay leadership. Soon these local communities of worshipping Christians formalised their relationships with neighbouring Methodist communities to create "circuits", and the circuits and societies contained within them, were from the very beginning 'connected' (hence the distinctive Methodist concept of the "Connexion") to the centre and Methodism's governing body, the annual Conference. Today, societies are better known as local churches, although the concept of a community of worshipping Christians tied to a particular location, and subdivided into smaller cell groups called "classes", remains essentially based on Wesley's societies.

Other Methodist Churches which were established by British Missionaries are also modelled on the structure of the British Church.

Historical origins

Diagram illustrating the area covered by early Methodist Circuits in 1746. Information is not available for East Anglia, nor for the exact boundaries.

The first circuits, 1746

The earliest preachers under John Wesley were itinerant, and preached around an area from a home base. The "circuit", or "round" as they were first named, was therefore the natural name for the area they covered. At first they were named after their founder of main itinerant preacher. For example, 'John Bennet's Round', or the 'Circuit of William Darney's Societies'. The first official list dates from 1746.[1]

  1. London (including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Brentford, Egham, Windsor, Wycombe);
  2. Bristol (including Somerset, Portland, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucester);
  3. Cornwall
  4. Evesham (including Shrewsbury, Leominster, Hereford, and from Stroud to Wednesbury);
  5. Yorkshire (including Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire);
  6. Newcastle
  7. Wales

Within that area a number of "societies" would be formed. During the 18th century, John Wesley did not intend establishing churches in a new denomination. His vision was for a revival movement within the Church of England. The societies would be a gathering of people who met for Bible study, prayer, mutual encouragement, and preaching. Usually, this was during the week so that they could attend services in the parish church.[2] The earliest circuits covered a very large area, but gradually shrank as the number of societies increased.

Milestones in Wesley's early Methodism

The first Wesleyan Methodist society was formed in 1738, the first Methodist building was The Foundery acquired in 1739, and the first class meetings were in 1742.[3]

The first (Wesleyan) Methodist Conference took place at the Foundery in June 1744. The known first plan (of preaching appointments) was made by Wesley in London in 1754. The first recorded quarterly meeting (the usual business meeting of the circuit) was at Todmorden Edge Farm, Todmorden, on 18 October 1748.[4]

John Wesley drew on existing structures, especially those used by the Moravians, who had been so instrumental in his own spiritual development. At their Herrnhut colony he witnessed gatherings for testimony and mutual edification, select bands, classes, conferences on doctrine, open air preaching, preaching by laymen, itinerant preachers, and orphan homes. Most of these features had, indeed, been anticipated by the Waldenses in the 16th century, between whose organisation and that of the Moravians and Methodists there are striking, though probably accidental, resemblances.[5]

The beginnings of class meetings

The Wesleyan societies were composed of "bands", which were meetings of 5 to 10 like-minded people seeking Christian perfection, and considered the inner core of the societies. John Wesley drew up rules for these in December 1738.[6] Some of the early societies were known by the name of the person in whose home they met, such as 'Mr. Fox's Society', and 'Mr. Ingham's Society'. The origin of the "class" was partly accidental. By 1742, John and Charles Wesley had about 1100 Methodists in London for whom they felt a pastoral responsibility, but could not keep in touch with them and continue their other work. While in Bristol, John Wesley met some members of the society there. One, Captain Foy, suggested that every member give a penny a week until a debt there be paid. When someone objected due to the poverty of many, he offered that 11 of the poorest be grouped with him, he would collect the subscription, and make up any shortfall if any could not pay. Soon afterwards, on hearing that someone was not living as he should, Wesley realised that the group of 12 for collection of money was the basis of a group for weekly meeting for prayer, Bible study, and mutual encouragement.

A class book was kept recording their attendance and their contribution to the funds.[7] When membership rolls started being used to record names of those attending, the very early ones begin with a list of class members. Members were defined as those who had been baptised, received instruction in Methodist governance, and at a special service, were received into "full membership". Others in the congregation were called simply "adherents", and although they supported the activities of the Church as fully as members, they did not enjoy voting rights.[7] Each class was headed by a class leader.

One function of the class leader is that the "class ticket",[8] a quarterly membership ticket for Methodists, be given to his class members, and withheld from those whom they judged unworthy of being called Methodists.[9][10] The ticket is the membership card for Methodists.

Wesley did not claim the class as essential or of "divine institution", but as wise for practical regulation of Methodists.[11]

Methodist structures

The following is a summary of the main units.

Connexion

Do not allow yourself one thought of separating from your brothers and sisters, whether their opinions agree with yours or not.

— The Revd John Wesley[12]

The old-fashioned spelling of connexion reflects Methodism's origins in the 18th century, when the term was used generally, in e.g. political, commercial and religious contexts, to refer to the circle of those connected to some person or group, and to the relationship thus created. But it was the particular character of the connexion John Wesley maintained with his members, his societies and his itinerant preachers that gave the term its technical significance in Methodism. All were in connexion primarily with him and thence with each other.[13] The term came to be in some senses equivalent to 'denomination' and, later, to 'Church', and connexionalism was descriptive of a particular principle and pattern of church life which emphasized the interdependence of the constituent parts (over against independency). All circuits and districts are ultimately subject to the annual Conference.[12]

After Wesley's death, schisms and resultant branches of Methodism in Britain meant that there were multiple connexions, each with its own conference, before the connexions were united in 1932. Whilst the various branches differed in the balance of authority accorded to the various levels of church government, all accepted some form of connexionalism. This was manifested in "a common bond of discipline and usage for the societies with transferable membership, and the itinerant ministry of those 'in full connexion' with the Conference and stationed by the Conference".[14] Methodist ministers are still "received into full connexion" prior to being ordained.[12]

Supporting the annual conference, the Methodist Council meets three times each year.[15] The 2022 Conference agreed to establish a new body, the Connexional Council, which will replace the Methodist Council and the former Strategy and Resources Committee.[16]

District

Districts are geographical units, typically one to three counties in extent. There are thirty districts across Great Britain—including two overlapping districts in Wales, one English-speaking and one Welsh. The governing body is called a synod.[17] The Methodist Church formally defines the nature and purpose of the district as being:

to advance the mission of the Church in a region, by providing opportunities for Circuits to work together and support each other, by offering them resources of finance, personnel and expertise, which may not be available locally and by enabling them to engage with the wider society of the region as a whole and address its concerns. (...) It has responsibility for the evaluation of applications by Local Churches and Circuits for approval of or consent to their proposals, when required, or for assistance from district or connexional bodies or funds. Wherever possible the work of the District is carried out ecumenically. The District is thus an expression, over a wider geographical area than the Circuit, of the connexional character of the Church.[18]

Circuit

A circuit is a grouping of local churches under the care of one or more ministers. They number about 360 (as counted in 2019),[19] and this figure is declining as more circuits amalgamate.[20] The circuit is the main functional unit of Methodism, in that a large number of activities are organised at this level. Ministers are appointed firstly to the circuit and then secondly to the pastoral care of local churches. This means ministers will ordinarily preach and lead worship each Sunday in any church on the circuit but during the rest of the week they exercise pastoral charge over a subset of churches in that circuit.[21] Preaching appointments for both ministers and (lay) local preachers are organised by the circuit and advertised on a preaching plan issued every three months by the leader of the circuit, the superintendent minister.

Local church

Exterior and interior of a Methodist local church building in West Burton, North Yorkshire

Also called "societies" in certain formal contexts (although an increasingly antiquated name),[22] the term "local church" can refer to both the congregation as well as the particular building it meets in.[23] Membership is always tied to the local church, where members meet together for worship and fellowship. Each congregation is led by a presbyter in charge—also referred to as "the minister". As of 2019 there were almost 170,000 members of 4,110 churches.[19]

Class

A class is a group of Methodists, normally about twelve, under the guidance of a class leader.[24] In the 20th century it became less common for classes to actually meet together, but many local churches have home fellowships, Bible studies groups, and cell groups by other names.[25] Under the church's Constitutional Practice and Discipline (CPD), where the number of registered local church members falls below six over four successive quarters, the formal "local church" ceases to be recognised as such and is often treated as a "class" subject to the oversight of another Methodist Church or leader.[26]

List of districts and circuits

Superscriptions indicate a local ecumenical partnership (LEP) with one or more other denominations: (B) Baptist; (C) Church of England; (Co) Congregational; (E) Scottish Episcopal Church; (I) Welsh Independents; (M) Moravian; (P) Presbyterian Church of Wales; (S) Church of Scotland; (U) United Reformed Church; (W) Church in Wales

District Web Circuit Web No. of churches Churches
Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Bishop's Stortford 3 Bishop's Stortford, ClaveringCU, Stansted FreeU
Chelmsford 13 Braintree (Christ Church)U, Broomsfield, Coggeshall (Christ Church)BU, Great NotleyBCU, Chelmsford (Hall Street), Halstead, Hatfield Peverel, Maldon, Moulsham Lodge, South Woodham Ferrers, Springfield (St Augustine's)CU, Chelmsford (Trinity), Witham
Colchester 8 The Ark Colchester, Castle Colchester, Lexden, Mersea, The Well Colchester, Tollgate, Wimpole Road Colchester, Wivenhoe
Herts & Essex Border Ecu Area 9 Christ Church Waltham CrossC, Church LangleyBCU, Epping, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Leaside WareU, North Weald, St Andrew's Harlow, Watton at Stone
North Bedfordshire 27 Ampthill, Beeston, Trinity Biggleswade, Howard Memorial Cardington, Clapham, Clophill, Cranfield, Flitwick, Haynes, Henlow, Kempston East, Kempston West, Langford, Lidlington, London Road Bedford, Oakley, Park Road Bedford, Priory Bedford, Putnoe Heights Bedford, Sandy, Sharnbrook, Shefford, Stewartby UnitedBCU, Upper Caldecote, Willington, Wilstead, New Life Wootton
North Hertfordshire 14 All Saints StevenageC, Arlesey, Baldock, Benington, Central Letchworth, Christchurch HitchinU, High Street Stevenage, Norton Letchworth, Pirton, St Faith's HitchinC, St Hugh & St John StevenageC, St Paul's Broadwater, Stotfold, Trinity KnebworthU
St Albans & Welwyn 10 Birchwood Hatfield, Digswell VillageC, Hatfield Road St Albans, Ludwick Way Welwyn, Marlborough Road St Albans, Oxlease Hatfield, PanshangerBCU, Radlett United FreeU, St John's Potters Bar, Shenley
South Bedfordshire 22 Aley Green, Barton, Beech Hill Luton, All Saints DagnallC, Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Farley Hill Luton, Gravenhurst, Harlington, High Street Leagrave, High Town Luton, Kensworth, Luton Road Dunstable, Mount Pleasant Leagrave, Oakdale Luton, St John's Luton, St Margaret's Luton, Strathmore Avenue Luton, The Square Dunstable, Toddington, Trinity Leighton Buzzard, Wigmore LutonU
South Essex 11 Langdon Hills, St Paul's Basildon, Trinity Basildon, Billericay, Grays, Hordon-on-the-Hill, Linford, Stanford-le-Hope, Christ Church WickfordU
Southend & Leigh 14 Belfairs Leigh-on-Sea, Benfleet, Canvey Island, Chalkwell Park, Hadleigh, Highlands Leigh-on-Sea, Hockley, Fishermen's Chapel Leigh-on-Sea, Rayleigh, Rochford, Thorpe Bay, Thundersley, Trinity Westcliff-on-Sea, Great Wakering, Shoebury, Wesley Leigh-on-Sea
Tendring 13 Ardleigh, Brightlingsea UnitedU, Dovercourt CentralU, Emmanuel WaltonU, Frinton, Great Bentley, Great Clacton, Great Holland, Holland on Sea, Jaywick, Manningtree, Trinity Clacton, Upper Dovercourt
West Herts & Borders 22 Studham, Gaddesden Row, Markyate, Flamstead, Redbourn, High Street Harpenden, Southdown Harpenden, Batford, St Martha's Tring, All Saints BerkhamstedC, Ley Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley, Abbots Langley, The Scroll WatfordU, Trinity Watford, Croxley Green, Bushey & Oxhey, Berry Lane Rickmansworth, St Mary's RickmansworthC, St Andrew's Bushey Heath, Carpenders Park & South Oxhey
Birmingham Birmingham 34 Acocks Green, Beacon PheaseyC, Birmingham Chinese, Cambridge Road King's Heath, Carrs LaneU, Castle Bromwich, Coleshill UnitedU, CotteridgeCU, Dorridge, Earlswood, Great Barr, Hall Green United Community ChurchMU, HawksleyC, HazelwellC, Longbridge, Lozells, Lyndon, Maypole, Whitacre, Northfield, Perry Barr, Perry Hall, Saltley, Selly Oak, Shirley, Solihull, South Yardley, Sparkhill, St Andrew's Chelmsley WoodC, St Andrew's Stirchley, St Michael's Hall GreenC, Trinity MonkspathBCS, Villa Road, Water Orton
Sutton Park 13 Blackwood, Boldmere, Erdington, Falcon Lodge, Four Oaks, Kingsbury, Kingstanding, Nechells, South Parade Sutton Coldfield, St Chad's ErdingtonC, Stockland Green, Streetly, Witton
Birmingham (West) & Oldbury 12 Akrill, Causeway Green, City Road Birmingham, Court Oak, Ladywood, Quinton, Ridgacre, Rounds Green, St John's Smethwick, Tipton Road Tividale, Warley Woods, West Smethwick
Blackheath & Halesowen 6 Central Blackheath, Crossway Halesowen, Hasbury, Hurst Green, Romsley, Short Cross
Bromsgrove & Redditch 10 Alcester, Bromsgrove, Catshill, Crabbs Cross, Emmanuel RedditchU, Lickey End, Rowney Green, St Andrew's Church Hill, Studley, The Bridge RedditchC
Coventry & Nuneaton 15 Wesley Hall Arley, Trinity AtherstoneU, Balsall Common, Bedworth, Central Hall Coventry, Ebenezer Collycroft, Earlsdon, St Mary & All Saints FillongleyC, Horeston Grange EcumenicalCU, Meriden, Nuneaton, Radford & Holbrooks, Ridge Lane, Ryton, Woodside Coventry
Herefordshire (South & East) 4 Ledbury, Christ Church Ross-on-WyeU, Bromyard, St John's Hereford
South West Worcestershire 12 Bromyard Road Worcester, Ombersley Road Worcester, Lansdowne Crescent Malvern, St Andrew's Worcester, Droitwich, Norton, Somers Park Malvern Link, St Nicholas WarndonC, Upper Welland Malvern Wells, Broadway, Evesham, Willersey
South Warwickshire 16 Kenilworth, St Michael's StocktonC, Warwick, Wellesbourne, Whitnash, Cubbington, Dale Street Leamington Spa, Henley-in-Arden, Stratford-upon-Avon, Radford Road Leamington SpaU, Bidford-on-Avon, Mickleton, Tysoe, Welford-on-Avon, Fenny Compton, Kineton
Tamworth & Lichfield 8 Lichfield, New Life Aldergate Tamworth, Glascote, Alrewas, New Life Thackeray Drive Tamworth, Trinity Shenstone, St Martin's StoneydelphC, Hopwas
Bolton & Rochdale Bolton 11 Ainsworth, Chew Moor, Edgworth, Harwood, Hawkshaw, St Andrew's Bolton, St Helen's Road Bolton, St John's Road Horwich, The Triangle Bolton, Trinity Bolton, Westhoughton
Bolton Mission 1 Victoria Hall Bolton
Bury 15 Bolton Road Bury, Brandlesholme Bury, Bridge Community Church Radcliffe, Christ Church RamsbottomB, Edenfield, Heaton Park, Holcombe Brook, Jericho, Prestwich, Rowlands Summerseat, Seedfield, Tottington, Trinity Heywood, Wesley Radcliffe, Whitefield
Farnworth & Worsley 8 Boothstown, Christ Church Little LeverU, Kearsley Mount, St Catherine's HighfieldC, Trinity FarnworthCo, Walkden, Wharton & Cleggs LaneU, Worsley Road North
Leigh & Hindley 11 Astley & Tyldesley, Atherton Central, Bag Lane, Bamfurlong, Bedford (Leigh), Culcheth, Glazebury, Hindley Green, Kingsleigh, St John's Hindley, Wigan Road Leigh
Rochdale & Littleborough 13 Brimrod, Castleton Moor, Dearnley, Greenhill, Moorhouse, Norden, St Andrew's RochdaleU, Smithy Bridge, Spotland, Syke, Thrum Hall, Trinity Rochdale, Wardle Village ChurchC
Rossendale 7 Bacup Central, Irwell Vale, Longholme Rawtenstall, Newchurch, Rakefoot Crawshawbooth, Shawforth, Stacksteads
Wigan 13 Aspull, Bispham, Blackrod, Clowes, Crooke, Goose Green, Ince, Orrell Post, Queen's Hall Wigan, Shevington, Standish, The Vale Appley Bridge, Spencer Road Whitley
Bristol Bristol & South Gloucestershire 42 Alveston, Badminton Road Downend, Bethesda Redfield, Bishopston, Easter Compton, Eastville Park, Eden Grove Horfield, Fishponds, Hanham, Hawkesbury Upton, Holy Trinity Bradley StokeC, Horfield, Kingswood, Longwell UnitedC, Wesley Made-For-Ever, Olveston & Tockington, Parkway Bristol, Potters Wood Kingswood, Sea Mills, Shirehampton, Shortwood, Bedminster, St Peter's Brislington, Knowle, Totterdown, Speedwell, St Andrew's Filton, St Chad's PatchwayC, Staple Hill, Summerhill, St Peter's PilningC, Thornbury, Unity Oldland, Victoria Bristol, Salem Watley's End, Wesley Memorial Bristol, Westbury-on-Trym, Westbury ParkC, Winterbourne Down, WithywoodC, Yate, Zion United Frampton CotterellU
Gloucestershire 41 Holy Trinity AmberleyC, Apperley, Aylburton, Bailey Lane End, Barton Street Gloucester, Bethesda Cheltenham, Bishop's Cleeve, Bream, Brimscombe, Cam, Chalford Hill, Christ Church AbbeydaleBCU, Christ Church NailsworthBU, Churchdown, Cinderford, Ashcroft CirencesterU, Clements End, Coalway, Drybrook, Dursley, Eastington, Fairford UnitedU, Hartpury, Hawling, Hucclecote, Lonsdale Road Gloucester, St Mary's NewentBC, Pillowell, Quedgeley, St John the Baptist's RandwickC, South Cerney UnitedCo, St John's Northgate Gloucester, St Mark's Cheltenham, Stonehouse, Stroud, Christ Church TetburyU, Tewkesbury, Holy Trinity TibbertonC, St Michael's WhaddonC, Winchcombe, Wotton-Under-Edge UnitedCo
Gordano Valley 8 Backwell West Town, Christchurch ClevedonC, Kenn Road Clevedon, Nailsea, Pill, Portishead, Redcliffe Bay Portishead, Yatton
North East Somerset & Bath 16 Horizon Bath, Nexus Bath, Weston Bath, Bathampton, Beechen Cliff, Box, Chew Stoke, Farrington Gurney, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Peasedown St John, Southdown, Timsbury, Trinity Radstock, Trinity Westfield
North Wiltshire 19 Aldbourne, Bath Road Swindon, Central Chippenham, Central SwindonBU, ChiseldonC, Christ Church Marlborough, Luckington, Lyneham, Pewsey, Rodbourne, Sheldon Road Chippenham, Sherston, St Andrew's Swindon, St Paul's DorcanC, St Timothy's DorcanC, Stratton, Studley, Cleverton, Great Somerford
Somerset Mendip 18 Axbridge, Banwell, Castle Cary, Cheddar, Churchill, Coleford, Congresbury, Frome Wesley, Glastonbury, Keinton Mandeville, Norton Down, Oakhill, Pilton, Rode ChapelB, West Street SomertonU, Street, Wedmore, Wells
Upper Thames 12 Christ the Servant Abbey MeadsBCU, Braydon, Cricklade UnitedU, Highworth, Longcot, Lydiard TregozeC, PurtonC, Royal Wootton Bassett, ShawC, Shrivenham, ToothillC, WestleaC
Weston & Burnham 9 Brean, St Andrew's BournvilleC, Brent Knoll, Burnham-on-Sea, East Brent, Locking CastleBCU, Milton, Uphill, West Huntspill
Wiltshire United Area 16 Bradford-on-Avon UnitedU, Bromham, Calne, St Aldhelm's CorshamU, St Andrew's DevizesU, Hilperton, Marston, Melksham UnitedU, SemingtonC, Steeple Ashton, Trowbridge UnitedU, Wesley Road Trowbridge, Warminster UnitedU, Westbury, Whitley, Winsley
Chester & Stoke-on-Trent Dane & Trent 16 Biddulph, Bosley, Brookhouse Green, Cloud, Davenport, Goostrey, Hill Top Biddulph Moor, Holmes Chapel, Key Green, Lower Withington, Middlewich, Mow Cop, New Road Biddulph Moor, Rood Lane Congleton, Trinity Congleton, Wellspring Congleton
Market Drayton 2 Ashley, Market Drayton
Mid Cheshire 16 Barnton, CastleU, Chester Road Winsford, Comberbach, Davenham, Hartford, Little Budworth, Lostock Green, Northwich, Pickmere, Sandiway, Shurlach Northwich, St Andrews Winsford, Trinity Winsford, Weaver Winsford, WeaverhamC
North Cheshire 24 Frodsham, Norley, Blakelees Kingsley, Helsby, Hurst Kingsley, Oakmere, Kelsall, Mickle Trafford, Tarvin, Christleton, Rowton, Caldy Valley Great BoughtonU, Garden Lane UnitingU, Hoole, TarporleyB, Bretton, Saltney, Saughall, Wesley Chester, The Heath, Halton Trinity, Wicksten Drive, St Mark's Runcorn, Bethesda Runcorn
North Staffordshire 10 Audley, Baldwins Gate, Bradwell, Cross Heath, Halmer End, Higherland, Madeley, St Luke's Clayton, Silverdale, Wolstanton
South Cheshire 29 OakhangerC, Wesley Place, Englesea Brook, Audlem, Hankelow, Woore, St John's Whitchurch, Tallarn Green, Brown Knowl, Crewe-by-Farndon, Malpas, Coppenhall, St Mark's Crewe, St Stephen's Crewe, Haslington, Winterley, Poole, Broad Lane, Nantwich, Shavington, St John's Willaston, Wells Green, Elworth, Ettiley HeathC, Unity Sandbach, Baddiley, Broomhall, Lightwood Green, St Andrew's Aston
Staffordshire Moorlands 12 Boundary, Cheadle, Endon, Ipstones, Onecote, Rudyard, Rushton, St Andrew's Cheddleton, Tean, Trinity LeekU, Waterhouses, Wetley Rocks
Stoke-on-Trent Mission 5 Oasis Biddulph, Potters Church, Swan Bank, Wesley Hall, Whitehill Kidsgrove
Stoke-on-Trent North 9 Baddeley Edge, Brown Edge, Bucknall, Fegg Hayes, Milton, Norton, Salem, Tunstall, Werrington
Stoke-on-Trent South 9 Blythe Bridge & Forsbrook, Broadway, Fenton Park, Lightwood, Longton Central Hall, Sandford Hill, Temple Street, Trentham, West End
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Bodmin, Padstow & Wadebridge 11 Bodmin, Innis, Lanivet, Millpool, Nanstallon, Padstow, Rock, Rosenannon, St Mawgan, Trelights, Cornerstone Wadebridge
Callington & Gunnislake 4 Callington, Stoke Climsland, St Dominick, Tamar Valley (Albaston)
Camborne, Redruth & Hayle 14 Angarrack, Barripper, Beacon, Wesley Camborne, Centenary Camborne, Four Lanes & PencoysC, Gateway Porth an Dre, Hayle, Illogan Highway, Kehelland, Mawla, Porthtowan, Troon, Wall
Camelford & Week St Mary 14 Canworthy Water, Bethel Trelash, Maxworthy, Rehoboth Tresmeer, Tresparrett, Week St Mary, Boscastle, Bossiney, Camelford, St Breward, St Tudy, Treveighan, Tintagel, Delabole
Falmouth & Gwennap 15 Falmouth, Carharrack, Carnkie, Edgcumbe, Frogpool, Lanner, Mawnan Smith, Mylor, Penmarth, Penryn, Perranwell, Ponsanooth, St Day, Stithians, Trenoweth
Fore Street St Ives 1 Fore Street St Ives
Isles of Scilly 2 St Mary's, St Martin's
Launceston Area 12 Launceston Central, Boyton, Coads Green, LewannickC, Lifton, Pipers Pool, Polyphant, South Petherwin, TregadillettC, Trebullet, Yeolmbridge, LinkinhorneC
Liskeard & Looe 10 Connon, Dobwalls, Liskeard, Mount, Pelynt, Pensilva, Polperro, Riverside United (West Looe)U, St Neot, Trevelmond
The Lizard & Mounts Bay 15 Balwest, Breaney, Helston Central, Cury, Crowlas, Goldsithney, Leedstown, Meneage, Marazion, Mullion, Porthleven, Ruan Minor, Lizard, Trinity Porkellis, St Keverne United
Newquay, Perranporth & St Agnes 7 Crantock, Cubert, Mount Hawke, Newquay, Perranporth, Rose, St Agnes
St Austell 20 Bethel St Austell, Bugle, Carclaze, Gunwen, Indian Queens, Leek Seed, Lostwithiel, Mevagissey, Mount Charles, Nanpean, Par, Polgooth, Roche, St Dennis, St John's St Austell, Stenalees, Tregrehan, Trinity Trewoon, Tywardreath, Whitemoor
Saltash 9 Wesley Saltash, Bealbury, Blunts, Burraton, Crafthole, Downderry, Landrake, St Germans, St Ive
Truro 15 Allet, Carnon Downs, Chacewater, Devoran, Feock, Hicks Mill, Penpoll, All Saints PortloeC, Portscatho, Shortlanesend, Threemilestone, Tresillian, Trispen, Twelveheads, Truro
West Cornwall 18 Bible Christian (St Ives), Wesley Carbis Bay, Centenary Newlyn, Chapel Street Penzance, Chy an Gweal Carbis Bay, Drift, Escalls, Gulval, Hellesveor, High Street Penzance, Madron, Mousehole, St Buryan, St Erth, St Just, Trinity Newlyn, United St Ives, Wesley Rock Heamoor
Cumbria Kendal 9 Arnside, Cowan Bridge, Fellside (Kendal), Kirkby Lonsdale, Levens, Sandylands (Kendal), StorthC, Stricklandgate (Kendal)
Western Fells 12 BassenthwaiteC, Brigham, Cleator Moor, Cockermouth, Egremont, Frizington, Gosforth, Hensingham, Keswick, Lamplugh Kirkland & EnnerdaleC, SeascaleC, Whitehaven
Kirkby Stephen, Appleby & Tebay 18 The Sands Appleby, Dufton with Knock, Bolton, Kings Meaburn, Crosby Ravensworth, Great Asby, Warcop, Kirkby Stephen, Soulby, Crosby Garrett UnitedB, Nateby, WintonB, Brough, Brough Sowerby, Tebay, Orton, Newbiggin-on-Lune, Ravenstonedale
Kirkoswald & Alston Moor 7 Alston, Ainstable, Gamblesby, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Renwick, Salkeld Dykes
North Cumbria 14 Brampton, Dalston, Gilsland, Longtown, Monkhill, Newtown, Solway, Thursby, Thurstonfield, Tithe Barn (Carlisle), Upperby (Carlisle), Walton, Wetheral, Wigton Road (Carlisle)
Penrith 7 Cottage Wood Centre (Plumpton), PatterdaleC, Penrith, Shap, Skelton, Sleagill, Stainton
Sedbergh 7 Cornerstone SedberghU, Cautley, Dentdale, Dent Foot, Garsdale, Garsdale Street, Hawes Junction
Solway 5 Dearham, Workington UnitedU, Harrington, Maryport, Great Clifton
South Lakes 9 Ambleside, Cartmel, Coniston, Grange-over-Sands, Hawkshead, Swarthmoor, Ulverston, Windermere CarverU, Windermere Methodist
South West Cumbria United Area 8 Askam, Beacon Hill (Barrow), Dalton Community ChurchU, Hartington Street (Barrow), Kirkby, Millom, Trinity BarrowU, Vickerstown
Wigton 1 Cornerstone Wigton
Darlington Darlington & Teesdale 10 Barton, Barnard Castle, Cockerton, Elm Ridge, Harrowgate Hill, Haughton, Hurworth, Staindrop, The Pathway Middleton-in-Teesdale, The Well Darlington
Middlesbrough & Eston 8 Eston Grange, Grove Hill, Linthorpe Road, Marton, Normanby, Nunthorpe, Stainton, Trinity
Stockton 10 Carlton, Trinity Eaglescliffe, Greens Lane, Maltby, North Billingham, Norton, St Andrew's, Thornaby, Yarm, Yarm Road
Castle Eden 9 Blackhall Hartlepool, Central Estate Hartlepool, Coxhoe, Easington Colliery, Easington Village, Grange Road Hartlepool, Horden, Milbank, Peterlee
Stokesley 6 Stokesley, Carlton, Great Ayton, Easby, Hutton Rudby, Seamer
Cleveland & Danby 14 Brotton, Danby, Glaisdale Head, Guisborough, Hinderwell, Leaholm, Marske, Newcomen, New Marske, Saltburn, Skelton, Skinningrove, Westerdale, Zetland Park
Bishop Auckland & Shildon 14 Auckland Park, Bishop Auckland, Cockfield, Etherley, HamsterleyBC, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, South Church, St Michael's HeighingtonC, The Valley, Wind Mill, Witton Park, Witton-le-Wear, Woodhouse CloseCU
Durham & Deerness Valley 13 Bearpark, Bowburn, Brandon, Carrville, Elvet Durham City, Esh Winning, Framwellgate Moor, Langley Park, Newton HallC, North Road Durham, Pittington, Sacriston, Witton Gilbert
West Durham 8 St Andrew's CrookU, Ferryhill, Sedgefield, Spennymoor, Stanhope, Tudhoe, Willington, Wolsingham
North Yorkshire Dales 11 Brompton-on-Swale, Carlton, Gayle, Gunnerside, Hunton, Leyburn, Marsett, Melmerby, Richmond, Scorton, West Burton
East Anglia Bury St Edmunds 9 Bradfield, Christchurch Needham MarketU, Glemsford, Ixworth, Northumberland Avenue Bury St Edmunds, Trinity Bury St Edmunds, Old Newton, Stowmarket, Sudbury
Cambridge 11 Bar HillBCU, CambourneBCU, Castle Street Cambridge, Chesterton, Haslingfield, Histon, Orwell, Royston, Sawston FreeU, ToftC, Wesley Cambridge
Central Norfolk 25 Beetley, Pilgrim Church Blakeney, Trinity Dereham, Fulmodeston, Garvestone, Great Cressingham, Great Ellingham, Gressenhall, Hingham, Holt, Litcham, Mattishall, New Holkham, Saham Hills, Sculthorpe & Fakenham, Sporle, Stibbard, Swaffham, Thursford, Tittleshall, Toftwood, Pilgrim Church Walsingham, Watton, Wells & Wighton, Wendling
Ely & Newmarket 14 Trinity BurwellU, Emmanuel ChatterisBU, Coveney, Ely, Haddenham, Little DownhamC, St John's Littleport, Christ Church NewmarketU, Pymoor, Red Lodge Community ChurchC, Saxon Street, Soham, Wicken, Wickhambrook
The Fens 10 Doddington, Emneth, Trinity MarchU, Marshland St James, Murrow, Outwell, Parson Drove, Terrington St John, Upwell, Trinity Wisbech
Haverhill 1 Haverhill
Ipswich 22 Alan Road Ipswich, Bramford, Bramford Road Ipswich, Brantham, Capel St Mary, Chantry Ipswich, Chelmondiston, Elmsett, Framlingham United FreeU, Holbrook, Kelsale, Kirton, Knodishall, Landseer Road Ipswich, Leiston UnitedU, Museum Street Ipswich, Orford, Peasenhall & Sibton, Seaton Road Felixstowe, Trimley, Trinity Felixstowe, Woodbridge
Lowestoft & East Suffolk 9 BecclesU, Corton, Kessingland, LoddonC, Trinity Lowestoft, Norton Subcourse LEP, South Lowestoft, Southwold, Wenhaston
Norfolk Broads 17 Acle, Bradwell, Caister, Fleggburgh, Freethorpe, Lowestoft Road Gorleston, Magdalen Way Gorleston, Christ Church Great YarmouthU, Newtown Great Yarmouth, Hemsby, Horsey, Lingwood, Ludham, Martham, Potter Heigham, Sutton, Thurne
North Norfolk 14 Aylsham, Barton Turf, Cromer, Hickling, Gresham, Lessingham, North Walsham, Mundesley, Overstrand, Reepham, St Andrew's Sheringham, Sloley, Trunch, Weybourne
Norwich 23 Attleborough, BowthorpeBCU, Bowthorpe Road, Brooke, Costessey, Drayton, Forncett, Framingham Earl, Hethersett, Horsford, Mile Cross, Morley, Chapel Field Road Norwich, Heartsease Lane Norwich, Rosebery Road Norwich, St Faith's HorshamC, St Peter's NorwichU, Trinity Thorpe MarriottC, Old Buckenham, Spixworth, Old Catton, Wroxham Road Sprowston, Wymondham
St Neots & Huntingdon 14 AlconburyC, Barkley Street Eynesbury, Brampton, Buckden, Eaton Ford, Great Barford, Hilton, Huntingdon, Over, Ramsey, Sawtry, St Ives, Tempsford, Warboys
Thetford, Diss & Mildenhall 13 Beck Row, Botesdale, Brandon, Diss, East Harling, Garboldisham, Holywell Row, Hopton, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Mundford, Stanton, Thetford
Waveney Valley Ecu. Partnership 4 Emmanuel BungayU, Fressingfield, HarlestonU, Pulham Market
West Norfolk 21 Burnham Market, Clenchwarton, Dersingham, Downham Market, Feltwell, St Faith's GaywoodC, Heacham, Highgate King's Lynn, Hilgay, Hunstanton, London Road King's Lynn, Marham, North Lynn, Pott Row, Snettisham, Southery, South Wootton, Stanhoe, St Peter's StowbridgeC, Terrington St Clement, Wimbotsham
Lancashire Banks & Hesketh Bank
Blackpool 4 Layton, Marton, New Central, South Shore
Burnley & Pendle 16 Barley, Briercliffe Road BurnleyB, Brierfield, Brunshaw, Central Burnley, Christ Church Nelson, Greenbrook, Hapton, Higherford, Padiham Road Burnley, Parkside, St Andrew's Barnoldswick, St John's Colne, St Peter's Earby, Southfield, Wheatley Lane
Chorley & Leyland 12 AdlingtonU, Hillside Brinscall, Buckshaw VillageC, Chorley, Coppull, Eccleston, Euxton, Heskin, Leyland, Midge Hall, Whittle-le-Woods, Withnell Fold
Clitheroe 5 Chatburn, Paythorne, Trinity Clitheroe, Waddington, Whalley
Great Harwood 3 Clayton-le-Moors, Rishton, Trinity Great HarwoodU
North Fylde 6 Cleveleys Park, Fleetwood, Lighthouse, Pilling, Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton
North Lancashire 19
Preston Ribble 12 Ashton, Bamber Bridge, Central Preston, Christ Church LongridgeU, Trinity Cottam, Fulwood, Hoole, Hope, Ingol, Kingsfold, Penwortham, Trinity Gregson Lane
South Fylde 6 Church Road St Annes, Fairhaven, Freckleton, Kirkham, Lytham, The Drive St Annes
West Pennine Moors 13 Antley, Cambridge Street Accrington, Darwen, Feniscowles, Haslingden, Lammack, Mellor, Rhyddings, St Paul's Blackburn, Stanhill, Trinity DarwenU, West End, Wilpshire
Lincolnshire Barton & Brigg 10 Barrow-upon-Humber, Barton-upon-Humber, Brigg, Broughton, East Halton, Goxhill, Hibaldstow, St Andrew's Kirton-in-LindseyC, Waddingham, Wrawby
Boston 9 Centenary Boston, Frithville, Gipsey Bridge, Hospital Bridge, Kirton, Stickney, Swineshead, Wrangle, Zion Boston
East Lincolnshire 17 Alford, Burgh-le-Marsh, Chapel St Leonards, Conisholme, Grainthorpe, Grimoldby, Louth, St Peter's Mablethorpe, Marshchapel, Saltfleet, SaltfleetbyC, Skegness, Sutton-on-Sea, Thorpe Fen Dykes, Trusthorpe, Wainfleet, Withern
Epworth & Scunthorpe 16 Althorpe, Ashby, Beltoft, Burton-upon-Stather, Crowle, Ealand, Epworth, Gunness, Haxey, Messingham, Old Brumby, Owston Ferry, West Butterwick, Winteringham, Winterton, Yaddlethorpe
Grimsby & Cleethorpes 14 The Haven, Healing, Humberston, Immingham, Keelby, New Waltham, North Thoresby, Scartho, Side Door, South Killingholme, St Andrew's, St Christopher's, Tetney, Waltham
Lincoln 18 Bailgate Lincoln, Burton Road Lincoln, Central Lincoln, Cherry Willingham, Monk's Road Lincoln, Moorland Park Lincoln, Navenby, Nettleham, North Hykeham, Reepham, Scothern, St Columba's LincolnU, St Giles Lincoln, Skellingthorpe, Swallowbeck Lincoln, Thorpe on the HillC, Washingborough, Welton
Mid Lincolnshire 11 Bardney, Bardney Dairies, Coningsby, Halton, Horncastle, Old Bolingbroke, Scamblesby, Spilsby, Toynton, Woodhall Spa, Wragby
Sleaford 7 Billinghay, Dunston, Heckington, Little Hale, Ruskington, Sleaford, Timberland
South Holland 9 Bicker, Gosberton, Gosberton Clough, Holbeach, Holbeach Drove, Lutton Marsh, Moulton Chapel, Spalding Broad Street, Sutterton
The Wolds & Trent 12 BrookenbyC, Caistor, Gainsborough, Glentham, Lea, Market Rasen, Marton, Middle Rasen, Misterton, Nettleton, North Kelsey, Upton
London Barking, Dagenham & Ilford 9 Barking, Barkingside, Beacontree Heath, Gantshill, Goodmayes, Ilford, Old Dagenham, Seven Kings, The Drive (Redbridge)
Barnet & Queensbury 9 Barnet & Brookside, East Finchley, Edgware, Finchley, Trinity Golders GreenU, Hendon, Manor Drive (Friern Barnet), Trinity Mill HillU, Queensbury
Battersea & Wandle Valley 7 Battersea Central, Broomwood, Mitcham, St Helier, St John's Wandsworth, Tooting, Upper Tooting
Blackheath & Crystal Palace 9 Anerley, Burnt Ash, Eltham Park, Forest Hill, Hither Green, Lewisham, Sunfields Blackheath, Upper Norwood, Wesley Hall Sydenham
Bromley 3 Beckenham, Bromley, West Wickham
Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham 5 Askew Road Shepherds BushU, Chelsea, Fulham Broadway, Rivercourt, Shepherds Bush Road
City Road 1 Wesley's Chapel
Croydon 8 Addington, Christ Church Addiscombe, Downsview Upper Norwood, Norbury, Parchmore, Shirley, South Norwood, West Croydon
Ealing Trinity 8 Acton HillU, Ealing GreenU, Greenford, Hanwell, King's Hall Southall, Kingsdown West Ealing, Northolt, Pitshanger
Enfield 8 Bush Hill Park, Edmonton, Goffs Oak, Grange Park, Ordnance Road Enfield, Ponders End, The Bourne Southgate, Trinity EnfieldU
Forest 12 Cann Hall, Trinity Leyton, Leytonstone, Lighthouse Walthamstow, Loughton, Trinity Debden, North Chingford, Shernhall, South Chingford, Wanstead, Winchester Road (Highams Park), Woodford
Hackney & Stoke Newington 5 Clapton, Clapton Park, Dalston, Mare Street Hackney, Stoke Newington
Harlesden 1 Harlesden
Harrow & Hillingdon 16 Cannon Lane, Christ Church UxbridgeU, Eastcote, Hayes, Hayes End, Kenton, North Harrow, North Hillingdon, Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip, Ruislip Manor, South Harrow, Trinity HarrowU, Wealdstone, Yiewsley
Islington & Camden Mission 5 Archway, Caledonian Road, Camden Town, Epworth Euston, Islington Central
Kingston-upon-Thames 4 Chessington, Kingston-upon-Thames, New Malden, Surbiton Hill
Lambeth 9 Brixton Hill, Clapham, Lambeth Mission & St Mary's, Mostyn Road (Stockwell), Railton Road (Brixton), Springfield (Stockwell), Stockwell, Streatham, Tulse Hill
Lesnes Abbey 11 Abbey Wood, Barnehurst, Belvedere, Bexleyheath, Church of the Cross ThamesmeadCU, St Mark's United GreenwichU, Pantiles, St Paul's ThamesmeadCU, Trinity Plumstead, Welling, Wesley Hall Plumstead
London Mission North West 4 Fernhead Road, Gospel Oak, Kensal Rise, Kilburn
New River 9 Finsbury Park, Holly Park, Middle Lane Hornsey, Miller Memorial Tottenham, Muswell Hill, Ravensdale Road Stamford Hill, St Mark's Tottenham, Trinity at Bowes, Willoughby Road Hornsey
Newham 7 Bryant Street Stratford, Forest Gate, High Street South (East Ham), Keir Hardie (Canning Town), Manor Park, Pilgrims Way (East Ham), Newtown Stratford
Notting Hill 1 Notting Hill
Orpington & Chislehurst 8 Bromley Common, Chelsfield, Chislehurst, Emmanuel SidcupU, Mottingham, New Eltham, Orpington, Petts Wood
Purley 6 Caterham, Coulsdon, Sanderstead, South Croydon UnitedU, Warlingham, Whitethorn Avenue (Sutton)
Richmond & Hounslow 6 Barnes, Chiswick, Hounslow, Putney, Raleigh Road UnitedU, Roehampton
Romford 10 Brentwood, Farmlands (Doddingshurst), Gidea Park, Harold Wood, Havering Road Romford, Hornchurch, Rainham, South Ockendon, Trinity Romford, Upminster
Southwark & Deptford 7 Bermondsey Central, Christ Church East DulwichU, Deptford Mission, Herne Hill UnitedU, Manor Bermondsey, Peckham, Walworth
Sutton 8 Banstead, Carshalton, Cheam, Epsom, St John's BelmontC, Trinity SuttonU, St Mark's Tattenham CornerC, Wallington
Teddington 5 East Molesey, Hampton, Hanworth, Sunbury, Teddington
Tower Hamlets 4 Bethnal Green, Bow Road, Old Ford, Poplar
Wembley 4 Ealing Road, Neasden, Park Lane, Sudbury
West London Mission 2 Hinde Street, King's Cross
Westminster 6 Central Hall Westminster, Christ Church with St Philip (Worcester Park)C, Martin Way Morden, Lantern (Raynes Park & Wimbledon), RuxleyC, Stoneleigh
South East Berkshire Surrey Borders 8 Bracknell, Wokingham, WoosehillC, Church @ The Pines BracknellC, Crowthorne, Bagshot, Sandhurst & Yateley, High Cross CamberleyU
Brighton & Hove 5 Dorset Gardens, Hove, Patcham, Stanford Avenue, Woodingdean
Canterbury & East Kent 19 Birchington, Broadstairs, Challock, Faversham UnitedU, Garlinge, Greenstreet, Herne Bay UnitedU, Margate UnionU, Marshside, Monkton, Old Wives Lees, Hardres Street United (Ramsgate)U, River (Dover), St Andrew's ShepherdswellC, St John's Whitstable, St Peter's Canterbury, SturryC, The Beacon DoverU, Trinity DealU
Central Sussex United Area 18 Broadway United (Eastbourne)U, Burgess Hill, Buxted, Christ Church LewesU, Chyngton, Cornerstone UckfieldU, Cross in Hand, Cross Way SeafordU, Crowborough UnitedU, Emmanuel EastbourneU, Gamelands, Hailsham, Haywards Heath, Hurstpierpoint, St Barnabas United (Eastbourne)U, St Michael's NewhavenC, The Haven EastbourneC, Trinity WillingdonBU
Dorking & Horsham 8 Cobham UnitedU, Effingham, Leatherhead, London Road Horsham, Partridge Green, Southwater, St Martin's DorkingC, St Andrew's Roffey
Gibraltar[a] 3 Gibraltar, SotograndeC
Hants-Surrey Border 12 Aldershot, Alton, Cove, Elvetham Heath, The Spire FarnhamU, Fleet, Frimley Green, Hale, Hartley Wintney, North Camp (Farnborough), Rowledge, The Chapel (Ash Vale)
Hastings, Bexhill & Rye 12 Battle, Calvert Memorial Hastings, Christ Church Bexhill, Little Common, Ninfield, Pett, Rye, Sackville Road Bexhill, St Helen's Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Trinity Broad Oak, Winchelsea
Malta 1 St Andrew's MaltaS
North Kent 27 Dene Holm Gravesend, Ebbsfleet Community Church, Gravesend, Hextable, Spital Street, Swanscombe, The Brent Dartford, Bearsted, The Church in Burham, Eccles, KingswoodC, Larkfield, Peninsula Stoke, Peninsula Strood, St Luke's Rochester, Tonbridge Road Maidstone, Union Street Maidstone, Chinese Church (Gillingham), Hartlip, Newington, Sittingbourne, Third Avenue Gillingham, The Church in Hope Street (Sheerness)U, St Alban's South ChathamC, St David's South ChathamC, St William's South ChathamC, Christ Church LutonC
Redhill & East Grinstead 5 Horley, Redhill, Reigate, St Paul's Crawley, Trinity East Grinstead
South Kent 17 Appledore, Charing, Good Shepherd HamstreetC, Dymchurch, Elham, Folkestone, Headcorn, Ashford UnitedU, Lydd, Lyminge, New Romney, Rhodes Minnis, Shadoxhurst, St Michael's HytheC, St Andrew's Cheriton, Tenterden, Wye
Staines & Feltham 8 Staines, St Jude's United (Englefield Green)C, Egham UnitedU, Southville, Ashford Common, Ashford, Laleham, Christ Church FelthamC
Thames Valley 11 Burnham, Colnbrook & Poyle UnitedU, Cookham Rise, Eton Wick, Hampshire Avenue Slough, High Street Maidenhead, Ledgers Road Slough, St Andrew's Slough, St Mark's Crescent Maidenhead, Windsor, Woodlands Park Maidenhead
Weald of Kent 8 Otford, St Andrew's Paddock WoodC, The Drive Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, East Peckham, Hawkhurst, Horsmonden
West Sussex (Coast & Downs) 14 Bognor Regis, Christ Church ChichesterU, Felpham, Goring-by-Sea, Lancing, Littlehampton UnitedU, Offington Park, Rustington, Selsey, Shoreham-by-Sea, Southwick, Steyning, Trinity Storrington, Westergate
Wey Valley 13 Addlestone, Byfleet, Cranleigh, Godalming UnitedU, Guildford St Mary'sC, Knaphill, Merrow, St Michael's SheerwaterC, Stoughton, Walton-on-Thames, West Horsley, Weybridge, Woking Trinity
Wales Synod (English-speaking) Bangor & Holyhead 5 Amlwch, Holyhead, Llanfairfechan, St Paul's PenmaenmawrU, St John's Bangor
Bridgend 8 Bridgend UnitedU, Brynna, Cefn Cribwr, Bethel Gilfach Goch, Maesteg Central, Christ Church Ogmore ValeU, Trinity PorthcawlU, Wesley Tondu
Buckley & Deeside 12 Buckley Cross, Drury, Emmaus Flint, Highway Ewloe, Wesley Leeswood, Mold, Northop Hall, Pentrobin, Quaystone ChapelP, Sandycroft, St Andrew's Connah's Quay, Trinity PenyfforddP
Cardiff 17 Conway Road Cardiff, Ely, Radyr, St Paul's Butetown, Wesley Canton, Llandaff North, Llanishen, Taffs Well UnitedB, Wesley Caerphilly, Whitchurch, Cathays, Cyncoed, Rumney, St Andrew's Birchgrove, Pontprennau Community ChurchBUW, Resurrection St MellonsBPUW, Urdu Fellowship
Ceredigion 2 St Paul's Aberystwyth (English), St Thomas' Lampeter
Conwy & Prestatyn 9 St Paul's Abergele, St John's Conwy, St David's Craig-y-Don, Llanddulas, Old Colwyn, Rhos-on-Sea, Rhuddlan, St John's Llandudno, Trinity Prestatyn
Gwent Hills & Vales 28 Castle Street Abergavenny, Abertillery, Zion Beaufort Hill, Bedwas, Blackwood, Blaenau Gwent (Abertillery), Blaina, Cwmcelyn Blaina, Fairhill, Bethel Garndiffaith, Glasbury, Hope Pontnewydd, Llanelly Hill, Llanyrafon, Wesley Nantyglo, Newbridge, Panteg New Inn, Pontllanfraith, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, Race, St James Ebbw Vale, Tredegar, Trinant, Trinity Abersychan, Tyllwyn, Upper Cwmbran, Bethel Beaufort
Mid-Glamorgan Mission 8 Aberdare, Cascade Penpedairheol, Newtown Mountain Ash, Norton Bridge, Rhondda Fach (Ferndale), Rhydyfelin, Treherbert, Ystrad Mynach
Neath Port Talbot 9 Cymmer, Glyncorrwg, Glynneath, Jersey Marine, Neath, North Cornelly, Sandfields, Skewen, Wesley Taibach
Newport & Lower Wye 20 Bishpool Ringland, Broad Oak, Caldicot, Chepstow, Crosskeys, Dan-y-Graig RiscaPU, Earlswood, Earlswood Valley, Gwehelog, Langstone, Llancloudy, Monmouth, Penycaemawr, Trinity PontywaunCoP, Rogiet, Shaftesbury Street Newport, St David's RiscaW, St Julian's Newport, Trellech, Trinity Newport
South West Wales 15 Burry Port, Wesley Carew, Wesley Carmarthen, Albany HaverfordwestU, Merlin's Bridge Haverfordwest, Trinity Kidwelly, Hall Street LlanelliU, Victoria Road Llanelli, Llangwm, Christ Church Milford HavenU, Pembroke Ferry, Trinity Pontarddulais (English), Saundersfoot, Stepaside, St John's TenbyU
Swansea & Gower 11 Brunswick, Capel y Nant Clydach, Morriston, Mumbles, Penlan, Sketty UnitingU, Wesley Eaton Road Swansea, Horton, Murton, Pitton, Reynoldston
Vale of Glamorgan 8 Barry UnitingU, Hope Church Cadoxton, Crossway Barry, Dinas Powys, Penarth, St Athan, St David's Barry, St John's Barry Island
Welshpool & Bro Hafren 6 Wesley Newtown, Caersws, Zoar Trefeglwys, Welshpool, Cefn Trewern, Pentre Llifior
Wrexham 11 Regent Street Wrexham, Caergwrle, Ruabon, Gresford, Ffrwd, Brymbo, Rhosddu, Llangollen, Overton, Rhosymedre
Synod Cymru (Welsh-speaking) Cymru 57 Bathafarn Ruthin, Bethel Aberdyfi, Bethel Amlwch, Bethel Caerau, Bethel Cardiff, Bethel Crynant, Bethel Deganwy, Bethel Flint Mountain, Bethel Gronant, Bethel Prestatyn, Bethel Rhigos, Bethesda Llanfair, Carmel Moelfre, Cefnblodwel, Cnwch Coch, Cymdu, Cynfaen Calcoed, Disgwylfa Penmaen, Ebeneser Dolgellau, Ebeneser Eglwysbach, Ebeneser Trefor, Ebeneser Treuddyn, Ebeneser Tywyn, Eglwys Unedig Seilo LlandudnoBIP, Gwyddelwern, Horeb Betws-yn-Rhos, Horeb Colwyn Bay, Horeb Llanrwst, Horeb Oswestry, Jerusalem Wrexham, Llanarmon, Llanfyllin, Llangynog, Llanrhaeadr, Llansantffraid, Llansilin, Pencarnisiog, Pendref Denbigh, Pendref Mold, Penrhyndeudraeth, Pisgah Rhiwlas, Pontrobert, Preswylfa Llandudno Junction, Rehoboth Corwen, Rehoboth Llanbedrog, Salem Pentre Halkyn, Salem Rhyd-y-foel, Saron (Bethel, Gwynedd), Saron Gwaenynog, Seion Glyndyfrdwy, Seion Llangollen, Shiloh Tregarth, Soar Llanfyllin, St John's Lloc, St Paul's Aberystwyth (Welsh), Trinity Pontarddulais (Welsh), Y Briw, Ystumtuen
Scotland Angus, Dundee & Perthshire 5 St John's Arbroath, Blairgowrie, Dundee, Montrose, Perth
Ayrshire & Renfrewshire 3 Barrhead, Girvan, Paisley
Forth Valley 11 Armadale, Edinburgh, Grahamston UnitedCoS, Granton UnitedU, Kirkcaldy, Livingston UnitedCoES, Rosyth, St Anne's DunbarE, Stirling, Tranent with Cockenzie, Wallacestone
Inverness 1 Inverness
North of Scotland 6 Aberdeen, Buckie, Cullen, Findochty, Peterhead, Portessie
Strathclyde 12 Anniesland, Clydebank, St John's DumfriesE, East Kilbride, Kilsyth, Milton, Netherton, New Stevenston, Partick, Pollokshaws, Shettleston, Woodlands
Shetland Lerwick & Walls 9 Fair Isle, Lerwick, Scalloway, Whiteness, Vidlin, North Roe, East Yell, Haroldswick, Shetland Rural
Channel Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey 12 Alderney, Bordeaux, Forest, Les Adams, Les Camps, Les Capelles, Rohais, SarkC, St Pauls, St Martins, Torteval, Wesley St Peter Port
Jersey 8 Bethesda (St Peter), Bethlehem (St Mary), Ebenezer (Trinity), Georgetown, St Helier, St Aubin, St Martin's, St Ouen
Isle of Man Isle of Man 31 Abbeylands, Agneash, Baldrine, Ballabeg, Ballafesson, Ballagarey, Ballakilpheric, Barregarrow, Bride, Castletown, Colby, Cooil, Crosby, Glen Maye, Kerrowkeil, Kirk Michael, Laxey, Onchan, Orrisdale, Peel, Port Erin, Port St Mary, Promenade Douglas, Pulrose, Ramsey, Sandygate, St John's, Sulby, The Howe, Trinity Douglas, Union Mills
Liverpool
Manchester and Stockport District [27] Alderley Edge & Knutsford
Altrincham
Ashton-under-Lyne
Bramhall & Wythenshawe
Buxton
Glossop
Hazel Grove & Poynton
High Peak
Hyde & Denton
Macclesfield Circuit
Manchester
Oldham & Saddleworth
Romiley
Sale
Salford
Shaw & Royton
Stockport
Stretford & Urmston
Whaley Bridge Uniting Partnership
  • Newcastle upon Tyne District [28]
    • Bede Circuit; Chester-le-Street Circuit; East Durham Circuit; Lindisfarne Circuit; Newcastle upon Tyne Central & East Circuit; Newcastle upon Tyne West Circuit; North Shields & Whitley Bay Circuit; North West Durham Circuit; South East Northumberland Ecumenical Area; South West Tyneside Circuit; Sunderland Circuit; Tynedale Circuit
  • Nottingham and Derby District [29]
    • Alfreton (Watchorn) Circuit a.k.a. Borders Mission; Ashbourne Circuit; Derby Circuit; Grantham & Vale of Belvoir Circuit; Mid Derbyshire Circuit; National Forest East Circuit; Newark & Southwell Circuit; Nottingham East Circuit; Nottingham North Circuit; Nottingham South Circuit; Nottingham Trent Valley Circuit; Sherwood Forest Circuit; South Derbyshire Circuit; Trent & Dove Circuit
    • Nottingham Central Mission operates independently
  • Northampton District [30]
    • Amersham Circuit; Banbury Circuit; Buckingham, Bicester & Brackley Circuit; Chipping Norton & Stow Circuit;East Mercia( replaced Kettering and corby, market harborough and rugby and daventry in september 2022) High Wycombe Circuit; Hinckley Circuit; Leicester (Trinity) Circuit; Leicester (West) Circuit, loughborough circuit; Melton Mowbray Circuit; Milton Keynes Circuit; Nene Valley Circuit; Northampton Circuit; Oxford Circuit; Peterborough circuit, Stamford Circuit; Vale of Aylesbury Circuit; Wantage & Abingdon Circuit; Witney & Faringdon Circuit
  • Plymouth and Exeter District [31]
    • Bude & Holsworthy Circuit; Exeter, Coast & Country Circuit; Ilfracombe & Barnstaple Circuit; Plymouth & Devonport Circuit; Ringsash Circuit; South Devon Circuit; South Molton & Ringsash Circuit; South Peverton & Crewkerne Circuit; Taunton Deane & Sedgemoor Circuit; Tavistock Circuit; Teignbridge Circuit; Tiverton & Wellington Circuit; Torbay Circuit; Torridge Circuit; West Devon Circuit; West Somerset Circuit
    • Plymouth Methodist Mission operates independently
  • Sheffield District [32][b]
    • Barnsley Circuit; Bolsover & Staveley Circuit; Chesterfield Circuit; Doncaster Circuit; The Peak Circuit; Rotherham & Dearne Valley Circuit; Sheffield Circuit; Trinity Circuit
  • Southampton District [33]
    • Basingstoke & Reading Circuit; Bridport & Dorchester Circuit; Christchurch & Wimborne Circuit; East Solent & Downs Circuit; Isle of Wight Circuit; Kennet & Test Valley Circuit; Meon Valley Circuit; Poole Bay Circuit; Portland Circuit; Salisbury Circuit; Southampton Circuit; Weymouth Circuit; Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey Circuit; Yeovil & Blackmore Vale Circuit;
  • Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District [34]
    • The Black Country Circuit; Brownhills & Willenhall Circuit; Cannock Chase Circuit; Dudley & Netherton Circuit; Gornal & Sedgley Circuit; Kidderminster & Stourport Circuit; Shropshire & Marches Circuit; Stafford Circuit; Telford Circuit; Vale of Stour Circuit; Walsall Circuit; Wolverhampton Circuit
  • Yorkshire North and East District [35][b]
    • Beverley Circuit; Bridlington Circuit; Driffield-Hornsea Circuit; Goole & Selby Circuit; Hull Centre & West Circuit; Nidd Valley Circuit; North Yorkshire Coast Circuit; Pateley Bridge Circuit; Pocklington & Market Weighton Circuit; Ripon & Lower Dales Circuit; Ryedale Circuit; South Holderness Circuit; Tadcaster Circuit; Thirsk & Northallerton Circuit; York Circuit
  • Yorkshire West District [36][b]
    • Aire & Calder Circuit; Airedale Circuit; Bradford North Circuit; Bradford South Circuit; Calderdale Circuit; Denby Dale & Clayton West Circuit;[37] Huddersfield Circuit; Leeds North & East Circuit; Leeds South & West Circuit; North Kirklees & Morley Circuit; Settle Circuit; Skipton & Grassington Circuit; Wharfedale & Aireborough Circuit;
Notes

^ a. The Gibraltar Circuit became part of the then London South West District in 1997,[38] and is now a circuit in the South East District.[39] The Methodist/Church of Scotland LEP in Malta is also part of the South East District.[40]
^ b. On 1 September 2017, the four former districts in Yorkshire were reduced to three: Yorkshire North and East, Yorkshire West and Sheffield.[41]

Titles and officeholders

The people involved in Methodist organisation are as follows.

Early Methodism, as organised by Wesley, had "local preachers" and "travelling preachers". A local preacher was a layman appointed to preach within his own circuit. A travelling preacher, or "minister" (specifically, a presbyter) in modern Methodism, is appointed by Conference to serve for a limited time in a circuit and then move around the country to any other circuit where Conference may send him. In Wesley's time, this could be as little as a few months. As Methodism became more settled as a denomination, this was from one to four years, now typically five to ten years. In recent years, some circuits may also have lay pastors.[42]

The non-pastoral work is done by "church stewards" and "circuit stewards".[43] These are appointed to various functions, such as treasurer, or property steward, etc. to look after various practical needs. Usually these are voluntary workers, but some situations also require paid staff.

Structure

Methodism holds in principle 'the priesthood of all believers', which is a Protestant doctrine that all true Christians have equal access to God, and Church offices are functional rather than hierarchical.[44] So while this list implies a chain of authority, it is of function rather than rank.

President and Vice-President of Conference

The president of conference is a presbyter, with the vice-president being a layperson or deacon. The one exception was layman William Hartley, elected President of the Primitive Methodist Conference in 1909.[45]

Nominations are invited each year for president and vice-president. Each is voted upon and designated a year ahead. Each nomination needs to be signed by five ministerial and five lay members of the Representative Session of the Conference. Nominations are collected during the first three days of that Session and displayed for 24 hours before a vote is taken. Voting is by single transferable vote. Voters do not choose one name only but mark all the names in order of preference. In this way if their first choice is not elected, they may influence the voting for an alternative.[46]

The Conference resolves at the beginning of the Representative Session that the president designated the previous year be elected and similarly for the vice-president-designate. Each holds office for one year.

Chair of the District

A minister who is appointed to take administrative responsibility, along with pastoral responsibility for the ministers, for a district. This is undertaken as if a normal appointment to serve in a circuit, and the term of service is typically some 5 to 10 years.

Superintendent and circuit ministers

The senior minister on any circuit is the superintendent (sometimes informally shortened to "super"), who may be the only minister, though the current trend for amalgamation of circuits makes this rare. The superintendent will also have pastoral responsibility for at least one of the local churches on the circuit, with pastoral responsibility for others being allocated to the other ministers.

Deacons

Ministers within the Methodist Diaconal Order (MDO) are referred to as deacons. A warden is appointed by the Conference from among the deacons to exercise oversight over the MDO, and there is now also a deputy warden.[47]

Local preachers

Local preachers are accredited laypeople who preach and lead worship services in any church on the circuit to which they may be appointed.[48] In Wesleyan Methodism it was not usual practice for local preachers to administer the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion), but in Primitive Methodism (1811 to 1932 in Britain) the local preachers did administer sacraments. Local preachers continue to serve an indispensable role in the Methodist Church, with the majority of church services led by laypeople, but special authorisation is required to preside over Communion.[49]

Meetings

The "Circuit Meeting" (originally the "Quarterly Meeting") is the main governing body of the circuit, and consists of all ministers living in the circuit, circuit officers, and officers and elected representatives of the various churches in the circuit. The circuit officers are officially responsible for the running of a circuit; they are collectively responsible for finances, though almost invariably one of them will be appointed treasurer. The preachers (local preachers and ministers) also hold a quarterly "(Local) Preachers' Meeting" that governs worship and preaching issues.

The "Church Council" is held twice per year or as required to govern the business of individual churches. Officers of the church council will include a secretary and treasurer.

Other countries

Some Methodist churches in countries outside Britain have retained the circuit system; others have not, or never had it. Where Methodist churches have entered national united churches (such as the Church of South India or the United Church of Canada, the circuit system has generally disappeared or been greatly modified even if it existed before. The US United Methodist Church does not at present operate on a circuit system, though something like it is reappearing in places. The Methodist Church of New Zealand has a circuit system, but refers to its circuits as parishes.

Case history – the Wetton and Longnor Methodist Circuit

The place of the circuit in Methodism can be understood from a specific example, the Wetton and Longnor Methodist Circuit providing an example from rural Methodism.

Diagrammatic map of Methodist Chapels around Leek with first known building dates

The diagrammatic map of the Leek area shows the number of "preaching stations" and chapels in existence during the 18th and 19th centuries, both Wesleyan and Primitive. (This is not exhaustive, but shows information at the time of drawing.) Some of the places were cottages or farmhouses, and not the final location of a chapel. The diagram includes a reference to a preaching plan of 1798.[50]

It is easier to describe the origins of the Wetton and Longnor Circuit by reference to the "family tree," which shows the sequence by which the north of England was divided into Circuits of smaller areas as the number of Methodists grew. This had the advantages of both reducing the time spent in traveling, and ensuring that the work load of the Travelling Preachers was manageable.

In 1870, the Wesleyan Leek Circuit was divided to form the Wetton and Longnor Circuit. A new manse was built at Wetton to house the minister. The Methodist Union of 1932 brought new chapels from the Primitive Methodists. In some cases, such as at Warslow, this meant having two buildings in the same road a couple of hundred yards apart. The P.M. building was the more suitable, so the Wesleyan building was eventually sold.

In 1962, for example, there were 10 societies in the Circuit. These were Wetton, Alstonefield, Hartington. Butterton, Warslow, Longnor, Rewlach, Sheen, Newtown, and Hollinsclough. Rewlach, for example, was a chapel in a remote location associated with one farmhouse and little else. Yet even in the 1990s, not long before closure, it still attracted enough people to fill the building for harvest festival. The only chapel still open as a place of worship is Hollinsclough, which celebrated its 200th anniversary at Easter 2001.[51]

Modern population trends, and economic pressures, led to the end of Wetton and Longnor as a separate Circuit. In 1969, it ceased and the various chapels were allocated to neighbouring Circuits of Leek, Ashbourne and Buxton. It is not only Methodist chapels that have closed. Many village schools have also closed during the same time.

Family tree diagram showing the origins of the Wetton and Longnor Methodist Circuit

See also

References

  1. ↑ W. J. Townsend, H. B. Workman and G. Eayrs, A New History of Methodism, (1910), Vol. 1, Ch. VI p. 298-9
  2. ↑ Rev. Philip S. Watson, "Anatomy of a Conversion", ch. 2, p. 25. ISBN 0-310-74991-3
  3. ↑ Townsend, Workman and Eayrs, op. cit., Ch. VI
  4. ↑ Townsend, Workman and Eayrs, op. cit. p. 299
  5. ↑ Townsend, Workman and Eayrs, op. cit. p. 281
  6. ↑ Townsend, Workman and Eayrs, op. cit. p. 285
  7. 1 2 "Fact sheet: membership rolls" (PDF). Methodist Church of New Zealand Archives. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  8. ↑ Barber, Jill (3 December 2012). "Primitive Methodist Class Tickets: an introduction". My Primitive Methodists. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  9. ↑ Townsend, Workman and Eayrs, op. cit. p. 287-8, quoting Wesley's own words.
  10. ↑ Kirby, James E.; Rivera, Feliciano; Kirby, James; Richey, Russell E.; Rowe, Kenneth E. (1996). The Methodists. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-313-22048-7. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  11. ↑ Dreyer, Frederick (1986). "A "Religious Society under Heaven": John Wesley and the Identity of Methodism". Journal of British Studies. 25 (1): 62–83. doi:10.1086/385854. ISSN 0021-9371. JSTOR 175611. S2CID 161267716.
  12. 1 2 3 "The Connexion". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  13. ↑ Norris, Clive Murray (20 February 2020). Thomas Wride and Wesley's Methodist Connexion. Abingdon, Oxon. ISBN 978-1000048438.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  14. ↑ "Connexionalism". dmbi.online. A Dictionary of Methodism in Britain and Ireland. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  15. ↑ Methodist Church of Great Britain, Methodist Council, accessed 11 July 2022
  16. ↑ Methodist Church of Great Britain, Methodist Conference agrees new ways of Oversight and Trusteeship, published 1 July 2022, accessed 11 July 2022
  17. ↑ "The district". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  18. ↑ Methodist Church, The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church, 2016, Standing Order 400A
  19. 1 2 Methodism in Numbers – Statistics at a Glance (2020 edition). Methodist Conference. May 2020.
  20. ↑ "Guidance on Circuit amalgamations". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  21. ↑ "Authorised to serve". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  22. ↑ Larger than Circuit, Methodist Church Conference 2016
  23. ↑ "The Local Church: Meaning and Value". godisforus.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  24. ↑ Rev. Philip S. Watson, "Anatomy of a Conversion", pp. 43-46 has a summary of the nature and purpose of Class Meetings
  25. ↑ "Small groups". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  26. ↑ Methodist Church of Great Britain (2020), Constitutional Practice and Discipline, section 605, accessed 2 March 2022
  27. ↑ "Home". Manchester and Stockport Methodist District. Retrieved 2022-08-28.
  28. ↑ Newcastle upon Tyne Methodist District
  29. ↑ Nottingham and Derby District of the Methodist Church
  30. ↑ Northampton Methodist District
  31. ↑ Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District
  32. ↑ Sheffield Methodist District
  33. ↑ Southampton District Methodist Church
  34. ↑ The Methodist Church - Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District
  35. ↑ York and Hull Methodist District
  36. ↑ West Yorkshire District of the Methodist Church
  37. ↑ Denby Dale & Clayton West Circuit
  38. ↑ Gibraltar Methodist Church: History, accessed 6 May 2017
  39. ↑ Methodist Church, The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church, 2016, SO 38
  40. ↑ Methodist Church South-East District, District Development Plan 2016-2020, accessed 6 May 2017
  41. ↑ Methodist Council, 17-18 October 2016, Reshaping Yorkshire Districts, accessed 3 February 2017
  42. ↑ "Learning and development for local lay pastors". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  43. ↑ "What is a church steward?". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  44. ↑ "What does the Methodist Church believe about ministry?". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  45. ↑ Holliday Bickerstaffe Kendall, History of the Primitive Methodist Church, 1919, p. 177
  46. ↑ "Everything you ever wanted to know about the Methodist Conference but were afraid to ask" (Word). methodist.org.uk. Methodist Conference. p. 8. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  47. ↑ "The MDO as a Religious Order". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  48. ↑ "Local Preacher FAQs". www.methodist.org.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  49. ↑ Authorisations to Preside at the Lord's Supper (PDF) (Report). Methodist Conference. 1996. p. 162. Retrieved 23 January 2021. A Circuit which considers that any of its churches or a significant number of church members or other Christians in the local community is deprived of reasonably frequent and regular celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper through lack of ordained ministers may apply for the authorisation of persons other than ministers to preside at that sacrament when appointed to do so on the circuit plan, or on other occasions when authorised by the Superintendent.
  50. ↑ Dyson, Wesleyan Methodism in the Leek Circuit, 1853, Rewlach books archive
  51. ↑ Hollinsclough Anniversary photos
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