Methodism
METHODISM FOR THE MYSTIFIED
Like most groups, Methodism has its own language, which can be difficult for new (and not so new) comers to understand. This is a brief introduction to the way Methodism works today.
Conference - the governing body of the Methodist Church - made up of both ministers and lay people. It meets once a year - usually in June/July at different venues in the United Kingdom.
President - always a minister (man or woman) and the head of Conference
Vice - President - always a lay person (man or woman)
Circuit - a group of churches in a locality. We belong to the Swansea and Gower Circuit. There are eleven churches in our Circuit and we form part of the South Wales District, which stetches from Pembrokeshire to Aberystwyth to Monmouth. The Circuit plan gives a list of services and preachers (lay and ordained) for each quarter.
Circuit Meeting - governs the Circuit and each Church is represented
Superintendent Minister - the most senior minister in the Circuit, who chairs the Circuit Meeting
Ministers have responsibility for one or more churches in the Circuit. Some ministers are also Chaplains, for example to Swansea Prison and the university.
Local Peachers (lay preachers) - lay people trained by the Church
Synod - the decision making body of the District, which elects representatives to Conference
