Structure

The Methodist Church is still organised in a methodical way using many of the structures introduced by its founder, John Wesley. However, the Church is quite pragmatic, and is willing to make changes where they seem desirable. 

Structures are there to enable decision making that takes account of all concerns and views within the Church. No one is given supreme authority - consultation is vital. At the same time, churches cannot simply arrange their own affairs, but have some shared disciplines and ways of working.

The Connexion

Methodists are linked together in a 'Connexion' of churches, circuits and districts.

The local church 

The local church is the congregational place of worship, where Methodist members and attenders are nurtured.

The circuit

A circuit is a group of local churches, served by a team of local preachers and ministers including the superintendent minister.

The district 

The district serves a geographical group of circuits and is led by the district chair.

The Conference

The annual Methodist Conference meets in different places and is the supreme decision making body of the Church. At the start of Conference a new President and Vice-President are appointed to preside over that Conference and spend the year travelling around the Connexion, and abroad representing the Methodist Church.


Map of the Methodist Districts  (PDF)

Structure diagram of the Methodist Church  (PDF)