Methodist Conference looks forward to launch of the Learning Network

The Methodist Conference has received an update on the creationof the Discipleship and Ministries Learning Network. The newNetwork, which will launch on 1 September, draws together all ofthe Church's learning training and development activities in a newstructure. 

The creation of the Network was agreed by the Conference in2012. This year the Conference heard how that decision has beenimplemented, including how the plans have changed over theyear. 

Jude Levermore, Head of Discipleship and Ministries for theMethodist Connexional Team, said: "In implementing the Conference'sdecisions of 2012, we've been forced to change in some areas andspotted ways to improve on the original ideas in others. But thecore remains the same: a learning network for the whole of theMethodist people."

The Network will be supported by two centres: Cliff College inDerbyshire and the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham, an ecumenicalventure with the Church of England. Most of the 55 new staff postswill be based in regions to be able to better serve local churchneeds. They will work with national staff and with the staff atboth Queen's and Cliff. 

With the first round of appointments complete, the LearningNetwork will be ready for its launch on September 1. Says Jude: "Alot of people across the Connexion have worked very hard to get usto this point, and I want to thank all of them. The Network is forthe whole of the Methodist people, so we can all grow as Christiandisciples. On September 1 some changes will be obvious, whileothers will take time, but we are all committed to offering thebest learning, development and training opportunities to the wholeConnexion."