Digital Transformation Programme

The Methodist Church is bringing its people, data and tools together into one safe, joined-up digital system. The aim is simple: free up time for ministry, make life easier for volunteers, and help every part of the Church share what it knows.

Why this matters

Digital transformation isn't really about new systems. It's about rethinking how the Church works together — how ministers, volunteers, circuits and the Connexion share information, look after data, and support mission and ministry.

We want to:

• Free up time, so ministers and volunteers can spend more of it on mission and less on admin.
• Make services join up better, so people don't have to keep repeating themselves.
• Use data better — and ethically — to spot opportunities and risks sooner.
• Make sure the Church's digital tools are safe, reliable and built to last.

Our Vision and Aims

A Church where digital tools help us live out Our Calling — connecting people, enabling ministry, supporting growth, and seeking justice.

What we're aiming for:

• Digital tools that feel the same wherever you use them, whether you're a minister, a church officer, a volunteer or a member.
• Data that's safe, well looked after, and tells us what we need to know.
• Less duplication — fewer times you fill in the same form twice.
• More time for people, less time on process.
• Tools that grow and change with the Church.

How we work

Eight principles guide how we design, choose tools and work with people across the Connexion:

• People first — We start with the people using the tools: ministers, church officers, volunteers and members.
• Open to change — We try things, learn from what doesn't work, and try again.
• Designed for the devices people use — We build for phones and laptops alike. Everyone can use what we make.
• Honest with data — We use data — carefully and ethically — to make better decisions.
• Test, learn, improve — We measure what we're doing, ask people what they think, and keep getting better.
• Working together — We work across the Connexion with churches, circuits, districts and trusted partners.
• Safe — We protect personal data, follow the rules, and take cyber-security seriously.
• Built to last and to fit together — We make systems that adapt over time and work alongside what already exists.

What we’re doing

The programme is made up of several connected projects, called workstreams. Together, they'll deliver the new systems and ways of working the Church needs.

We're working out what each workstream should focus on by listening — across every district, circuit and church. People doing the work tell us what's hardest, and that shapes what we build.

For every workstream, you'll know what we're trying to do, how we're doing, and what comes next.

What this means for you

People first, technology second.

We'll provide training, support and resources so everyone can use the new tools confidently — including those who haven't done much with digital tools before.

• If you're a minister or paid member of staff — fewer manual tasks, systems that talk to each other, and clearer reporting.
• If you're a volunteer or church officer — simpler tools, less duplication, and more time for the ministry and mission you came to do.
• If you're a church, circuit or district — shared platforms, less local IT burden, easier data-sharing, and more resilience.

Connected — our podcast

Connected is a short fortnightly podcast (around 15 minutes) about the Digital Transformation Programme. Each episode shares what we've learned, what's coming next, and the questions we're still working on. Listen on your phone, in the car, or wherever podcasts live for you.

Governance, roles and responsibilities

The Programme is overseen by a Steering Group, chaired by the Director of Digital and Transformation. This Group will provide approvals at the end of each phase of work, ensuring objectives are met. A Delivery Group will manage the day-to-day work that comes out of the discovery exercise. A Stakeholder Reference Group will provide an opportunity for roles across the Methodist Church to feedback and ensure solutions work in real-life context.

A core team of specialist roles will be recruited, working alongside trusted suppliers and existing roles. A Connexion‑wide Champions Network will support adoption on the ground.

Key governance bodies

• Steering Group – provides strategic oversight and approves business cases
• Delivery Group – drives delivery and coordinates across workstreams
• Stakeholder Reference Group – gives insight and user-centred feedback to support adoption
• Champions Network – circuit and district-based people who support roll-out and help embed change locally

We will ensure transparency, accountability and regular reporting to the Connexional Leadership and wider church.