Circuit Assessments

Circuit stewards are responsible for seeking the approval of the Circuit Meeting for an annual budget which includes providing the necessary sums for the payment of stipends and allowances in accordance with Conference resolutions, the circuit contribution to district expenses and to the Methodist Church Fund together with any other approved items of expenditure.

The total of the contribution to the Methodist Church Fund is determined each year by the Conference along with a suggested allocation by formula between districts, which districts are free to re-negotiate between themselves. Districts then agree with their constituent circuits how the district amount is to be allocated between the circuits.

The circuits include their contribution in the circuit budget, the largest element of which is usually that related to stipends and allowances. Whilst the total sum raised for the Methodist Church Fund by this means is very considerable, the amount contributed by any one circuit is a small percentage of the total assessment/contribution paid by churches to the circuit.

There is no prescribed means by which the contribution from each church is calculated. Circuits can make provision for the payment of stipends by way of the assessment or a circuit share or pledge scheme. Factors such as membership and the number of ministers and deacons can be taken into account. These can have certain disadvantages and it is common for criteria such as ability to pay, attendance figures, numbers of services and major building schemes to be taken into account. Some circuits use different rates per member based on the size of the church. The largest churches pay at the top rate on the basis that they generally find it easier to raise money.

A number of circuits operate a ‘share’ system whereby the agreed budget is divided into shares of, say, £100. Each church is annually invited to decide on the number of shares they might contribute in the light of their own circumstances and the needs of the circuit. The advocates of the share system feel that it more faithfully reflects the concept of Christian giving developed by St Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 – thankfully, in proportion to the resources held and as part of our belonging to God's people.