The Derby Circuit of the Methodist Church is a nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number 1142341) based in Derbyshire, United Kingdom. It serves as an administrative and supportive body coordinating the activities of Methodist churches within the Derby area. The Circuit operates as part of the larger UK Methodist Connexion, which traces its origins to John Wesley and the early Methodist movement established over 250 years ago.

History and Formation

The Derby Circuit was formed in September 2009 by the amalgamation of three smaller Methodist circuits in the region. This consolidation aimed to foster closer cooperation among the churches and streamline the support for ministers, preachers, and lay members working within the circuit[2].

Structure and Mission

The Circuit consists of a team of ministers, preachers, pastors, lay people, and local churches collaborating closely. The organizational structure reflects traditional Methodist practice, where groups of churches are served collectively by teams of ordained and lay leaders.

Its vision is succinctly described as "The people of God enabled to live out the mission of God." To realize this, the Circuit focuses on several key aims:

• Facilitating worship and community gatherings to meet with God and one another.
• Encouraging preaching and evangelism to share the Christian story.
• Maximizing the use and sharing of resources, both practical and personnel.
• Serving the local city, neighborhoods, and wider community through acts of service.
• Empowering members to make courageous, faith-guided decisions[2].

These goals were formally adopted by the Derby Circuit Meeting in March 2016.

Community Engagement

Beyond worship and church administration, the Derby Circuit has demonstrated practical commitment to social issues such as providing sanctuary and support for refugees. For example, after the sale of a local Methodist church, the Circuit invested in housing developments like the Susanna Wesley House, which has been used to accommodate refugees, especially when local hotels were full[1].

Affiliations

The Derby Circuit functions within the broader framework of the Methodist Church in Britain, maintaining links with national Methodist bodies and upholding the traditions established by John Wesley. This connection informs both its spiritual life and administrative operations[2].

Charitable Activities

Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Derby Circuit is responsible for administering the activities of its constituent churches in Derby. Its work includes managing finances, resources, and outreach efforts that support the mission of Methodism locally[4].

The Derby Circuit of the Methodist Church represents a vital organizational and community hub for Methodists in Derbyshire, committed to worship, service, and social justice in the East Midlands region.

[1] https://derbymethodists.org.uk [2] https://derbymethodists.org.uk/about/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5016978/contact-information [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5016978 [5] https://www.mid-derbyshire-methodist.org.uk