WISCONSIN CONFERENCE CIRCUIT PLAN

The components of the Circuit Plan:

• Started 1 July 2004 after approval by the 2003 Session of the Annual Conference
• Eight districts and four regions led by four district superintendents:
  • Chippewa-Heartland Districts: Rev. Nancy Moffatt
  • Nicolet-Winnebago Districts: Rev. Jorge Mayorga Solis
  • Capital-Coulee Districts: Rev. Forrest Wells
  • Metro North-Metro South Districts: Rev. Dan Schwerin
• Fifty-five circuits consisting of approximately 4-12 congregations/charges linked in a shared geographic area. Every United Methodist congregation/charge in Wisconsin is in a circuit.
• Clergy circuit teams led by a circuit team leader. All clergy appointed to congregations in Wisconsin are appointed to a circuit team. The team meets regularly for shared accountability, planning, and support for each other.

Some FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Why are we organized into circuits?
  We are part of a connection as Jesus taught and the founders of the Methodist movement discovered to be true, and we are stronger together than we are alone. Most people discover that working as a team brings energy and enthusiasm as each team member brings unique gifts, abilities and insights.
• What do we hope to accomplish through circuits?
  Circuits provide opportunities to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ to make disciples by the creation of teams of lay and clergy leaders equipped and trained to take the message and ministry of Jesus Christ to the communities in which our congregations are located. Circuits will be planting new faith communities where needed in our Wisconsin Conference, and continuing to build healthy strong existing congregations.
• Are circuits only for clergy?
  Although there is a clergy circuit team in each circuit, the clergy team is only one component of the circuit plan. The expectation is that the circuits will form teams of laity and clergy in each circuit and between congregations to plan and carry out mission and ministry to people beyond the existing congregations, engaging them in ways that will bring life to all.
• What circuit is our congregation in?
  There are two ways you can find the answer to this. First, ask your pastor or lay member to Annual Conference, or check out the Wisconsin Conference website at www.wisconsinumc.org. In addition to what you will find there about circuits, you will also find other information about our connection.
• What are some of the examples of how circuits are working together?
  • There is a circuit exploring the possibility of sharing a part-time staff person for developing small group ministries and new faith development.
  • A circuit team reports and the congregations are sharing a confirmation experience focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ.
  • In another circuit the congregations are working to develop a "ministry center" where people will gather for learning, sharing and spiritual development.
  • In yet another circuit, the clergy team is working through how people with differing deeply held convictions on matters of scripture and faith form an effective team.

Above information as a pdf document to be used as a bulletin insert