The Learning Network

The Learning Network (LN) is part of the Methodist Church’s Connexional Team.

The Learning Network are tasked with resourcing and equipping the church to fulfil its Calling as places of lifelong learning and discipleship. Usually this work is with circuits, as they are the centres for mission, but they also are a part of District life. The LN supports ministers, lay employees and also volunteers. They do this in a number of different ways, including gathering people with shared missional contexts, and coming alongside leaders to help them to facilitate positive spaces for circuits to have important conversations.

You can access the Learning Network course brochure here.

This work directly in our circuits is usually in partnership with one of the following people:

Jasmine Devadason – Biblical Literacy (including Bible Month); Fellowship Groups; Candidating (Portfolio support day); Vocation exploration; Worship, Leading and Preaching.

To contact Jasmine, you can email her at: devadasonj@methodistchurch.org.uk

Mel Clarke – Children, Youth and Families work; Safeguarding (foundation), Leadership, Mission and Evangelism, Worship development.

To contact Mel, you can email her at: clarkem@methodistchurch.org.uk

Alison Hulse – Pioneers, NPNP and Church at the Margins; Safeguarding ; Children Youth and Families work particularly under 5s and 3 Generate.

To contact Alison, you can email her at: hulsea@methodistchurch.org.uk

Edel McClean – Prayer and Spirituality; Discernment; Vocation.

To contact Edel, you can email her at: mccleane@methodistchurch.org.uk

These staff also work on Connexional wide learning and development events and you might come across them there too, along with the rest of their colleagues in the Learning Network.

Find out more about The Learning Network.

We love for as many people as possible to know of our work, and therefore there are different ways to remain connected with us. Hopefully one of these will work for you:

Newsletter; this comes out monthly, direct to your inbox. Sign up here.

Facebook: There is a closed group, currently with 1300 members, where you can join for conversation about learning and development in the Methodist church, and to hear first about upcoming opportunities. You can join the group here. 

Methodist Church Website: There are many learning and development opportunities within the church, some we lead and some by other colleagues. Further information can be found here.

Eventbrite: Join over 1000 people, and receive emails from time to time promoting new Learning and Development opportunities. Methodist Learning Network Events – 36 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Autumn 2025 report:

Our recent work within the District has included:

·      Facilitating the District Mission Day

·      Arranging and hosting lay employee days

·      Leading ministerial retreats

·      Attending District Policy, EDI, LESC and Children and Youth Work Support Group Committees

·      Helping circuits and churches with their mission planning

·      Running a CYF community of practise and retreat

In the next few months, we will be active in the District:

·      District inductions for ministers new to the District

·      Team building for DPC

·      Lay employee days

·      Supporting the District’s “trans formations” book group

·      ‘Explore’ course for those exploring where God is leading them The 9 month Explore course – The Methodist Church

·      Supporting various pieces of missional work

·      Supporting the District with their mission plan

·      Bible month 2026 will be on the book Philippians

And many more!