Churches

For Methodism a circuit is far more than just a geographical collection of churches. John Wesley organised the original societies of people called Methodists into a circuit to empower them with the opportunity for mutual encouragement, teaching, support, spiritual strength, oversight and governance. The first letter of John the apostle reminds us of God's purpose for His people, in particular 1 John 4:7-21, knowing and loving each other as an integral and essential act of knowing and loving God.

A Methodist circuit can be thought of like an electrical circuit and a bulb; it shines brightest only when all parts are closely interconnected and functioning together, "he who loves his brother (and sister) abides in the light", 1 John 2:10.