the free methodist church in canada
ListServ Definition: An electronic mailing list (email forum) is a special usage of e-mail that allows for widespread distribution of information to its subscribers.
The Free Methodist Church in Canada has three email forums (listservs) and they each serve slightly different purposes within our organization.
Pastors Listserv
The Free Methodist Church in Canada’s e-mail forum is our primary, front-line communication tool. We are all responsible to read Ministry Centre announcements that are made to us through this means.
In response to a number of requests for guidance on the use of the Listserv, the NLT has developed the following direction. All ministerial members of the General Conference, all appointed pastors and all ministerial candidates are automatically enrolled on the Pastors’ Listserv. The Listserv is our primary communication link across our movement in Canada. It is up to us all to protect and properly use this national resource.
As such, we believe that the open forum model we have used since inception allows for the free sharing of information and ideas without “policing” other than the common decency expected of colleagues who are experiencing the grace of God, and likewise have mutual respect for one another and for the leaders they have elected in an open, democratic manner.
Purpose of the Forum is to facilitate
- Sharing of information and announcements
- Sharing of significant prayer requests and answers
- Sharing of thoughts and ideas regarding the practice of ministry
- Soliciting of thoughts and ideas regarding ministry challenges
The purpose of Listserv is NOT to:
- Solicit funds for local church projects or ministry teams
- Disparage individuals or groups with whom you have a difference of opinion
- Send messages/responses to individuals (e.g. personal expressions of appreciation, congratulations or sympathy etc.)
- Confidential information should never be shared via the Listserv.
FMCIC-GC FORUM
This listserv was created to facilitate General Conference related discussion between all Members of Conference, both lay and ministerial. In light of the COVID Pandemic, where large public gatherings are not possible, this email forum will help us discuss issues and topics related to the General Conference.
Church Delegate
If you are a delegate of a Free Methodist Church in Canada we ask that you sign up for this list (if you have not already). This helps us ensure that information is being received by our local churches.
You will receive a copy of Bishop Cliff’s weekly notes as well as any communication from the Ministry Centre (of The Free Methodist Church in Canada) to the churches.
The delegate list is our primary, front-line communication tool. It is important that you read Ministry Centre announcements that are made through this means.
If you are currently a Free Methodist Church Delegate and you are not on the listserv, please contact the Ministry Centre – 905.848.2600
If your email address has changed – please let us know so that we can update our records.
Would you like more information on the Role of the Delegate? Open PDF
Click here to view a video on the Role of the Delegate.
Lay Listserv – Forum For You
Purpose of “Forum For You”: This forum should be God-honouring and Church-related news.
Use it for announcements – death notices, anniversaries (pictures perhaps), special events and happenings. For prayer requests, and answers to prayer or themes of special interest
Remember, if the article is fairly lengthy, send it as an attachment, respect the opinion of others, do not despise the past blessings, and rejoice in the present opportunities.
If you are a member of a Free Methodist Church and wish to join the General Listserv, email info@fmcic.ca.
Listserv Tips
Length: Imagine being in an open session at General Conference (all your peers are listening to you). Take the time to express yourself clearly and don’t talk for long. Allow others to interact with your thoughts without disparaging their spirituality or their intellect.
Discussion:There is room for some debate on Listserv, but it is limited since not all topics discussed on the Listserve are of interest to all persons enrolled on the Listserve. Once a topic gets some momentum, (say 10 replies) it is time to continue the conversation in another forum.
Filters:If you feel you are receiving too many emails via Listserv that you would prefer not to receive you may need to get information on how to set up an email filter.
If all else fails, press “delete”
