1. Training Networks and the Extending Discipleship and Exploring Vocation programme (EDVA) 
At its recent meeting, the Council approved plans to use some money from a designated Training Assessment Fund. This Fund was originally raised by circuits and districts over a five year period to support ministerial training. The money will be used to support the development and implementation in the districts of the new programme called Extending Discipleship and Exploring Vocation (EDEV), which is intended to address the training and development needs of all Methodists, including lay staff and volunteers. The money will also be used to help with the transitional costs in setting up the new patterns of training institutions, training networks and Regional Training Forums agreed by the 2007 Conference.

2. Equalities and Diversity
Another major piece of work currently underway is looking at equalities and diversity in the Church, and a working group has been developing an Equal Opportunities Policy. A parallel paper looking at diversity and Methodist identity highlighted a wide variety of national and cultural backgrounds that are to be found in the Church today, from long-established Chinese Methodist congregations in Epsom, London and Birmingham to Urdu-, Punjabi- and Parsee-language Methodist groups elsewhere. The reports call for equality and diversity to be seen as essential aspects of Methodist identity, and not just the concern of special-interest groups.

3. A new phase for Fresh Expressions
The next phase of the Fresh Expressions joint initiative between the Church of England and the Methodist Church "will present great challenges but wonderful opportunities for sharing faith", said The Revd Ken Howcroft, Coordinating Secretary for Conference and Communication. The initial five-year period ends in 2009 and the Council heard that plans for the next phase include the aim of integrating Fresh Expressions into the ongoing life of the churches.