When we began implementing the MCSA Generosity Design Lab (GDL) between October 2023 and June 2024, we were continuing a vision that had already been set in motion — to reimagine and overhaul the culture of giving in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Our aim has remained clear: to shape both belief and practice by forming generous disciples for mission.

The GDL was not simply a training programme for us; it represents a paradigm shift. We are working toward transformative whole-life stewardship — Time, Talents, and Treasures. We want to see a shift in how Methodists understand generosity, both in head and heart. The question that has guided us is simple but significant: What would happen if all Methodists became generous disciples? How would mission resourcing look across our Societies, Circuits, Mission Groups, Districts, Institutions, and Delivery Units?

Our training is built on twelve core principles — what we call the “generosity building blocks.” Through these, we are developing a deeper understanding of biblical generosity, equipping leaders to shape culture and practice, and strengthening the sustainability of the church economy. We are also focusing on developing technical competencies, investing in human capital, and strengthening systems management and systems thinking across MCSA structures.

We continue to work through a cascade model. Our Connexional Master Trainers (Level 4) were fully trained in November 2022 and January 2023. From there, we equip District Master Trainers (Level 3), Circuit Master Trainers (Level 2), and ultimately Society training (Level 1).

In October 2023, we gathered in the Camdeboo District in Cradock. Three District Master Trainers were engaged, and approximately 64 leaders participated — including the Bishop, District Lay Leader, Superintendents, and Circuit Stewards. Later that month, in the Mokala-Montle District in Bloemfontein, we trained three District Master Trainers and worked with approximately 49 Master Trainers recorded on the database.

In November, we were in the Clarkebury District in Lusikisiki, working in Palmerton Circuit and two other circuits in the same cluster. Two Circuit Master Trainers were engaged, with around 80 leaders participating. Clarkebury had already reached 100% Level 3 training in the 2022/23 year, as reported at the September MCSA Conference.

In December, we introduced the GDL in the Germiston Circuit within the Highveld and Eswatini District. Two Circuit Master Trainers were engaged, with approximately 37 leaders participating. Importantly, this was integrated into the Circuit’s Strategic Mission Planning.

The work continued into 2024. In January, we were in the Alwal North Circuit, about 206 kilometres southeast of Bloemfontein, where two Circuit Master Trainers were trained and approximately 70 leaders completed the full GDL training, including the Circuit Executive.

In February, we returned to Clarkebury, this time in Balasi Circuit, engaging two Circuit Master Trainers with around 80 leaders participating. Later that month, at the Mokala-Montle District Ministerial Retreat in Bloemfontein, three District Master Trainers facilitated engagement with approximately 30 participants, focusing specifically on the role of ministers as leaders in cultural shifts.

We also trained in Limpopo District in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, where three District Master Trainers were engaged and about 74 leaders completed full GDL training, including DMTs. In March, in Molopo District in Gaborone, Botswana, we engaged three District Master Trainers with approximately 100 leaders participating; the District Lay Leader is to submit the list of Master Trainers.

Later in March, in Hhohho Wesley Circuit in Mbabane, Eswatini, two Circuit Master Trainers were engaged, with approximately 120 leaders participating. Although the circuit had been trained previously, about 80% of participants were new leadership, with around 20% previously trained leaders.

In April, Northern Free State and Lesotho District in Welkom engaged three District Master Trainers, with approximately 206 leaders participating. The District Lay Leader is to submit the list of Master Trainers. In May, in Namibia District at Rehoboth Circuit, three District Master Trainers were engaged in full GDL training, including DMTs, with approximately 40 leaders participating. The District Lay Leader is to submit the list of Master Trainers.

Looking ahead to June through September 2024, we are preparing for the Connexional Lay Leaders Retreat to take stock of untrained districts and progress on Level 2. Additional Level 2 and Level 3 trainings are scheduled in Limpopo, Natal West, Camdeboo, Cape of Good Hope, and potentially Mozambique.

As we reflect on October 2023 to June 2024, what I can say is that the Generosity Design Lab continues to move steadily across districts and circuits. We are developing Master Trainers, equipping leadership, and advancing the vision of shaping a culture of generosity throughout the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.