New mission strategy for diocese and congregations
“Build dynamic, growing communities of faith.” “Think big and bold – innovative – open to risk – failure or success.”
Those audacious thoughts come from the Mission Strategy Committee of Diocesan Council. They emerged after a couple days of retreat last year when members, meeting with Bishop Waggoner, dreamed and strategized about strengthening all communities of faith within the Diocese. The committee report and recommendations were then affirmed and accepted by Diocesan Council.
But their work wasn’t just about dreaming. They set out a plan to build a congregational development program in the Diocese to help our churches flourish and grow.
One part of the plan is well in the works – a team of consultants who will be available to assist congregations in their efforts to be stronger and more vital. A staff core team of Bishop Waggoner, Bryan Krislock and the Rev. Paul Lebens-Englund and I are working on logistics.
A group of potential consultants has been identified and invited. The Bishop and staff have sketched out a skill set that consultants should have. A training event for consultants has been scheduled in April.
In the meantime, work is under way to identify some of the greatest needs of congregations. That includes a review of the information collected a few years ago as well as gathering some new information this year.
Once that preparatory work is done, consultants will be available to walk along with congregations whose intent is to grow stronger and who are willing to make a commitment to this process. All of the consultants will have some basic skills in facilitating this work. Some will have specific interests and skills to address certain needs that include things like Christian formation; stewardship; church growth; vision and goal-setting. Some have received special training in programs such as Appreciative Inquiry and Natural Church Development.
The Mission Strategy committee report lays out some qualities of dynamic, growing communities of faith – some things to aim for. One is “mission development” – responding to a congregation’s call to mission and calling forth the gifts of members and resources of the congregation to do that.
Another is a commitment to invite and equip people, then send them forth in ministry. They see vital congregations knowing their own faith story and knowing how to share it; knowing something about the identity and tradition of the Episcopal Church, and offering programs of formation for all ages.
They would like to see our churches be “mission-driven” – with good management, stewardship and resource development and with a clarity of purpose, a willingness to plan and evaluate, and an openness to fun and surprises all along the way.
A tall order? Absolutely. Impossible? Not at all.
Stay tuned this spring for more news about our team of consultants as they are equipped and deployed for their work in our congregations.
