Members of the Council of Trustees presented an update on the Strategic Implementation Plan at the 165th Diocesan Convention held in Wichita on October 18-19. Four of the Council members spoke during Bishop Cathleen Bascom’s address to outline the four major objectives that have been identified, the tactics that have been developed to meet those objectives, and to connect with leaders who want to get involved, provide feedback, and contribute.
Bishop Bascom introduced the Strategic Plan in her convention address by connecting the convention theme “God’s Path Together / Juntos en el Camino de Dios” with four areas where God is calling the diocese to go. She reminded the convention delegates of a Venn diagram, which has become a familiar visual representing the four objectives: Congregational Vitality, Justice and Inclusion, Connection witth Youth and Young Adults, and Clergy and Lay Leadership.
Mother Casey Rohleder of St. Luke’s, Wamego spoke about Congregational Vitality. She shared that in order to “strengthen congregational vitality amid a changing world,” a primary tactic will be to develop a common understanding of Congregational Vitilaty so that members of the diocese are “speaking the same language.” She also highlighted that the diocese will seek to establish four new model Episcopal communities by 2030. And finally that the diocese will begin work with the College for Congregational Development, which is a comprehensive training program that seeks to nurture and develop congregational development practitioners from within existing parish lay and clergy leadership.
Mother Doreen Rice of St. David’s, Topeka presented about the objective to “develop a culture of justice and inclusion,” which has also been referred to as “mission and invitation.” Rice explained that this is “essentially about how we reach out to beloved siblings in our neighborhoods and then how we welcome them into the love and grace that we find in each of our parishes.” She noted sharing relevant resolutions from General Convention, continuing the work of Bethany House & Gardens, and supporting the bilingual ministries of the diocese as important tactics.
Teresa Ryther of St. Stephen’s, Wichita emphasized that the objective for youth and young adults had been thoughtfully worded, “Develop direct connections to loving communities wher eyouth and young adults can feel safe, experience God’s grace, and create lifelong spiritual curiosity.” She explained that ensuring the health of youth and campus ministry through an endowment, helping youth and young adults discern their God given gifts, and developing Episcopal and Ecumenical partners would be key.
Mike Morrow of St. Stephen’s, Wichita shared how the diocese can work to “nourish clergy and lay leadership.” His presentation focused on utilizing technology and online resources to educate, support, and equip lay leaders in various parish and diocesan roles. He also stated that clergy compensation needed to be addressed since clergy compensation guidelines had nott been updated since 2007. Finally, he stressed the importance of supporting the wellness of clergy and lay leaders.
Task Forces have been developed for each objective and diocesan staff members have been appointed to assist in each area. Some previously existing task forces such as the Justice and Reconciliation Task Force will return and fold into the new work of the Strategic Plan Implementation.
For questions about how to get involved, contact Beth Fitz Gibbon, President of the Council of Trustees. pathfox820@gmail.com
by Chad Senuta
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