Strategic Visioning Update: February 24

What is vision? And why is it important for our diocese?

Members of the Strategic Visioning Committee are grappling with those questions as they work to develop a new visionary path for our diocese.

For the Rev. Barbi Click, Deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Louis, vision is the willingness to see into the imagination of God. “Vision is to see beyond what is now, what is known; to be willing to see into what can be.”

“The diocese needs to be able to lead the way in challenging, inspiring, and motivating congregations and ministries to be creative, to dream, to imagine, and to have goals.” said Machelle West, member of All Saints and Ascension in St. Louis. “The diocese’s vision needs to agree with God’s vision for his/her church.”

Dick Entenmann, a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood, says our vision will present a picture of what it will be like to come together to do God’s work. “As Christians we are guided by Christ. The actions we manifest are those that the Spirit drives.”

Barbi, Machelle, Dick and the other members of the Strategic Visioning Committee are meeting every Saturday afternoon (via Zoom) to carefully craft mission and vision statements that will be presented to the diocese. The statements will stand as the foundation for new goals and ministries for all our parishes. All committee members are reaching out to other members throughout our communities for input as the process moves forward.

“I would describe this committee’s role in this process as one of prayer, discerning, listening, talking, collecting information, sharing ideas or resources. All that will develop our mission and vision statements,” said Machelle West.

Committee members recognize there are many challenges to this process. Looking into the future can be difficult for some. And the diversity of our population between urban and rural areas is often a challenge for our diocese.

“The challenge is finding a vision that will challenge all, yet allow all to move at a different pace while heading in the same direction,” said Deacon Barbi.

“Our Diocese is in a unique position as it searches for new directions. We will be able to come together and celebrate our differences as we continue to live into our Baptismal covenant,” said Dick. “I am excited to be part of this process.”

What is your vision for our diocese? Everyone will have a chance to express your thoughts over the next few months as the Strategic Visioning committee brings its work to you. We ask that you keep the committee in your prayers as they do this important work.