Strategic Visioning | Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

The COVID-19 pandemic. Racial unrest. A nation divided.

With so many challenges in our world today, it may sound strange when our new bishop says it’s a good time to be the church!

“You and I must be companions alongside our sisters and brothers, bringing compassion and hope,” said the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Eleventh Bishop of The Diocese of Missouri. “We know the despair of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter. We are the keepers of the sacred stories that bring liberation and life. It is in our spiritual DNA.”

With that optimism, The Diocese of Missouri is moving forward in 2021 with a strategic visioning process that will redefine our vision, our mission and our goals. And there will be many opportunities for everyone in the diocese to be involved.

Click these headlines for more information:

New Mission & Vision Statements & Survey

The Strategic Visioning Committee has released a draft of new mission & vision statements for the Diocese:

Proposed mission statement:

We embrace the Good News of Jesus to seek justice and act with compassion while walking humbly with God and our neighbor.

Proposed vision statement:

A world transformed by justice, compassion, and peace.

Share your thoughts about the new mission and vision statements:

Take the Survey

Watch the video below to hear about the process from committee members.

Working Groups

The Strategic Visioning committee is moving forward in our planning process by forming "working groups." These groups will consider ways to implement our new vision, focusing on five specific areas:

Communication & Technology
Evangelism & Justice
Community Building & Structure
Pastoral Care & Stewardship
Formation & Worship

Thanks to everyone who has answered the call to serve in one of these groups! More information from their work will be coming soon.

5 Phases of Visioning Process

Phase 1: Create a vision for our diocese
What do we want to be as we grow into the future?

Phase 2: Determine areas of focus
Define ways to implement our vision.

Phase 3: Set goals
Address each area of focus and explore what ministries and programs will be needed.

Phase 4: Draft a final plan
Create a plan, based on feedback and action steps, for review by the Bishop and Diocesan Council.

Phase 5: Communicate the plan
Create a communications strategy to inform the diocese and decide whether or not to take the plan to Diocesan Convention for approval and implementation.

Leadership Team

Committee Co-chairs:

The Rev. Annette Joseph - Christ Church, Cape Girardeau and St. Paul's, Sikeston
Dick Entenmann - Grace Church, Kirkwood

Committee Members:

The Rev. Barbi Click - Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis
Vicki Myers - Grace Church, Jefferson City
The Rev. Dr. Clive Samson - Faith Christian Church of India, Manchester and Emmanuel, Webster Groves
The Rev. Jon Stratton - Trinity, Central West End
Janet Thompson - Calvary, Columbia
The Rev. Sally Weaver - retired/supply priest
Machelle West - All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods
Parker Williams - Holy Cross, Poplar Bluff

Consultant:

Katie Ong - Episcopal Diocese of Ohio

Next Steps:

The rich diversity of our diocese is what makes us special. This visioning process is all about using the unique perspectives of every individual and every parish in this diocese. We will be calling on YOU to get involved -- to be a part of a committee or a discussion group, to voice your opinion and help plan our future.

What does God have in store for The Diocese of Missouri? Let’s find out together.

We will be posting regular updates on this page and in the News and Events sections of this website. Updates will also be featured in our weekly iSeek email newsletter.

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