Strategic Visioning

In January, 2021, Bishop Deon Johnson tasked members from throughout our diocese to begin a strategic visioning process to redefine our vision, our mission and our goals.
After months of dreaming, researching, discussing, and praying, the Strategic Visioning Committee developed new mission and vision statements along with a five-year plan to move our diocese into the future. Diocesan Council approved the plan at its October, 2021 meeting.
Our new mission statement:
Walking humbly with God and our neighbors, we seek justice, act with love, and live the Good News of Jesus.
Our new vision statement:
A world transformed by God's love, justice and peace.
Download the Strategic Visioning Report.
The report was presented at the 2021 Diocesan Convention, Nov. 18-20, 2021.
Click these headlines for more information about the visioning process:
2021 Convention Workshop Presentation
Leaders from the Strategic Visioning Committee presented a virtual workshop during the 182nd Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021.
Download the slide presentation from that workshop.
Watch the presentation here:
The Strategic Visioning Committee is busy finalizing proposed goals and initiatives for the diocese's strategic vision and they want to share their ideas with you and hear your feedback.
Everyone in the diocese is invited to attend a virtual listening session with members of the Strategic Visioning Committee. We are holding five separate meetings, with different parishes invited to each. If you can't attend the session designated for your parish, you are welcome to attend one of the other sessions.
The sessions all take place on Sundays at 1 p.m., on July 25, August 1, and August 8.
Click here to get the list of churches for each gathering and the Zoom links to join the discussion.
Strategic Visioning Listening Sessions
Strategic Visioning Collects & Prayers
Bishop Deon Johnson has prepared several collects and prayers for parishes, groups, and individuals to use during our strategic visioning process.
Proposed Mission & Vision Statements
The Strategic Visioning Committee has released a draft of new mission & vision statements for the Diocese:
*Please note: these are DRAFT statements. The final approved statements are listed at the top of this page.
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.
Read more about the new mission and vision statements.
Watch the video below to hear about the process from committee members.
(survey is now closed)
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
News Timeline:
- August 30 Update: Reporting to Diocesan Council
- July 12 Update: Listening Session Details (including Zoom links)
- July 6 Update: Diocesan Listening Sessions
- May 19 Update: Strategic Visioning Prayers
- April 30 Update: New Mission & Vision Statements & Survey
- March 20 Update: Volunteer for Working Groups
- Feb. 24 Update: Defining Vision
- Feb. 17 Update: Revising the Working Timeline
- Feb. 10 Update: The Power of Words
- Feb. 3 Update: The Committee Begins Its Work