Dear People of God in the Diocese of Southern Ohio:
From the earliest days that I joined in conversation with leaders from the Diocese of Southern Ohio about the possibility of serving as your bishop, when I was asked about my vision and mission, I said that if the people of the diocese called me to this role, we would work together to develop a shared mission. I am grateful to report that we have taken the first step in that process.
In the last week of April and the first week of May, more than 200 people gathered for 28 discernment gatherings, in every region of the Diocese of Southern Ohio as well as online, which were facilitated by consultants from Ministry Architects. In addition, we received input from 17 respondents to our online survey for those who were not able to attend the gatherings. Our intent with this effort was to learn about our current state as the Body of Christ throughout Southern Ohio. The survey and gatherings invited participants’ responses to questions like: “What is the most important thing that you need to share about life in the diocese right now?” and “If the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio were thriving, what would things look like here, 10 years from now?” and “What is a challenge that needs to be addressed, in order for the diocese to move forward?”
You can read a report on Ministry Architects’ findings from these gatherings and surveys, as well as a recording of a presentation by our consultants, Annette Safstrom and Renée Wilson. The report assesses strengths and challenges and includes some recommendations from our consultant team on developing a more healthy, faithful, and effective diocesan ministry.
Beginning in mid-July, we will use this data to craft a diocesan mission that I hope to share with you for feedback and refinement at diocesan convention in November. Once our mission is clear, we will discern how best to align our leadership bodies, initiatives, staff and resources to support it.
As we work, I value the opportunity to stay in conversation with you, to hear your questions, and to receive your feedback. Thank you for your prayers for our congregations and all of God’s people in our diocese.
In Christ,
