The Strategic Planning Committee was established by Executive Council in January 2009 to develop a strategic plan for The Episcopal Church Center and the Executive Council which addresses mission and ministry, growth, finance, challenges and opportunities, issues and concerns, and to map a way to address all these topics.

Committee members were appointed by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson.

Gathering for a recent three-day retreat and meeting, the committee outlined goals, identified issues to be addressed in the strategic plan, and detailed steps in their process.

Survey

Clearly apparent throughout the three-day discussion was the desire and need to tap into the resources and knowledge of the church and to seek comments from all people and areas.

To do so, the Strategic Planning Committee developed survey and encourages all Episcopalians to complete it. The survey is currently in English; Spanish and French will be available shortly.

Among the areas addressed in the survey are: evangelism; multicultural issues, worship, music, and liturgy; youth and young adults; mission; leadership; congregational development; church administration; stewardship; advocacy and social justice. Additionally, there are a series of options and possible responses to the question: “To achieve your vision of a vital Episcopal Church in 2019, how much effort needs to be given to each of the following paths or strategies?”

To access the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Wu5I75KPqOhmGku87xaL6A_3d_3d

The survey will also be available to be completed at the Episcopal Church Center booth at General Convention in Anaheim, California July 8-17.

The deadline to complete the survey is July 28, 2009.

Moving Forward

Resolutions will be presented to General Convention 2009 that will address the work and importance of a Strategic Planning Committee.

A draft of a Strategic Plan will be submitted to Executive Council by December 31, 2009.

Committee members

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee are:

Bishop David Alvarez, Diocese of Puerto Rico and convener of the Strategic Planning Committee
Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies
The Rev Canon Timothy Anderson, Diocese of Nebraska and Executive Council member, chairperson
The Rev. Paige Blair, Diocese of San Diego
J. Richard Briscoe, Diocese of West Tennessee, vice-chairperson
Jack Finlaw, Diocese of Colorado
The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen, Latino/Hispanic Ministries Program Officer
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
The Rev. Christopher Johnson, Jubilee Officer
Bryan Krislock, Diocese of Spokane and Executive Council member
Sarah Lawton, Diocese of California
Albert T. Mollegen, Diocese of Connecticut and Executive Council member
The Rev. Suzanne Watson, secretary

The Episcopal Church, with 110 dioceses in 16 nations, is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church

Strategic Planning Survey

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