Strategic Plan 2018

At Synod 2007 Diocesan Council was charged with producing a strategic plan for the diocese.  The particular motion in 2007 accompanied synod’s adoption of the Ministry Assessment Process (MAP) and the report of the Diocesan Task Force on Physical Resources (DTFPR).   By Synod 2008 the first elements of the plan, diocesan vision and values and our diocesan priorities entitled Plan 2018 were introduced.
 

 
The diocesan strategic report contains positive steps for action.  A strong commitment to these steps will result in growing communities of faith.  This report includes an update on the implementation of the priorities, a plan for building vital and sustainable parishes, leadership training and care for clergy in a time of transition.  The strategic plan also includes a full organizational review.  This review will allow us to be sure that we are structured to meet the needs of the parishes and the diocese as a whole during the years leading to 2018. 

Our current economic landscape is a challenge, but it also provides us with the focus we need to make decisions that will result in long term health.  Failure to address the very real challenges we face now would result in longer term atrophy.

The strategic planning process is a journey. As such, it is organic and iterative, compelling us each year to look at where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going. From the beginning the process has been grass roots and will continue to be through to 2018.   This report is being presented in draft form to encourage diocesan conversation before Synod on May 23rd, 2009.
 
- Strategic Planning Working Group
 
The Diocesan Strategic Plan 2018 is available by clicking here. 
 

At Diocesan Synod, the Rev. Richard Leggett of Vancouver School of Theology said that next year Synod had to come up with specific action plans, which he warned might result in some “very difficult decisions.”

“Otherwise it will remain a very pleasant document, but not a plan.”

What are the ten priorities?



Nurturing Spiritual Journeys
• Support people in their personal spiritual development and open the doors to spiritual seekers who do not identify themselves as Christians.
• Develop a wide and inclusive approach to encounter and know God, including spiritual development through connection with nature, exploring spirituality in other faiths, understanding spirituality in our West Coast context, and developing a deep prayer life.
Supporting Christian Education
• Enhance understanding of the Christian faith and explore what it means to be Christian.
• Develop Christian education opportunities that would bring people together to learn and to grow in community.
Deepening Anglican Understanding
• Learn more about Anglican tradition, theology, worship, practices and how the Canadian Anglican church is structured and funded.
• Help people in their personal faith journey as Anglicans and to understand the questions facing the church today.
Renewing Our Worship
• Make Anglican worship relevant to people of all ages, at all life stages and from diverse communities.
• Create new, more inclusive approaches to worship while maintaining and respecting the Anglican tradition.
Caring for God’s Earth
• Address environmental issues.
• Engage in and initiate environmental action.
• Support environmental concerns.
Nurturing the Parish Community
• Nurture the parish community to ensure sustainability.
• Welcome new people, re-engage those who do not attend regularly, and continuing to engage those who are involved in parish life.
• Recognize and support a range of parish models, both large and small, within the diocese.
Building a Community of Parishes
• Build stronger relationship between parishes,
• Build stronger relationship between parishes, the Synod office, and the wider national and international structures.
• Develop the environment of sharing, support, education, partnership and communication throughout the diocese.
Participating in Local Communities
• Parishes, as active participants in the local community, engage in initiatives and partnerships that bring to life the social mission of the church.
• Learn about their communities: the demographics (e.g. cultural, linguistic and age composition); the organizations at work there; and the specific issues, concerns and needs that exist.
• Parishes and Diocese to contribute to community life here and in the wider church.
Cultivating Interfaith Understanding
• Foster interfaith relationships and create opportunities to encourage interfaith dialogue.
• Work toward greater harmony, respect and understanding among different faith groups.
Addressing Issues of Poverty
• Address the issues of poverty, homelessness, and addictions/mental health.
• Act in partnership with other organizations and groups in the community.
• Engage in direct service delivery.
• Increase awareness and understanding of the issues.
Please click on the link for a PDF of this material

Additional Resources

Policy on Vital, Sustainable and Strategic Parish Ministry
 
Diocesan Council approved the policy on Vital, Sustainable and Strategic Parish Ministry at their December 8, 2009 meeting.
Click POLICY to download a copy of this very important component of Diocesan Strategic Plan - Plan 2018