Real Talk, Real Faith, Real Focus – The Role of the Diocese in a Changing Church
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) is honored to share its recorded webinar, “A Conversation with Bishops: The Role of the Diocese in the Changing Church”.
It’s no secret that The Episcopal Church is approaching a period of significant change with the upcoming 81st General Convention and the elections for Presiding Bishop and House of Deputies’ President. These changes come with excitement but with a fair share of anxiety as well.
ECF’s President Donald Romanik joins Bishops +Brian Prior, +Michael Hunn, +Phoebe Roaf, and +Douglas Scharf in conversation on the role our dioceses have in shaping the future of our ever-changing church landscape.
The engaging and insightful session, now available for on-demand viewing at ECF Vital Practices, brought together these prominent bishops to discuss the evolving responsibilities and opportunities for dioceses within the modern church landscape.
“On the one hand, how do we hold onto our valued tradition, history, and the culture of who we are embedded deeply in being Anglicans, and on the other hand, reaching forward in new and innovative ways?” – Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, ECF Bishop in Residence
Highlights of the Webinar:
- Dynamic Discussions: Bishops shared their experiences and insights on how dioceses can remain vibrant and vital in the face of shifting societal and congregational trends.
- Innovative Approaches: The conversation emphasized the need for innovative leadership and adaptive strategies to address contemporary challenges.
- Real Talk: Leaders in the church spoke honestly about the challenges facing our congregations, dioceses, and denomination as well as the opportunities ahead, if we would just approach them.
This conversation is a critical component of ECF’s broader commitment to fostering adaptive and transformative ministries, particularly through the Diocesan Vitality Initiative, part of the Adaptive Ministries program. This initiative aims to equip diocesan leaders with the tools, strategies, and support necessary to navigate and thrive amid the ongoing changes facing the Episcopal Church and the wider faith community.
Diocesan Vitality Initiative:
The DVI experience is centered around a process of Define, Disrupt, and Develop, or the “3 D’s”. Through this process diocesan teams will:
- Define and understand their current context
- Disrupt systems that are no longer serving mission
- Develop practices and structures that reimagine deploying
Hear the Conversation:
ECF invites all clergy, lay leaders, and members of the Episcopal Church to view the recorded webinar and join us in our efforts to nurture a vibrant, adaptive, and faithful church. Access the recording at ECF Vital Practices and learn more about how the Diocesan Vitality Initiative is crafting the space for Episcopal leaders to face these uncertain times.
About the Episcopal Church Foundation:
The Episcopal Church Foundation is an independent, lay-led organization dedicated to empowering congregations and their leaders with innovative resources and strategies to advance God's mission in the world. Through a range of programs and initiatives, ECF supports the vitality and sustainability of Episcopal ministries.
For more information, please contact Haley Bankey, Director of Partnerships & Program Innovation at hbankey@ecf.org.