Pursuing Flourishing

Episcopal Visits

Since the Bishop visits a congregation nearly every weekend of the year, we began a new process in 2024 that includes a time of congregational development consultation with church rectors both before and after the episcopal visit. During this time, we work to identify those flourishing marks that are strong within the church in hopes of sharing some of the Lord’s work found there with other churches throughout the Diocese. In addition, we identify areas of opportunity within those marks that are not flourishing as strongly. The diocesan team then seeks to partner with the church to provide resources, seek greater collaboration, and offer guidance to help and strengthen such ministry areas. 

Rector searches

When a rector prepares to leave for an alternative call or seeks to retire, our Team works closely with the church’s vestry to prayerfully create a search process that seeks God’s will and purpose in identifying and placing the next rector. 

Resourcing Churches

We are now beginning to create important resources such as in-person teachings at Equipping The Saints and Synod, as well as videoed trainings through the online Center for Ministry, to help churches pursue work within each of these flourishing mark areas. We are also beginning to create practical tools and to develop additional network gatherings that will further equip those seeking to do such work. 

Networks

By offering distinct networks of people focused upon the pursuit of the six marks of a flourishing church, people are able to gather to both share idea and resources, as well as to offer continual encouragement in the work. 

And More

The Diocese has programs for rector and church mentoring, spiritual direction, and various retreats (Sacred Mental Health, Sacred Marriage, and more).