Pivotal Time for Shaping Diocesan Strategic Plan

February was a pivotal month for the Executive Council of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton (the body of regional representatives that governs between synods), as the process of shaping an 18-month diocesan strategic plan continued to unfold organically.

Executive Council members and invited rural parish representatives (almost all members elected to Executive Council are from Edmonton or the surrounding cities of Sherwood Park and Devon, therefore, rural participants were asked to represent the four regions of the diocese), came together at Camp Van Es, on February 1, for a retreat led by Bishop Stephen London and Another Way consultant Anna Bubel.

Bubel previously led the first phase of the strategic planning process, which included engaging with every parish in the diocese and reporting her findings to the 69th Synod in October. The consultant’s report identified an abundance of assets upon which the diocese can build, such as: “spiritual dedication, talented people, land and buildings, commitment to community service and diversity/inclusion.”

Retreat participants were asked to address the principal areas of focus and key themes revealed by the summary of Synod’s discussion of the key implications of the Listening in Spirit | Shaping Our Future Together report. The focus areas determined to be essential for a vibrant and sustainable future are:

1. Inviting Witness
2. Purposeful Discipleship
3. Vital Congregations
4. Collaborative Community
5. Innovative Stewardship
6. Courageous Justice

For each focus area, groups determined outcomes (what needs to change), as well as the activities to effect said change and the indicators of change.

Several Executive Council members reconvened later in February to further refine and build the diocesan work plan by identifying the resources required to complete each objective and the timeline for completion.

Executive Officer the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman presented a draft of the work plan at the February 27 Executive Council meeting. He will incorporate the council’s feedback into the work draft.

Diocesan leadership recognizes the importance of providing an opportunity for other groups within the diocese to be heard, said Sharman.

“There is value in giving people opportunity to raise what they feel should be a priority for us (as we continue together on the way),” he said. He reiterated that this work plan is a holistic approach to working together as a diocesan family of 46 parishes.

To this end, focus groups will be scheduled prior to April 24, when the diocesan strategic plan will be presented to Executive Council for final approval. The aim is to begin rolling out the strategic plan, or Mission Action Plan (MAP), to parishes in May.

Pictured: Diocese of Edmonton Executive Council members, rural representatives and Another Way Consultant Anna Bubel (seated at right) gathered in retreat at Camp Van Es east of Edmonton on February 1, to continue to shape an 18-month strategic plan.