Strategic Vision

The rationale for this priority is the refrain expressed again and again for greater communication and collaboration.  This call is two-fold:  within the diocese with each other and without the diocese with others.  Emphasis on this priority is responsive to the expressed internal concerns such as the need to better publicize/utilize the resources we have to support one another, the need for a greater sense of connection between churches, between churches and the Diocesan office and vice versa, listening to one another and more opportunities for Diocesan-wide projects and gatherings. There is a clear call for true relationship with one another – which is always reciprocal in nature. Additionally, this priority addresses the expressed desires for improved external communication necessary for the call of proclamation and invitation – telling our story of who we are as the Diocese of West Tennessee and inviting all into community (evangelism and marketing).

Potential effects upon existing diocesan structures and current organizations:

• Diocesan Staff – in offering vestry development opportunities, clergy and lay leadership position guidance, and to address issues particular to a given parish, mission or institution of the Diocese
• Bishop and Council – in promoting and supporting learning opportunities
• St. Columba Conference Center – in being a common meeting place for the diocese to meet in “local groups” and in promoting more diocesan-wide opportunities to come together, e.g. Diocesan Picnic
• Parishes and Missions – in preaching and teaching; in development of community building opportunities for members and their respective local communities
• Episcopal Relief and Development, Emmanual Center, Global Reconciliation, Haiti Partnership – in being expressions of our diocesan-wide support for common outreach in the most effective ways; perhaps other diocesan-wide committees/organizations can be formed to foster collaboration in other pursuits