On November 12, Bishop Todd Hunter and other key leaders joined clergy and lay delegates from the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others at the second annual Diocesan Convention, focusing on vision and growth as well as a new 5/5 investment strategy. The convention was held virtually via webinar, with several deaneries arranging local and regional viewings for their clergy.
At the beginning of the 90-minute convention, attendees enjoyed an inspirational address from Bishop Hunter and a video depicting highlights from the past year.
Progress Toward 10-Year Strategic Vision
An important part of the Convention was tracking progress against our 10-Year Strategic Vision. Leaders recapped the Vision unveiled in early 2016: To plant 100 churches in the next 10 years, and recruit, train and develop 200 future leaders for C4SO and the Anglican Church in North America. This Strategic Vision helps ensure the next decade in the life of the diocese is fruitful and God-honoring, and orients us to accomplish specific goals.
Leadership shared that in 2016, the Diocese has made significant process toward these goals. We have planted six new churches:
- Church of the Cross, Austin, TX
- Good Shepherd, Longview, TX
- Christ Church Mission, Kansas City, KS
- The Table Indy, Indianapolis, IN
- Resurrection Anglican, Placerville, CA
- Diocese of Cascadia, Everett, WA
And we have raised up 35 new leaders; we also admitted two new churches, Christ the King Fayetteville and Eucharist Church, into C4SO. Raising up new leaders always precedes starting new works, and we are well on our way. Thanks be to God!
Deanery Report
The Very Rev. Canon David Roseberry, Dean of the Diocese, gave a 2016 report on C4SO’s six thriving Deaneries: Northern California, Texas, Southern California, Kansas, Sacramento Valley, and Southeast. He shared exciting news and stories from each Deanery, and how the Deans are increasing communication and connection within their geographic regions.
Diocesan Development
In 2016, internal diocesan development has also been underway to lay a strong, sustainable foundation for the 10-Year Strategic Vision. The Rev. Canon Kimberley Pfeiler, Canon to the Ordinary, shared C4SO’s progress in the areas of organizational stability, clergy connection and missional partnerships.
- Organizational Stability. To enhance organizational stability, C4SO established new Diocesan offices in Plano, Texas. C4SO also streamlined the structures and systems that undergird healthy diocesan functioning. Under Canon Kimberley’s leadership, the diocese improved its financials for increased sustainability and accountability.
C4SO Headquarters
- Connection. In 2016, C4SO held a joyful annual Clergy Retreat in San Francisco, promoting face-to-face connections for clergy across the country. C4SO also started weekly Clergy Workshops to bring its clergy together for fellowship and strategic insights. To further resource clergy, C4SO launched a Resource Page, providing online tools and resources to aid in ministry. Finally, C4SO simplified its Ordination Process to give postulants a seamless experience.
2016 Clergy Retreat in San Francisco
- Partnership. In 2016, C4SO partnered with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) by sending a team of delegates to the Provincial Council in June. C4SO also established open-handed planting partnerships with other dioceses. C4SO strengthened its ongoing partnership with Always Forward, the ACNA’s church-planting vehicle.
C4SO Delegates at the ACNA Provincial Council, 2016
Canon Kimberley emphasized that in 2017, C4SO will continue to build on these three key areas.
5/5 Investment Strategy
As part of C4SO’s Strategic Vision, Bishop Todd unveiled a new 5/5 investment strategy—a direct investment in raising up new leaders and planting churches. In 2017, he’s asked each church to give 5% to C4SO to help direct the centralized aspects of its mission, and spend the other 5% on mission in their local area.
He believes mission happens best with local impetus, discernment and knowledge—where money and personnel resources can be guided by local people. This 5/5 strategy is powerful because it allows C4SO to do the work of a missional movement, not an institution, fomenting the kind of missional activities that can only happen locally. Those activities are up to each church. If you’re a large church, you can invest in mission through your church; if you’re a small church you can partner with other churches; or you can bring your whole Deanery together to partner. C4SO chose this model because 50% of its diocesan budget goes directly to mission.
Meanwhile, C4SO will invest the 5% it receives from churches right back into equipping clergy and congregations for mission. It will share leadership and expertise, and come alongside its leaders with mentorship, tools and training. The diocese will also continue the awesome but challenging task of staying connected across 10 states—live and online—and providing clergy with an enduring sense of community.
Welcoming New Churches
A majority of Convention Delegates voted to admit two churches into C4SO: Christ the King Fayetteville and Eucharist Church San Francisco. A warm welcome to both congregations!
A majority of Convention Delegates also voted to approve C4SO’s 2017 budget.
New Ways To Get Involved
The Diocesan Convention confirmed C4SO is growing and thriving, passionately pursuing mission, and implementing structures and tools to enhance community and create a sustainable future. Next year promises to be a big one for the diocese, and we need strong leaders to:
- Represent the Diocese as a Delegate at the ACNA Provincial Assembly (June 2017 in Wheaton, IL)
- Help review and amend our Diocesan Canons
- Pray for church planters on our C4SO Prayer Team
If you would like to help in any of these ways, please contact Canon Kimberley Pfeiler.
Want to experience the 2016 Diocesan Convention? Watch the full recording here.
