May has been a busy month for the Diocese of Chicago’s Strategic Planning Process, as it progresses from discovery to discernment, the second stage of the three-stage process of discovery, discernment, and implementation.

On May 8, Saison Consulting presented their preliminary findings from the “discovery phase” to a Strategic Planning Committee made up of 14 lay and clergy representatives from across the diocese, Bishop Paula Clark, and members of the diocesan staff. The committee then met in person on May 10 to discuss the findings, share feedback, and begin discussions that will lead to discerning diocesan priorities for the next 18 months to five years.

The energy and enthusiasm in the day-long working session was high, with vibrant small group discussions and honest, heartfelt sharing among the participants. Saison consultants Nathan Kirkpatrick and Anne Schmidt invited the group to imagine what thriving might look like for the diocese and to imagine what’s possible if we let go of old models and ways of doing things.

Bishop Clark was enthusiastic and encouraging of the Strategic Planning Process, stating “the five year priorities will shape [my] episcopacy.”

Many participants named feeling hopeful after engaging in honest conversations about issues that affect our diocese, and how these issues are often mirrored at the congregation level. Others raised concerns about immediate and urgent needs that need to be addressed in 18 weeks, not 18 months. All agreed that the work we do as a diocese must be deeply grounded in our commitment to the Gospel.

Kirkpatrick and Schmidt listened closely and gathered comments from the small and large group discussions that they will incorporate into their final report, which will be shared with the whole diocese in June. In the meantime, additional small group conversations will be conducted within different areas of ministry and mission, to help translate the preliminary priorities into meaningful goals, benchmark timelines, and budget recommendations.

“We were thrilled and energized by the high level of engagement in the interviews, group conversations and the Holy Cow Landscape Survey, and the shift from discovery to discernment allows us to continue to engage with leaders” said Crystal Plummer, canon for networking and staff lead for the strategic planning process.

“As we clarify the priorities and goals for our future, we’ll explore new ways of organizing our work and even identifying work we need to let go of to meet the needs of this moment. As a diocese we will approach discernment and implementation with transparency, inclusion, and the continued support of Saison Consulting.”

Follow the Strategic Planning Process and read previous updates on the Strategic Planning webpage. For more information about the process please contact Crystal Plummer.

Committee members pictured above include:

Ms. Kathleen Bashem, Grace, Galesburg
Mr. Matthew Berryman, Episcopal Charities
Ms. Emily Culbertson, St. Christopher, Oak Park
Ms. Mariah De La Fuente, Trinity, Highland Park
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, St. Martin, Des Plaines
The Rev. Charles Everson, Church of the Atonement, Chicago
Mr. Wes Kimes, St. Michael, Barrington
The Rev. Kenji Kuramitsu, St. Paul and the Redeemer and Rockefeller Chapel, Chicago
Mr. Skip Lee, Grace, Sterling
Ms. Mary Pat Mauro, St. James Cathedral, Chicago
The Rev. Jihan Murray-Smith, Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest
Mr. Rory Dean Smith, St. Thomas, Chicago
Ms. Nicole Spencer, St. James Cathedral, Chicago
Ms. Pat Cornelius Woods, Messiah-St. Bartholomew, Chicago

Staff:

The Rt. Rev. Paula Clark
Ms. Jennifer Boyle Tucker
Mr. Tom Camell
The Rev. Michael Choquette
Ms. Rebecca Elfring-Roberts
Mr. Luis Garcia
Ms. Karin Gutierrez
Mr. T.J. Houlihan
Ms. Doris Jones
Mr. Keith Kampert
Ms. Louisa McKellaston
The Rev. Andrea Mysen
Ms. Crystal Plummer
Ms. Graicey Van Spankeren