At the 2025 Annual Diocesan Convention, consultants Anne Schmidt and Nathan Kirkpatrick of Saison Consulting shared preliminary findings from the Strategic Planning Discovery Process. Their report identified the Diocese of Chicago as being in a period of “reinvention and recovery,” marked by low morale but significant hope for the future. The consultants emphasized that immediate foundational needs must be addressed before moving into a longer-term strategic phase.

As part of their discovery work, four key priorities were identified as essential areas of focus for the diocese:

1. Build a sustainable future for diocesan ministry
2. Support clergy and laity in deepening faith and relationships
3. Strengthen and sustain healthy congregations
4. Encourage social outreach and prophetic witness

In a follow-up survey, more than 240 people across the diocese expressed a willingness to participate in advancing this work—an extraordinary response that reflects deep engagement and enthusiasm. To guide progress on each priority, four task forces have been formed, each consisting of 10–12 members drawn from clergy and experienced lay leaders. Nearly three-quarters of participants are affiliated with congregations outside the city of Chicago, and each task force is supported by a senior staff liaison from the diocese.

Each group is charged with developing two to three specific recommendations to advance its assigned priority during the 18‑month strategic planning period, from now through July 1, 2027. Recommendations are expected to follow the S.M.A.R.T. framework—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The Task Forces will present their recommendations and any completed work to-date at the 189th Diocesan Convention in November.

The Strategic Priorities Task Forces were officially commissioned by Bishop Paula Clark on March 26 at an initial kickoff meeting. In her charge, Bishop Clark offered this blessing:

“We give thanks that you have offered yourselves for this important work for our diocese. We ask that you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit; to pray regularly, love one another as Christ loves you; and to know that you are surrounded by the presence of God.

We and many others across the diocese will pray for you and provide the support you need to fulfill your charge. And, we pray that God who has given you the will to fulfill this ministry, will give you the grace to accomplish it.”

The four task forces are listed below. Anyone in the diocese who would like to offer input or suggestions is encouraged to contact the appropriate co-chairs or email ourfuture@episcopalchicago.org.

1.  Build a sustainable future for diocesan ministry

2. Support clergy and laity in deepening faith and relationships

3. Strengthen and sustain healthy congregations

4. Encourage social outreach and prophetic witness