Responses

1
Responses

• Convocation life and challenges
• From the CDC

2
Coudersport
3
Purpose of convocation facilitation

• To listen
• To create safe space for conversation on role and
  identity of diocese
• To share ideas and actions for mission and
  ministry in convocation structure
• To offer this information to Bishop Nathan.
• To discover leadership and ministry development
  strengths and challenges

4
Overview
Understanding the basics of Diocesan Size and
function from our convocational leadership can
help us see our own situation anew and better
plan for the future.
OUR CONVOCATIONS West Branch
Region Susquehanna RegionSouthern
Region Northern Tier Region Lancaster
Region Harrisburg Region Altoona Region
5
identity, Size, and culture
We see ourselves as a diocesan family
Focus Relationships with a desire to develop
programs Role of convocation Preparing for
conventioncelebrations and gatherings in the
past Decision Making convention and through
convocational leadership on Board of
Trustees Change the need was articulated in
every gathering Tone of Conflict Emotional
Subjective
6
Identity and Role of Diocese

• Identity
• Family size Diocese
• Organic entity
• Geographic region has north/south divide
• Role
• To support parish life including resources for
  mission and ministry
• Connect congregations to help resource each
  other-no one is alone
• Administrative, to fulfill the larger purpose of
  the church

7
What have we learned?

• People need to see a benefit to the convocation
• We are in a time of change-dealing with change
  through the convocation gatherings
• Identify and Share Resources
• Help each other Thrive
• Overcome travel which can complicate
• Note
• At one time convocations were stronger-were
  together in mission i.e. new church plants,
  shared liturgies and outreach

8
Identifying ways in which convocation and diocese
can operate more efficiently and effectively in
pursuit of its mission

1. Exchange of ideas is important through the
   convocation but we only meet two times a year
2. Convocation purpose more clearly defined
3. Need to know other leaders in our diocese
4. We are running out of resources in our parishes
   how can the convocation structure help?
5. Inter clergy sharing Id love to hear you speak
   at my church.

9
Identifying ways in which convocation and
diocese can operate more efficiently and
effectively in pursuit of its mission

• Develop other ways for the Bishop to get to know
  the local parishes, not just through annual
  visitation and confirmation
• Could we hold Confirmations by convocation, or
  other geographic regions within the convocation
• Grants to each convocation
• Convocation boundaries re-defined and
  permeated--Form follows function
• Invite people in the pews to envision
  mission/ministry of each convocation

10
Leadership-Role and Responsibility

1. We need structures in place to share mission and
   ministry
2. Education/Formation convocation events include
   mission opportunities
3. Networking opportunities to share resources for
   mission

11
Communication strengthened

• Purposeful and intentional communication
  throughout the convocation, especially of new
  ministry ventures/relationships/program/leadership
  
• Increased reliance on email and the Internet has
  helped to ease the impact of distance-more people
  have access to Diocesan Digest
• Take time to Listen to each others faith stories

12
What do we do with all this information?

• Continue to make connections to the DER to
  strengthen our mission see posting
  www.diocesecpa.org
• Commission on Congregational Development
  supporting ministry development within the
  convocations
• Convocational leadership, working together for
  next steps on hopes and challenges

13
Questions
?