Leaders Dream Big at the 2nd Missional Annual Planning Conference
Dozens of clergy and missional leaders gathered last month for the ADNE’s second annual Missional Planning Conference hosted by All Saints Cathedral.
This annual two-day conference is designed to help our leaders dream big, identify God’s vision for their parishes, and strategize how to mobilize their people to mission in their parish’s local contexts.
Each day began with morning prayer and worship lead by the Rev. Cn Justin Howard and Pastor Jeff Wojcicki of All Saints Church. Bishop Andrew Williams and Mr. Josh Vanada, President of the ADNE Standing Committee led plenary sessions on how to create Spirit-led vision for our churches.
Like last year, at the core of the conference were midsize groups. In these, leaders reported back on the 12-month missional plan they created at last year’s conference. Missional wins were celebrated, lessons learned from “failing forward” were shared, and common stuggles and battles were identified. Later in the conference, each group had opportunities to share their 12-month missional plan for the coming year, receive feedback from the group, and receive prayer from the group.
The conference concluded with the celebration of Holy Eucharist. Dozens of missional plans surrounded the altar as a offering unto the Lord. Like last year, each attendee declared what they were leaving behind (self-doubt, isolation, the status quo, etc.) and then declared what they were taking home (renewed confidence, supportive relationships, faith for new possibilities, etc.) Before the final dismissal, everyone was invited up to lay hands on the missional plans to pray and share Scriptures and words as the Lord gave.
Ms. Kathryn Miller, who coordinated last year’s Reawakening Conference worked hard with the rest of ADNE staff to ensure the Missional Planning Conference was a resounding success. As the diocese grows, we are eager to welcome new clergy and leaders into this valuable time of planning and prayer.
Next year’s Missional Conference is scheduled for June 8-9, 2023.
