Fourth Annual Missional Planning Summit Fruitful Time for ADNE Leaders
This June saw rectors and leaders from Maine to Delaware, Albany to the Massachusetts Cape - truly the length and breadth of New England - set aside two days to worship, identify God’s vision for their parishes, list some attainable goals and next steps, and encourage one another through discussion and prayer.
Since this was the fourth year the ADNE has held the summit, many teams came prepared, having already discerned vision and values with their leadership teams at home using reflection questions compiled by Mr. Josh Vanada. The Rev. Steve Hoskins commented on this framework, saying, “discussing the pre-summit questions with my vestry and staff was really fruitful this year.” Additional time was provided at the summit for teams to collaborate and further develop the plans. The Rev. Geoff Little noted, “as always, the fact that we have the Summit and must prepare for it encouraged the leadership to pray and plan for the year ahead of time. The Summit itself further shaped and sharpened the plan.”
One new component this year was a plenary Q&A session in which Bishop Drew unpacked his “Top Five Biggest Leadership Mistakes.” One rector remarked, “it was very humbling to see the Bishop own up to mistakes in leadership, I actually will do the same with my congregation.” Others noted how useful the content was as they considered their own leadership.
By the end of the summit, each church’s leaders had opportunity to share their 12-month plan, which included strategies for developing their church’s missional engagement, children & youth ministry, leadership development process, and investment in Global Mission.
Canon Ross Kimball participated for the first time this year as All Saints’ interim rector. He shared how his mindset changed as the summit progressed, saying, “until this year I didn't need to attend the Missional Planning Summit, since I wasn't leading a church. And I was glad I didn't have to go! I am not a planner. This year as interim rector, I was REQUIRED to attend and participate. I approached it with dread! Much to my surprise, it was a wonderful and immensely helpful experience. Being forced to sit with a couple of our leaders and consider our vision and mission, and then to create a plan for the next 12 months, was stimulating and, shock of shocks, FUN! Now we can sit down every few weeks and see how we're doing. I am confident All Saints will benefit greatly from this experience.”
A stunning highlight of this year’s summit was our second-annual open mic night in the Williams’ home. From stories to song, the evening was the pinnacle of an experience of fellowship that had infused the entire day.
All the work of the summit led up to the celebration of Holy Eucharist when dozens of missional plans surrounded the altar as an offering unto the Lord. Like in previous years, everyone was invited up during the service to lay hands on the missional plans to pray and share Scriptures and words as the Spirit led. It was a powerful image that the Church in New England has a hope and good future; we are all part of the Church the Lord is building, and we can trust in the vision he gives us!
