Episcopal Diocese of West MissouriInside the Diocese of West Missouri
As is the case everywhere, the Diocese of West Missouri has had its
victories and defeats. It is fairly large geographically, which
leads to exciting diversity but presents practical challenges. The
staff is extremely devoted, and we wish we had the resources to hire
more. Financially, our congregants are loyal, but we have not been
spared the effects of the recent economic downturn.
Location
The Diocese of West Missouri is located in the western half of the state of Missouri. It is a diverse diocese, composed of both urban areas – the cities of Springfield, Joplin, St. Joseph, and the metropolitan areas of Kansas City – and many small towns and rural areas. Its 50 organized congregations are diverse, both in size (2 resource, 6 program, 17 pastoral, 25 family-sized congregations) and in liturgical style. Of the 50 organized congregations, the last was formed in 2002. One congregation formed as a parochial mission and is not yet a formally established congregation.
Of a ten-year period from 1998-2008 in the diocese, the first 5 years showed a gain in baptized members. Between 2003-2004, the diocese showed a drop in baptized members with the last 5 years having a steady level of membership. Currently, our diocese is at a plateau of baptized members.
It is an active diocese, supporting such institutions and programs as Saint Luke’s Hospital and Bishop Spencer Place – a retirement community.
It is a diocese in which the majority of Episcopalians feel good about their congregations and their diocese and look forward to continued growth.
Diocesan website page with a map and links to parish websites
Spreadsheet listing Average Sunday Attendance in 2008 (Excel)
Chart of Average Attendance and Pledging trends (PDF)
Staff and Deaneries
Full-time diocesan staff members include an archdeacon, two administrative assistants, a provost, youth ministry coordinator, and a Hispanic missioner. The bookkeeper and campus ministry coordinator serve on a part-time basis. The editor of the West Missouri Spirit and E-Spirit, a quarterly diocesan news magazine and bi-weekly e-mail, is a contracted individual.
The diocese is divided into four deaneries: Northern, Metropolitan, Central and Southern. Each deanery is composed of the clergy of that deanery and delegates from each congregation, who meet at least four times a year apart from the Diocesan Convention. Deanery clergy meet frequently.
Financial Matters
Financial and administrative matters of the diocese are determined
between the diocesan conventions by the Diocesan Council and Standing
Committee, whose members, clergy and lay, are elected at the Diocesan
Convention or appointed by the bishop. There are elections and
appointments to the Commission on Ministry, Examining Chaplains,
Ecclesiastical Trial Court and the West Missouri School for Ministry
Advisory Board. The Finance Committee is responsible for the
preliminary preparation of the diocesan budget annually. It is
then voted on in its final form at the diocesan convention. The
diocese expects in 2010 income of $1,854,821 and expenditures of
$1,805,111.
The Diocese of West Missouri is committed to supporting the National Church and has continued to meet its assessments fully.
The 2010 Budgeted Income is $1,854,821, of which $134,000 is from endowments and $1,719,321 is from congregations. This is an increase of $9600 from the 2009 Budget.
Expenditures for 2010 are in the amount of $1,805,113. This is a decrease of $41,100 in light of the economic situation in which we find ourselves at this time. The 2010 budget reflects no changes in compensation for its Diocesan Staff.
2010 budget as presented to the 2009 Diocesan Convention (PDF)
