Issues and Opportunities

The most significant trends facing the Diocese of West Missouri in the coming decade are not unique to West Missouri, but rather common to the whole Episcopal Church.  The fact that a number of these issues are relatively universal makes them no less profound, and it would be inappropriate to continue with a “business as usual” approach.  However, there are also signs of potential opportunities if we open ourselves to them.

  • Membership and attendance.  Of the 50 congregations in existence during most of the last 10 years, 34 have declined in average Sunday attendance, while 10 have grown, and the remainder stayed the same.   Average Sunday attendance has declined by 12.8%, with a corresponding decline in membership.  However, this is better than the national average of 16%.  While there are many social and cultural factors contributing to the decline in church participation, the fact that 16 of our churches have grown or at least held steady gives us hope that reversal of the decline is still possible.
  • Ageing of membership.  Some demographers estimate that the average age of Episcopalians nationally is now over 60.  While we don’t know the average age in the Diocese of West Missouri, 83.2% of the respondents to our recent survey were age 45 or older. Since this age dynamic is common in most American Christian denominations, there appears to be an overall cultural change such that each successive generation is now less likely to join or attend a church.  This trend presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity to find new ways to engage persons with the Gospel and in the life of the Church. Just opening our doors on Sunday morning no longer works, but there are also many new and exciting opportunities beyond traditional church programs.
  • Increasing racial and ethnic diversity.  Historically, the population of western Missouri has been overwhelmingly Caucasian, with a significant African-American minority. In the last twenty years, however, there has been significant growth in other ethnic groups. In the decade of the 1990’s, the Hispanic population grew 92.2%, and this growth continues to accelerate.  There has been a smaller, yet noticeable, growth in other diverse groups.  Several ministries have laid the groundwork for becoming more welcoming to this ethnic diversity.  We need to explore what has been accomplished in what are admittedly exceptions, and learn how to adopt a welcoming spirit and ministry in other churches in the Diocese.
  • Human sexuality.  The debates over human sexuality have not been as divisive in West Missouri as they have been elsewhere, and no congregation has attempted to leave over the issue.  Still, differences of opinion do exist and will need continued attention over the coming years.  Last year, the diocese began a process of listening to gay and lesbian experience in the church.  This was initially well received, but relatively few congregations have yet to avail themselves of the opportunity to participate actively.
  • Clergy Leadership.  Already, just over half of our congregations (26 out of 51) have something other than full-time clergy leadership.  At least another 10 congregations may potentially lose the ability to employ full-time clergy during the next decade.  The diocese currently has three Mutual (or Total) Ministry congregations, with more developing. Through the local track for priestly development (The George Herbert Institute), the diocese is increasing its bi-vocational and non-stipendiary clergy. More will be needed in this area.  For those who are called to ordained ministry and who will seek seminary training and formation, financial assistance is needed.
  • St. Anne's, Lee's SummitChurch planting.  Since 1991 The Diocese of West Missouri has planted seven congregations. The first, St. Anne’s in Lee’s Summit, is now a parish, and St. Mary Magdalene in south Kansas City (organized 2003) is already the 11th largest congregation in attendance and 12th in income, with its worship space now under construction. Of the other newly planted congregations, three have closed, one left The Episcopal Church, and one remains a small mission.  The addition of other new congregations faces significant challenges, not the least of which is available financial resources and clergy.  There are currently no plans for establishing any new church plants in the near-term.  In the future, additional church planting initiatives will require creative approaches.
  • Diocesan Schools.  The Diocese of West Missouri operates three schools: The George Herbert Institute for Priestly Development (preparation for priests), The West Missouri School for Ministry (preparation for deacons), and the Lay Academy. In addition, there is a very active Education for Ministry program (development of lay ministry) in a number of the congregations.  Various diocesan groups also present occasional educational events, such as formation workshops or licensed ministry training. All of these operate independently from one another. The Commission on Ministry this year will be reviewing all of these and considering structural changes.
  • Communications.  The Diocese of West Missouri has worked hard of late to improve its internal and external communications. Last year the diocese hired a part-time Publications Director to improve the print version of The West Missouri Spirit, and create an electronic publication to complement it. While the diocese has made some progress and is improving its adoption of technology, there is still much more to be done. This is not only an issue of technology however.  This also involves a perception that both internal and external communication is sometimes lacking and/or out of balance.  Input from multiple sources indicates that improvements in internal and external communication are considered to be a significant priority for much of the clergy and membership.
  • Financial Conditions.  This is listed as the last item because virtually everything above involves and/or impacts the area of financial resources.  With the recent economic downturn, all of West Missouri’s congregations have felt some financial strain. In too many instances, that financial strain has become financial distress.  We should not take solace in the fact that this financial situation is not unique to either the Episcopal Church or to West Missouri.  In one way or another, this affects everything that we do, and calls for a willingness to explore new approaches.

Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas CityThe Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri faces a variety of issues and challenges that call us to be proactive in exploring ways to address them before they become more severe and negatively affect our mission and ministry together.  However, there is already a foundation in place, and there are apparent opportunities to reverse some of the more troubling trends.

To do so will take energy, creativity, strength in spirit, and leadership that is able to make difficult choices, to facilitate discussion, and to communicate a vision for the Diocese.  And, as is the case with all that we do, it will take a prayerful attitude, meaningful discernment, and openness to the Holy Spirit.