Provocative Propositions
Our Visions for the Future
At convention, we broke into small groups based on four categories: Worship, Leadership, Action and Communication. Each group created Provocative Propositions which were then posted at the convention center. During the rest of the day, participants voted for their favorite propositions using sticker dots to show their support. Below are the propositions, presented first by propositions recieving the most votes, then by category.
We will use these in May 2008 at the Next Steps Conference to complete the next step of the Appreciative Inquiry process, which is planning out specific actions we can and will take to fulfill these propositions.
To view the top 20 in Word, click here.
To view the category list in Word, click here.
Our 20 Favorite Provocative Propositions
- Every parish in the Diocese of Idaho fully welcomes and embraces all children of God, regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. The action steps required are:
Formal and informal education of parishioners on diversity which includes young people
Outreach into community
Enable every parishioner to participate fully in all liturgical services including blessing of same sex unions, as established by the cannons of the church
We live up to our commitment to love all our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every human being. - The youth of this diocese exemplify growth. We empower them to experience the diversity of God's creation by establishing a commitment to youth in the Diocese through:
a. Creating the 3-year ECUSA model for youth gatherings.
b. Inviting them to participate
c. Coordinating with adult leaders and mentors
d. Integrating with the Leadership Development effort at Paradise Point.
Encouraging youth to participate in leadership and communication within the diocese, using internet, email, and other options. - We are a diocese that supports small congregations by providing opportunities to share worship and clergy.
- We are a diocese where every parish has its own priest either seminary trained or local priest to partner in worship and traditional and contemporary liturgy.
- We are a faithful leadership culture exemplified by collaboration collegiality, risk taking and interaction, which values empowered servant leadership in utilizing the gifts of all the baptized in our present and future congregations, such that the kingdom of God is visible.
- The Seekers Table. This is a web community used to chat, blog and discover. This an in intergenerational site. We proclaim the word of God and connect the greater community with Episcopalians. We welcome those questioning and searching for God and those with questions about the Episcopal church. This site represents the Episcopal Church to the world at large.
The first forum is the ‘Thomas' section that allows people to ask questions to people of faith.
We have volunteers to maintain and monitor the site. We actively promote the site to non-Episcopalians and Episcopalians alike. Our community is deeper that TEC. We have linked with a social network.
It has helped to promote the Episcopal Church to those searching for a home church.
Some of the blogs and chats we offer are:
Ask A Priest: This is a growing, evolutionary process which changes to meet the needs of the participant. Questions are asked via e-mail or chat and we host monthly face to face meetings.
Sermon Archive: Video of sermons from around the diocese that address requested topics
Ministry Support: Blog to present ideas and solutions
On-line Prayer Chain - The Episcopal Diocese is active on the largest university campus in the state of Idaho, which was originally founded by the Episcopal Church (BSU). The churches programs are housed in the Bainbridge Interfaith Campus Ministry Building. It celebrates weekly services with attendance approaching capacity and utilizes student lay ministers and neighboring clergy.
Programs include bilingual services, Bible studies, and intergenerational mentoring/tutoring programs that recognize the importance of all of God's creation. Fellowship and breaking of the bread is fostered in community meals and passing the sacraments at our ever popular ministry-sponsored tailgating events.
With God's help our ministry's, open door policy and programs welcome all and respect the age and dignity of Every Human Being. - Our diocese has a center that empowers and trains people in parishes to become priests and lay ministers and to supply spiritual needs so that all needs are now being met. We have at least one student from each parish studying for the priesthood with the financial and spiritual support of not only their parish but of others. They attend some classes together and many classes using state of art technology.
Also, lay people in the diocese receive pertinent training aligned with individual giftedness for the good of the parish life. The laypersons are assigned to someone who is studying for the priesthood so both gain wisdom for and about their parish. In addition both are mentored by their current priest. - Our diocese has dynamic leader who serves as a resource person in sacred music who:
Leads congregations to explore ways to have lively music in worship
Develops musical leadership in congregations with limited musical resources
Offers regular workshops and choir retreats throughout the diocese - We, the diocese, have successfully lobbied the Federal government to pass an immigration reform bill.
We have completed the second year of our program to assist immigrants in preparing for American citizenship requirements by providing civic training, i.e., ESL, drivers training, and assisting them to transition to life in America.
Building on these achievements, we have a program ‘Diversity by Design', to promote the respect and dignity of every human being, and
We have successfully facilitated workshops and other events promoting intercultural awareness - The diocese has developed an organized, direct and understandable process for ordaining priests raised up from congregations. Postulants are aware of a well defined timeline.
- There is Diocesan-wide accountability and responsibility to our children through pre-baptism counseling of parents, godparents, and representation from the congregation. The goal of this is to nurture, guide, and support our children through to adulthood.
In this endeavor we are honoring the promises we made in the Sacrament of Baptism and as on-going congregational godparents.
The result is that all children are an actual energetic part of congregational life. - The diocesan Discernment Support Group is sponsoring local parish education via EFM, tele-courses in church history, pastoral training, and other courses. Participation is wide-spread: 5 new people are preparing for GOE's and 25 members of the laity have started new local ministries.
- The Diocese has an interactive (user to user interface) web page that promotes ecumenical prayer which seeks to serve Christ in all persons, which includes links to parishes, outreach programs, blogs, chat rooms, and emails.
- The people in the diocese of Idaho are not afraid of evangelism.
We want to grow. And, we are growing because we are personally bringing people into our congregations. We talk about our faith and why it is important. We talk about Jesus. - We are a diocese that keeps track of our families. The Diocese is providing a system that enables the churches to contact families moving within Idaho, notifying these families of worship opportunities available to them at the local congregations.
- We are a diocese where leadership encourages and provides opportunities that inspire, educate and empower all members to respect the dignity of every human being.
- The Diocese proclaims by word and example the Good News of Christ by sharing resources and successes through presentations in the various parishes/deaneries and by using a designated office of communications in each church. The result of this is we are growing and ministering to our various neighborhoods and bringing an unprecedented new life in our churches.
- The Diocese leads the people of faith to respect each others' differences and to build on commonalities to further compassion for all through Paradise Point as an interfaith gathering place for young adults. We accomplish this:
a. by using our Diocesan web page and the "messenger" to post interfaith events
b. by offering "lunch and learns" for state political leaders and state faith leaders (state and church relationships). - Every parish has a designated communicator with the diocese. The goal of this proposal is to encourage, develop, and trust communications between the Diocese and parishes.
The designated communicator:
a. chairs a deanery meeting at least two times a year. One can be pre-convention
b. is competent in using electronic technology and contributes regularly to the Diocesan and Deanery websites.
c. In addition to sending/posting/disseminating all the communications between the diocese and parish, the designated communicator contributes current activities and parish interests to the Messenger.
Provocative Propositions by Category
Worship
We are a diocese that keeps track of our families. The Diocese is providing a system that enables the churches to contact families moving within Idaho, notifying these families of worship opportunities available to them at the local congregations.
We are a diocese that supports small congregations by providing opportunities to share worship and clergy.
The diocese has developed an organized, direct and understandable process for ordaining priests raised up from congregations. Postulants are aware of a well defined timeline.
The diocesan Ministry of Music is offering opportunities for every parish to explore the use of a variety of musical praise and prayer in worship.
The diocesan Discernment Support Group is sponsoring local parish education via EFM, tele-courses in church history, pastoral training, and other courses. Participation is wide-spread: 5 new people are preparing for GOE's and 25 members of the laity have started new local ministries.
We are a diocese where every parish has its own priest either seminary trained or local priest to partner in worship and traditional and contemporary liturgy.
The diocese has an advertising program to engage all people to come to our worship services because we have something for everyone.
Our diocese has dynamic leader who serves as a resource person in sacred music who:
Leads congregations to explore ways to have lively music in worship
Develops musical leadership in congregations with limited musical resources
Offers regular workshops and choir retreats throughout the diocese
Training and renewal events for worship leaders, LEM's, LEV's and other licensed ministries are offered within each parish annually.
The diocese continues to use the Idyll and Messenger ideas re: what is working in sharing liturgies such as: Campaign for church ‘namesake' studies. Exchange worship service with other Episcopal Churches once a year or more.
We are a diocese with an active worship committee serving as a resource to congregations.
Leadership
Our faith and belief in God has provided clear vision to support creation and growth of each congregation in outreach and diversity ministries.
We are a diocese where leadership encourages and provides opportunities that inspire, educate and empower all members to respect the dignity of every human being.
We empower others to seek and serve Christ in all persons by providing an open and welcoming atmosphere of creativity, inspiration and collaboration.
We lead by example as we celebrate Christ's love with our neighbors and sharing our atmosphere of creativity, inspiration and collaboration.
Relationships are essential to our being. We are challenged in our relationships with God and each other to live with courage, trust and welcoming inclusion.
We are a diocese which relishes humor and laughter which builds our humanity, smoothes our path, supports our growth and enlightens our lives.
We are a faithful leadership culture exemplified by collaboration collegiality, risk taking and interaction, which values empowered servant leadership in utilizing the gifts of all the baptized in our present and future congregations, such that the kingdom of God is visible.
The youth of this diocese exemplify growth. We empower them to experience the diversity of God's creation by establishing a commitment to youth in the Diocese through:
a. Creating the 3-year ECUSA model for youth gatherings.
b. Inviting them to participate
c. Coordinating with adult leaders and mentors
d. Integrating with the Leadership Development effort at Paradise Point.
e. Encouraging youth to participate in leadership and communication within the diocese, using internet, email, and other options.
Communication
The people in the diocese of Idaho are not afraid of evangelism.
We want to grow. And, we are growing because we are personally bringing people into our congregations. We talk about our faith and why it is important. We talk about Jesus.
Every parish has a designated communicator with the diocese. The goal of this proposal is to encourage, develop, and trust communications between the Diocese and parishes.
The designated communicator:
a. chairs a deanery meeting at least two times a year. One can be pre-convention
b. is competent in using electronic technology and contributes regularly to the Diocesan and Deanery websites.
c. In addition to sending/posting/disseminating all the communications between the diocese and parish, the designated communicator contributes current activities and parish interests to the Messenger.
Communicating to the Diocese through the internet as an "agent" of Christ's compassion.
The diocese of Idaho holds geographic gatherings of all members and friends on a quarterly basis to overcome bias and celebrate diversity. During our gatherings we are:
a. improving communication verbally and non-verbally
b. sharing cultures to find shard beliefs.
c. Break down myths and misunderstandings
d. Share our relationships with God, our creator.
e. Share our beliefs and customs that are similar
f. Share our common rituals, i.e., sharing a meal to learn mutual respect.
g. Develop websites to celebrate diversity throughout our church.
The Diocese proclaims by word and example the Good News of Christ by sharing resources and successes through presentations in the various parishes/deaneries and by using a designated office of communications in each church. The result of this is we are growing and ministering to our various neighborhoods and bringing an unprecedented new life in our churches.
The Diocese leads the people of faith to respect each others' differences and to build on commonalities to further compassion for all through Paradise Point as an interfaith gathering place for young adults. We accomplish this:
a. by using our Diocesan web page and the "messenger" to post interfaith events
b. by offering "lunch and learns" for state political leaders and state faith leaders (state and church relationships).
The Diocese has an interactive (user to user interface) web page that promotes ecumenical prayer which seeks to serve Christ in all persons, which includes links to parishes, outreach programs, blogs, chat rooms, and emails.
St. Michael's Cathedral is a servant of the Diocese and all it's parishes. SMEC is a resource for information and practical help to support whatever projects they are considering. SMEC is a vehicle for an exchange of ideas, shared resources and experiences, and a nexus for communication.
SMEC's hosts conferences, events, and workshops using web and other communication technologies.
Action
Each congregation is addressing the needs of the youth of their community:
a. by providing a safe place for youth (grades K-8), mentors, nutrition, and play
b. by providing respite care for their parents
c. by providing nurturing intergenerational relationships within the community and congregation
d. by educating/inspiring community/church members to provide these gifts.
Each congregation will report a decline in family conflicts, increased resiliency in the youth, and spiritual renewal of their ministries.
There is Diocesan-wide accountability and responsibility to our children through pre-baptism counseling of parents, godparents, and representation from the congregation. The goal of this is to nurture, guide, and support our children through to adulthood.
In this endeavor we are honoring the promises we made in the Sacrament of Baptism and as on-going congregational godparents.
The result is that all children are an actual energetic part of congregational life.
The Episcopal Diocese is active on the largest university campus in the state of Idaho, which was originally founded by the Episcopal Church (BSU). The churches programs are housed in the Bainbridge Interfaith Campus Ministry Building. It celebrates weekly services with attendance approaching capacity and utilizes student lay ministers and neighboring clergy.
Programs include bilingual services, Bible studies, and intergenerational mentoring/tutoring programs that recognize the importance of all of God's creation. Fellowship and breaking of the bread is fostered in community meals and passing the sacraments at our ever popular ministry-sponsored tailgating events.
With God's help our ministry's, open door policy and programs welcome all and respect the age and dignity of Every Human Being.
Every parish in the Diocese of Idaho fully welcomes and embraces all children of God, regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. The action steps required are:
Formal and informal education of parishioners on diversity which includes young people
Outreach into community
Enable every parishioner to participate fully in all liturgical services including blessing of same sex unions, as established by the cannons of the church
We live up to our commitment to love all our neighbors.
Our diocese has a center that empowers and trains people in parishes to become priests and lay ministers and to supply spiritual needs so that all needs are now being met. We have at least one student from each parish studying for the priesthood with the financial and spiritual support of not only their parish but of others. They attend some classes together and many classes using state of art technology.
Also, lay people in the diocese receive pertinent training aligned with individual giftedness for the good of the parish life. The laypersons are assigned to someone who is studying for the priesthood so both gain wisdom for and about their parish. In addition both are mentored by their current priest.
We are currently housed within the local university/college system and look forward to becoming an Idaho Seminary.
The Seekers Table. This is a web community used to chat, blog and discover. This an in intergenerational site. We proclaim the word of God and connect the greater community with Episcopalians. We welcome those questioning and searching for God and those with questions about the Episcopal church. This site represents the Episcopal Church to the world at large.
The first forum is the ‘Thomas' section that allows people to ask questions to people of faith.
We have volunteers to maintain and monitor the site. We actively promote the site to non-Episcopalians and Episcopalians alike. Our community is deeper that TEC. We have linked with a social network.
It has helped to promote the Episcopal Church to those searching for a home church.
Some of the blogs and chats we offer are:
Ask A Priest: This is a growing, evolutionary process which changes to meet the needs of the participant. Questions are asked via e-mail or chat and we host monthly face to face meetings.
Sermon Archive: Video of sermons from around the diocese that address requested topics
Ministry Support: Blog to present ideas and solutions
On-line Prayer Chain
We, the diocese, have successfully lobbied the Federal government to pass an immigration reform bill.
We have completed the second year of our program to assist immigrants in preparing for American citizenship requirements by providing civic training, i.e., ESL, drivers training, and assisting them to transition to life in America.
Building on these achievements, we have a program ‘Diversity by Design', to promote the respect and dignity of every human being, and
We have successfully facilitated workshops and other events promoting intercultural awareness.