Mission Resource Priorities
Reflecting our mission statement, our outcomes, our vision and the Evangelical Declaration, our mission priorities for the biennium 2010 - 2012 are as follows:
1. Leaders in the Synod are:
a. continuously identified, equipped and empowered to serve with god given gifts according to God’s call;
b. empowered to practice the disciplines of biblical engagement and prayer;
c. equipped to facilitate conversations about living out baptismal vocation in daily life;
d. supported by caring conversations with their peers;
e. pastored by the Bishop and other Christian leaders
So that:
The leaders of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories may faithfully and joyfully preach the good news of God in Christ Jesus and rightly administer the sacraments.
2. Ministries are:
a. engaged in developing a deeper understanding of being a contributing, unique and vital part of the whole church of God;
b. developed to facilitate cooperative initiatives within the whole church as fellow workers in the Kingdom of God;
c. strengthened in order that there would be a faith presence in congregations, in homes, on campuses, in camps, in new mission starts and in all ministries which support the Synod’s mission and vision;
d. encouraged to use available initiatives and resources, people and tools, to enhance biblical engagement and faith formation (i.e. the Book of Faith initiative from the ELCA, Natural Church Development, transitional ministry, gift inventories...)
So that:
The saints of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories may be “equipped for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4)
3. Direction and Leadership are:
a. consistently communicating the vision and mission priorities of the Synod to all Synod congregations and ministries;
b. offered to increase Biblical engagement, sharing faith stories and conversations in congregations and faith communities in safe and respectful environments;
c. made available to help congregations develop effective governance process and leadership activities for the empowerment of the baptismal vocation of each person in the Synod;
d. successful in developing and expanding the bank of conflict resolution facilitators and resources;
e. engaged in respectful and holistic study and dialogue on the issues of marriage, family and human sexuality and modelling a process for safe space for study and dialogue on difficult issues.
So that:
Members of congregations of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories may experience the joy of being and making disciples in every aspect of their lives.
4. Linkages are initiated and maintained:
a. continuing to serve with and promote God’s work through other church bodies (Synods, ELCIC, local, national and international agencies);
b. giving opportunities to continue financial support of LTS and CTEL approved synod students;
c. collaborating with the Anglican Church of Canada whenever possible and strengthening ties with our other ecumenical partners;
d. promoting the use of the Synod website to receive Synod communications, educational materials, notice of workshops for individuals and faith communities
So that:
Congregations within the Synod of Alberta and the Territories may experience the joy of being in mission with others as part of the whole people of God.
5. Communities are created and maintained:
a. Encouraging congregations to study and pray as the foundation of community;
b. Providing safe, open, accepting and respectful environments for all;
c. Offering opportunities for sharing the story of God’s grace, active in daily living;
d. Supporting congregations in expressing the diversity of God’s creation in the unity of Christ;
So that:
All the world would know that Jesus Christ is Lord.