Proposed Strategic Priorities
Iowa Conference, United Methodist Church
April, 2013 – Summary
We, the people and churches of the Iowa Conference, boldly participate with God in our United Methodist mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The Iowa Conference exists for the purpose of growing healthy communities of faith, who promote peace, justice, and the transforming love of Jesus at home and around the world. In a spirit of prayer, we envision that people living in communities and neighborhoods across the state will say they are better off because there is a United Methodist Church in Iowa.
Our strategic planning process as an ongoing conversation committed to a compelling vision and prayer-based achievable goals. We have been praying and talking together with lay and clergy leaders from all across the state to listen to God and to each other. We have heard from local churches, new ministries, mission outposts, conference and district committees, among others, who have shared their deepest hopes and concerns. We all can contribute to a brighter future characterized by exciting engagement in ministry and growing numbers of Christian disciples. “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” The following strategic priorities are steps toward aligning our Iowa Conference ministries more fully to our shared mission and vision.
1. CREATING World-Transforming Communities of Faith
A. Establishing new communities of faith
B. Increasing vitality in existing communities of faith
2. EQUIPPING Ourselves and Others as Transformational Leaders
A. Equipping transformational lay leadership
B. Equipping transformational clergy leadership
3. DIRECTING Our Resources to Our Common Goals
A. Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy
B. Aligning organizational structures and staffing resources for the sake of the mission
C. Increasing the financial health of the Iowa Conference
We believe we impact lives through the love of Jesus that is reflected in what we do. We do not have all the answers. We are on a journey of faith. We have entered into a new season of opportunity. As we travel together, we believe we are called to be unapologetically Christian and unashamedly United Methodist. We believe we are much stronger together that we are alone. We believe it is time for us all to unite to make a difference. When we follow and live out Christ’s example of generous love and compassion, the world will be transformed.