Visioning Teams Near Completion of Report, Set Final Gathering for August

Discernment and Visioning Teams Gather to Align Vision, Define Priorities, and Shape the Synod’s Future

The Synod’s Discernment and Visioning Teams gathered July 21–22 for a pivotal two-day meeting focused on deepening alignment around the evolving vision of the Synod. Building on over a year of prayerful work, community conversations, and collaborative discernment, the teams came together to finalize pillar recommendations and chart the path toward implementation. This meeting marked one of the final steps before releasing a comprehensive report that will guide the Synod’s next chapter.

The gathering opened with a joint devotion and a reflective recap of the Synod’s visioning journey, grounding the teams in the Spirit and in shared purpose. The afternoon was dedicated to the final presentation of the seven pillar teams, with each group offering 30-minute presentations on their area of focus:

  • Communication and Storytelling

  • Theology and Spiritual Formation

  • Governance

  • Collaboration

  • Grants

  • Regional Learning

  • Stewardship and Finance

Each report included proposed actions, alignment with the overall vision, and next steps. The evening continued with clarifying questions, followed by a time of devotion and rest.

The following day opened with a morning devotion and a budget overview, ensuring the financial sustainability of proposed recommendations. Teams then engaged in a collaborative review of all pillar proposals—identifying key resonances, concerns, and priorities. Small groups met in Vision Discernment and Alignment Dialogues, carefully assessing clarity, purpose, theological grounding, timelines, and evaluative criteria. This collective reflection laid the foundation for refining the report with both integrity and imagination.

In addition to evaluating programmatic recommendations, the group also recommended slight changes to the new Synod logo. Work also began on developing the internal structure of the Synod moving forward, including identifying which functions should be carried out by commissions, committees, task forces, or special teams. These early decisions will help shape a governance structure that is both flexible and aligned with the Synod’s priorities of collaboration, justice, and faithful witness.

The afternoon turned toward implementation. Teams discussed rollout strategies, celebratory moments to honor the work ahead, and presentation plans for sharing the vision across the Synod. The gathering closed in prayer and thanksgiving for the Spirit’s movement throughout this process.

Next Steps:
The Discernment and Visioning Teams will reconvene August 25–27 to finalize their report and prepare for its presentation. Their work represents two and a half years of faithful listening, collaborative dreaming, and theological reflection. As the Synod moves toward adoption and rollout, we are filled with hope that this vision will not only guide internal structures and systems

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to share the final report and invite the broader community into this next phase of faithful transformation.

Mark Bennett