The Episcopal Diocese of
WESTERN KANSAS
DIOCESAN PROFILE Bishop Search | Winter 2017
THE EPISCOPACY
IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF FAITH The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry. The Book of Common Prayer, page 855 A FORMER DEAN OF OUR CATHEDRAL HAS OFFERED THIS:
What do we want in a Bishop? A blind person who has God by the hand.
FROM THE EXAMINATION IN THE SERVICE OF ORDINATION OF A BISHOP:
Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of Bishop? I am so persuaded. The Book of Common Prayer, page 517 OUR TRUST AND OUR PRAYER:
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer, page 818
The Episcopal Diocese of
WESTERN KANSAS
DIOCESAN PROFILE WHERE WE’VE BEEN A Brief History of the Diocese of Western Kansas
The Episcopal Church in Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Becoming Western Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
WHO WE ARE The People of Western Kansas
Infinite Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Far and Near . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ministries Around the Diocese
Saint Francis Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Saint Francis Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ashby House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Camp Runamuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Clover House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Domestic Missionary Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Youth Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Congregational Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Life in Western Kansas
The “Big Cities” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Historical Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Natural Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 And Toto Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WHERE WE’RE GOING Bishop Search Survey
Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Word Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
A Vision for a Shared Future
Exciting Things to Come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Welcome Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
APPENDIX
Statistics of Congregations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Candidate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Map of the Diocese of Western Kansas . . . . . . . . . 20 DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|1
WHERE WE’VE BEEN A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN KANSAS
T
he Diocese of Western Kansas began as a part of the Diocese of Kansas, and there have been several steps along the way to its present status. The Diocese of Kansas was formed in 1864, and the Rt. Rev. Vail sent the first missionary to Salina in 1869. The first vestry of the new Salina congregation was elected in 1870. In May of that same year, the congregation of Christ Church was admitted to the Diocese. The church, in a building consecrated in 1908, later became the cathedral, and continues as the cathedral of the Diocese of Western Kansas to this day. By the end of 1900, there were 7 parishes, 16 missions, 13 unorganized Bishop Thomas Hubbard Vail, missions, and 838 communicants. In 1901 The Rt. Rev. Frank Millspaugh first Episcopal Bishop of Kansas. presented the idea of a missionary district in Western Kansas to General Convention. The request was approved by 7 of the 13 members of the Committee on Admission of New Dioceses. The minority of 6 “condemned the whole procedure.” (On occasion, voices are still heard urging the combination of the two Dioceses. The Convention of Western Kansas, in October 2016, considered this idea and rejected it unanimously.) The Rev. Sheldon Griswold was elected first Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Salina in 1902. In his 1916 Convocation address, Bishop Griswold expressed a concern that continues in the Diocese to this day. He said, “Lay people… must be our most active missionaries unless we are to remain a small religious body in Kansas peculiar in habit and narrow in thought and sympathy.” BECOMING WESTERN KANSAS The name of the missionary district was changed in 1950 from “Salina” to “Western Kansas” to better reflect the regional nature of the Diocese. At the 1960 Convention, Bishop Arnold Lewis spoke of important issues such as “population changes in which our small communities are getting smaller… and 2 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WE’VE BEEN
only a few are experiencing growth… the movement of population, the lack of young people, the limited number of new people coming to us, the increase in the size of our farms combined with the increasing mechanization and the lessening of manpower.” He stressed the needs for education, evangelism and stewardship. The issues he addressed were and are real, but so is the determination of the people who faithfully form the Episcopal Church in this Diocese. In 1970, when the Rt. Rev. William Davidson was Bishop, General Convention approved the Diocese of Western Kansas as a separate and official entity. Bishop Davidson used as his theme for the first Convention in 1971 a text used by Bishop Griswold: “he that ploweth should plow in hope!” One of the hopes was this: “Can we embark on ‘mission’ goals rather than on ‘survival’ goals?” Another issue was that of caring for full-time ordained clergy, and training and ordaining part-time and self-supporting clergy. Bishop Jackson Gill and Bishop William Davidson, 1974.
At that time, a structure was put into place which included a Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and a Commission on the Ministry. When the Diocese was established, it became a member of Coalition 14, later known as the Domestic Missionary Partnership. The third Bishop of Western Kansas, Vernon Strickland, would become instrumental in this transition. The churches of the Diocese showed early support for youth ministries. One of the first Boy Scout troops in the nation was started at Christ Cathedral in 1910. Following World War I, Grace Church in Hutchinson helped to organize the first Girl Scout Troop west of the Mississippi. The current Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Milliken, was consecrated on February 19, 2011. He followed the fourth Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. James Adams, Jr. At the time of his election, Bishop Milliken was already serving as Rector of Grace Church in Hutchinson; he continued to function as both Bishop and Rector until January 2015. At that time, he transitioned to our full-time Bishop. He has announced his resignation, effective the last day of 2018. He has been a respected, admired, beloved Bishop throughout The first brownie pack in Kansas, his tenure. Hutchinson, 1938. DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|3
WHO WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN KANSAS INFINITE SPIRIT
S
ome years ago, a film about the Diocese of Western Kansas, Infinite Spirit, was produced and distributed. One of the segments of the film shows the contrast in size and congregational style which exists here. There is a brief view of worship at Christ Cathedral, in the largest city of the Diocese, Salina. The service is conducted in a magnificent Gothic setting, with the wonder of attention to the marvelous possibilities of our common liturgy. The film then shifts to St. Francis, Russell Springs, located in a city which now has 25 residents, served by a priest who travels on an unpaved road from another mission holding on with equal fervor to the faith and to the traditions of the Church. The Diocese, at least from this perspective, is one of contrasts. There are grand parishes with glorious buildings, and small, faithful missions. Life, too, is diverse. As one travels throughout the Diocese, a person becomes aware of the variety of its people, its occupations and its styles. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in many parts of the Diocese, but a wide range of work possibilities exist. The people of Western Kansas are both highly skilled and multi-talented, so congregations have the ability to develop unique programs of Christian growth and development.
Acolytes prepare for worship at Christ Cathedral in Salina.
Uniting the people of this land is a certain and common bond of tenacity. Persons stand up for what they believe, and they hold on to what is important. The Church exists, at least in part, due to the absolutely unswerving dedication of its people. FAR AND NEAR
The distance between Salina and Liberal, in the southwest, is 250 miles. The distance between Hutchinson and Goodland, in the northwest, is 300 miles. Despite these distances, the closeness of people 4 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE
within the Diocese creates a dynamic union. Our Conventions in October of each year move around the Diocese, and wherever we gather, it is a true family reunion that we experience. This description began with the contrast of Christ Cathedral, Salina and St. Francis, Russell Springs. The Cathedral is in the midst of a search process for a Dean, and remains undaunted under the leadership of Father David Hodges, who works for Saint Francis Community Services. And the congregation in Russell Springs? Years ago, before the tenure of our current Bishop, at the close of a visitation, the Bishop at that point in the life of the Diocese told the priest that the Church there would disappear in ten years. More than ten years later, the congregation is strong and stable. This spirit of faithfulness, of choosing to seek always to follow Jesus Christ, is the great reality and blessing of life in this part of God’s world.
MINISTRIES AROUND THE DIOCESE
T
he following are brief descriptions of certain institutions, agencies and organizations associated with the Episcopal Church with which the Bishop of Western Kansas will, in his or her ministry, have occasion to interact. SAINT FRANCIS COMMUNITY SERVICES The mission of Saint Francis is to provide hope and healing to children and families. Founded by Father Bob Mize, it is guided by the philosophy of Therapy in Christ, and calls upon God’s healing powers for mind, body and spirit. Saint Francis is the largest non-profit provider of children’s services in the state of Kansas. Its current Dean, President, and Chief Executive Officer is the Very Rev. Robert “Bobby” Smith. The Rev. David Hodges, Chief Development Officer, is curFr. David Hodges, Col. Joe Brown, Bishop Michael Milliken, rently serving as Provost of Christ Cathedral, Salina. and Fr. Bobby Smith at the dedication of Brown Family Chapel at St. Francis Community Services.
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|5
THE SAINT FRANCIS FOUNDATION The Saint Francis Foundation, led by the Rev. David Hodges, supports the mission of Saint Francis Community Services by seeking others who are answering God’s call to help children in crises. The Foundation also provides marketing and communications services to help grow opportunities to partner with individuals, organizations, churches, and businesses throughout the community. ASHBY HOUSE
Ashby House in Salina.
Opened in February, 1992, this home provides safe shelter for homeless families in the Salina area. It is located on the grounds of Christ Cathedral, in a building which at one time was the residence of the Dean. Ashby House was designated a Jubilee Center in November, 1992 by the Diocesan Council, and confirmed by the National Church. It is governed by an ecumenical Board of Directors, and receives funding from a variety of sources, public and private. It is named for the second Bishop of the Diocese, John Ashby.
CAMP RUNAMUCK Located in a remote part of the Diocese, south of Russell Springs, the Camp invites girls during the summer for an experience in Christian living, Bible study, arts and crafts, horseback riding and working together. It is a week long experience, and there are two sessions, each session for four persons under the care of St. Francis Community Services. The directors of the Camp, Molly Lamb and Rebecca Edwards, stay in touch with the girls periodically during the course of the year. CLOVER HOUSE Clover House was created as a place to provide restorative, residential care to young girls who have survived commercial sexual exploitation. Created by Saint Francis Community Services, it is the first program in Kansas that helps adolescent female survivors move from hurt to healing to wholeness. DOMESTIC MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP While the Domestic Missionary Partnership no longer exists, the Diocese of Western Kansas had received grant money for Hispanic ministry prior to its dissolution in 2011. Our Bishop reports that we are spending some of this fund to promote Hispanic ministry in the southwest, under the leadership of the Rev. Carolyn Ballinger. At this time, Western Kansas receives no funding of any kind from the Episcopal Church. YOUTH MINISTRIES Western Kansas has continued its long-standing tradition of support for youth ministries with a variety of Diocese-wide youth events. In 2009, the first Diocesan Acolyte Festival was held, promoting learning, leadership, and fellowship. The Acolyte Festival continues to this day, with the most recent gathering held at Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany in Larned in August 2017. Diocesan youth also participate in pilgrimages to 6 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE
Adventures with shaving cream at the 2017 Youth Convention in Lyons, Kansas.
England and Happening. Four youth and two adults from Western Kansas attended the most recent Episcopal Youth Event in 2017. An annual Youth Convention gathers and elects two delegates to the Diocesan Convention, with voice and vote. CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES In addition to these diocesan ministries, almost every church in the diocese, from the smallest mission church to the cathedral, has ministries of their own. At one of our Diocesan Conventions several years ago each church was asked to tell the others of some ministry or mission project they were doing. The scope and depth of these projects was amazing. There were a variety of pantries such as food, clothing and non-food stamp items such as paper products, health and cleaning supplies. Others were providing sack lunches for the homeless and free detergent and quarters at the laundromat one day a week. Many of our churches support a child through such agencies as Compassion International or Save the Children. At Christmas, special offerings are sent to Episcopal Relief and Development to purchase necessities such as clean water wells, farm animals and agricultural products for families overseas who live in extreme poverty. Together, we support and celebrate our individual and community ministries. A Diocesan newsletter, The Prairie Spirit, keeps us connected with one another. And our website offers a wonderful source of information about what is going on in our churches. The churches of Western Kansas are living out their belief that Christ Youth collected hygiene items for the Opening came not to be served but to serve and that we must do the same. Eucharist at the 2017 Episcopal Youth Event.
LIFE IN WESTERN KANSAS
D
ubbed a “flyover state” by those who spend more time flying coast-to-coast than driving through the wide-open plains of the heartland, Kansas is home to the geographic center of the United States. What our state lacks in impressive ocean coasts, it makes up for with friendly people, beautiful views, and a variety of welcoming communities. Travel with us through a few of the highlights of Western Kansas. THE “BIG CITIES” The largest city in our diocese, Salina, is home to 47,700. Salina has earned its reputation as a thriving arts community with a variety of museums, concerts, and live theatre events. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Salina Art Center and the annual Sculpture Walk in the spring. Salina is home to several colleges, including Kansas Wesleyan University, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, and University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina. Hutchinson—called “Hutch” by the locals—is the second-largest city in Western Kansas. It has been home to salt mines since the late 1800’s. One of the city’s prime attractions is Strataca, an underground museum and experience that takes you 650 feet beneath the earth to catch a glimpse of the working conditions in a real salt mine. Hutchinson visitors also enjoy the Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum dedicated to tracking America’s space program. In Youth from Grace Church in Hutchinson September, Hutchinson is home to the annual Kansas State Fair. attend a concert at the Kansas State Fair. DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|7
HISTORICAL SITES Head west from Larned to discover a complete and authentic army post from the 1860’s-1870’s at National Historical Site, Fort Larned. Originally built to protect traffic along the Santa Fe Trail from hostile American Indians, the post was abandoned in 1878. Modern visitors can explore barracks, officers’ houses, shops, and more. Another stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Dodge City is the place St. Cornelius in Dodge City prepares an annual to visit if you want a taste of the real Wild West. Here you can float for the Dodge City Days parade. watch the Dodge City Rodeo, or get transported back to the 1800’s in the Boot Hill Museum. Situated on the original site of the Boot Hill Cemetery, the museum highlights the glory days of the old west with lively, interactive displays and activities. If you visit Dodge City in the summer, you might even catch Dodge City Days – a ten-day, community-wide celebration. NATURAL BEAUTY The Diocese of Western Kansas is home to more than ten state parks, featuring sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, reservoirs, and lakes. Many parks offer camping, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Lake Scott State park sits 14 miles north of Scott City, in Western Kansas. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians will enjoy the trails against a backdrop of impressive scenery. You can also rent a canoe or paddleboat to enjoy the lake. There is great wildlife-watching, and you can spend time visiting the remains of the northern-most Native American pueblo – El Cuartelejo. AND TOTO TOO And of course, Kansas would not be complete without a visit to Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz on the grounds of the Coronado Museum in Liberal. In additio to a life-sized house, you can also enjoy a 5,000 square-foot exhibit that will take you on a journey alongside Dorothy.
Clergy celebrate the ordination of Deacon Jeff Mitchell from St. Andrew’s in Liberal, Kansas.
8 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|9
WHERE WE’RE GOING BISHOP SEARCH SURVEY
I
n order to effectively consider where we are going, it is important to first understand where we are. For this reason, the Bishop Search Committee created and distributed a Diocese-wide survey. This survey was made available in both an online and a paper format to individuals of all ages in August 2017. Churches and clergy were notified of the upcoming survey in advance. Once the survey was prepared, each church received a paper survey suitable for copying and distribution; instructions for online survey-taking; and bulletin inserts for use in promoting the survey. The same information and resources were also distributed to all clergy viaSURVEY email, made available on the Diocesan website, and promoted on BISHOP SEARCH RESULTS social media. A period of ten days was allotted for survey-taking. This survey was made available in both an online and a paper format to all members of the diocese in August 2017. Churches and clergy were notified of an upcoming survey in advance. Each church then SURVEY received RESULTS a paper survey for copying, instructions for online survey-taking, and bulletin inserts for use in promoting information was also included in an email clergy, made available on theof The firstthe sixsurvey. surveyThe questions requested that survey-takers ranktoaall series of statements in order diocesan website, and promoted on social media. The first six questions requested that survey-takers rank importance - with “1” being the most important. The line graphs that follow show the percentage of a series of statements in order of important. The line graphs below show the percentage of responses survey-takers who selected each ranking for a given statement, as well as the average ranking. The stategiven for each rank, as well as the average ranking.
ments are listed in order of their ranked importance.
WHICH TASKS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR DIOCESE? Cultivate, encourage, and empower younger generations
Most Important 29%
Love and serve our neighbors at all times Engage in ministry outside the doors of our churches into the community and the world
Least Important 24%
29% 14%
20%
18%
18%
22%
Provide support for declining and at-risk churches
12%
Train and equip clergy and lay leaders to further the ministry of the Church
8%
13%
Foster support, communication and cooperation between the different churches within our diocese
9%
9%
15%
12%
14%
27%
11% 12%
15%
27%
12% 20%
20%
24%
21%
24%
6% 7%
2.6
7%
2.8
11%
3.2
12% 14%
Average Rank
27%
3.9
23%
4.0 4.2
26%
WHAT IS WORKING WELL IN OUR DIOCESE?
10 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE MostWE’RE GOING
Least Important
Important
Friendly, open, and faithful people
44%
27%
12%
12%
11%
Average Rank
2.0
August 2017. Churches and clergy were notified of an upcoming survey in advance. Each church then received a paper survey for copying, instructions for online survey-taking, and bulletin inserts for use in promoting the survey. The information was also included in an email to all clergy, made available on the diocesan website, and promoted on social media. The first six questions requested that survey-takers rank a series of statements in order of important. The line graphs below show the percentage of responses given for each rank, as well as the average ranking. WHICH TASKS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR DIOCESE? Cultivate, encourage, and empower younger generations
Most Important
Least Important
29%
Love and serve our neighbors at all times
24%
29%
Engage in ministry outside the doors of our churches into the community and the world
20%
18%
14%
18%
22%
Provide support for declining and at-risk churches
12%
Train and equip clergy and lay leaders to further the ministry of the Church
8%
13%
Foster support, communication and cooperation between the different churches within our diocese
9%
9%
15%
12%
27%
12%
6% 7%
14%
27%
11%
12%
15%
20%
20%
24%
21%
24%
2.6
7%
2.8
11%
3.2
12% 14%
Average Rank
27%
3.9
23%
4.0 4.2
26%
WHAT IS WORKING WELL IN OUR DIOCESE? Most Important
Least Important
Friendly, open, and faithful people
44%
Bishop’s involvement and accessibility within our congregations
40%
Cooperation and fellowship between churches
7%
Outreach and support of smaller churches
5%
Collegiality among those with different viewpoints
4%
27% 22%
19%
28%
17% 15%
12%
18%
2.0
9%
2.2 3.3
18%
37% 13%
11%
10%
29%
28%
16%
12%
Average Rank
3.4
14%
3.9
49%
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACING OUR DIOCESE? Most Important
Least Important
Aging congregations that are decreasing in numbers Financial difficulties within churches
59% 10%
Geographical size and distance
30%
16%
Ability to attract and sustain quality clergy and lay leaders
7%
Lack of diversity
7%
23%
18% 22%
8%
17%
32% 23% 22% 24%
6% 8% 22%
18%
7%
25%
29%
19% 43%
3%
Average Rank
1.7 2.8 3.2 3.3 3.7
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|11
WHAT SKILLS/EXPERIENCES ARE MOST IMPORTANT IN A NEW BISHOP? Most Important
Be a good pastor to the flock
32%
Visionary who can take us into the future
14%
24%
Experience with small congregations in rural settings
15%
Able to relate well to both traditional and conservative viewpoints
13%
Be a good administrator/manager
Least Important
15%
14%
17%
Knowledgeable about theology, scripture and church history
4%
Excellence in preaching
4% 6% 7%
18%
18%
13%
12%
13%
3.1
10%
3.4
15%
15%
10%
10%
16%
13%
19%
3.8 3.8 4.3
23%
18%
23%
7%
14% 13%
13%
18%
18%
9% 13%
15%
14%
13%
9% 10%
16%
16%
10%
16%
20%
8%
14%
Average Rank
4.3 5.0
24%
WHAT PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ARE MOST IMPORTANT IN A NEW BISHOP? Most Important
Warm, compassionate, people-person
32%
Loves and follows Jesus Personal integrity
Least Important 23%
25% 14%
16% 17%
Humble, with a servant’s heart
9%
10%
Deeply spiritual and prayerful
9%
13%
Flexible and open-minded
7%
Sense of humor
5% 9%
19%
16%
15%
13% 10%
21%
10%
17%
13%
5% 6%
13%
19%
19%
20%
19%
7% 13%
19%
19%
13%
10% 5% 7%
12%
16%
14%
14%
8%
11%
21%
15%
12%
13%
17%
Average Rank
2.8 3.1 3.6 4.2 4.4 4.5 5.0
32%
WHAT DO YOU MOST HOPE OUR NEW BISHOP WILL BRING TO THE DIOCESE? Most Important
Pastoral support of clergy and churches
33%
Revitalization and new growth Support of ministries for youth and young adults
Least Important 23%
30% 13%
19%
27% 23%
15%
9%
22%
Support of missional and innovative endeavors
7%
10%
22%
24%
Love of liturgy and traditions
9%
10%
12%
20%
A vital connection with the Episcopal Church as a whole
9%
8%
10%
11%
12 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WE’RE GOING
15%
22% 25% 23% 20%
Average Rank
7% 4%
2.5
5%
2.5
6%
3.2
10% 16%
3.9
14% 27% 43%
4.1 4.5
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY?
WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?
14%
41% 59% 86%
Yes
Male
No
Female
WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
8%
IN WHICH REGION DO YOU WORSHIP?
10%
1% 19% 10%
53%
36%
23%
18% 22%
Under 18 18-25 25-40 40-60 60-80 Over 80
North West (Colby, Goodland, Logan, Norton, Russell Springs, Scott City) South West (Dodge City, Garden City, Lakin, Liberal, Meade, Ulysses)
North Central (Concordia, Ellsworth, Great Bend, Hays, Lyons, McPherson Salina, Russell) South Central (Anthony, Kingman, Kinsley, Hutchinson, Larned, Medicine Lodge, Pratt)
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|13
WORD CLOUD In addition to the ranking and demographic questions, the survey also asked participants to list the 5-6 attributes, gifts, or characteristics that they believe are most important for our new bishop to have. These words and phrases were then sorted, and like terms were combined, resulting in a list that represented our vision for our next bishop. This list was turned into the Word Cloud that you see to the right. The more often a particular word or phrase was used, the larger it appears in the Word Cloud. (For instance, 30 survey-takers stated that they felt it was important for our next bishop to be “loving.”) Each word or phrase has been scaled according to the frequency with which it was listed - all the way down to those characteristics that were listed only once. Similar—and sometimes dissimilar—terms that address the same general area of gifts and skills have been grouped together. This is intended to highlight both the similarities and diversities that exist within our diocese. Certainly not every word on this Word Cloud is representative of the entirety of Western Kansas. But taken as a whole, the Word Cloud offers a unique view of the hopes and dreams that our Diocese has for our shared future with our new bishop.
engag people-person rela
approachable good hugger
personable funny
likeable
encouraging
friendly
outgoing
open
sense of humo
sincere open-min kind common sense
energeti h
good mediator
influential skilled at overseeing change & transformation
good leader growth-
y patien
maintains confidentiality team player flexible
outreach
community-building good shepherd
innovative
visio
skilled at recruiting, train persuasive
good conversationalist
positive
empathetic
cares for
provides c
fosters a connection with The
works together with congre
warm has a spouse who is also engaged in diocesa av
good listener
good communicator
skilled in marketing
g
nurturing organiz charasmatic insight
good adminis hard-working
risk-taker
14 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WE’RE GOING
skilled at conflict resoluti
ged in youth & young adult ministries bilingual understanding ates well tosupports all ages Hispanic ministries supports enviornmental care
n to new ideas
or caring
nded
ic subltle healthy
tolerant
inclusive of women inclusive of LGBTQ
celebrates & encourages diversity
loving welcoming
social-justice oriented no hateful speech progressive conservative
inclusive
inspiring
not political passionate
faithful good preacher
young God-filled nt prayerful pastoral
devout
loves church history motivational
-oriented loves the Church h-oriented spiritual collegial with other bishops forward-thinking
onary
loves God scripture-centered appreciates Kansas values ning & equipping others willing to travel hopeful
r all churches supportive of diocesan ministries
care for small & rural churches Episcopal Church
egations
educated able to understand our diocese candid
intelligent direct
theologian
respect for liturgy & tradition
an ministries voids gossip respectful
gracious
supportive of clergy
compassionate personal integrity honest strator humble self-aware accessible
supportive
zed
tful relaxed proactive
ion
multi-tasker
charitable down-to-earth wise
trustworthy
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|15
A Vision for a Shared Future EXCITING THINGS TO COME
W
e are excited about what the future holds for the Diocese of Western Kansas. We desire many more years as a vibrant and faithful Diocese—and we know that this is something that takes all of us working together. Nevertheless, we hope that our new bishop will assist us in our journey by providing vital support to churches and clergy, encouraging revitalization and new growth, building relationships with people of all ages, and loving us as his or her own.
The 2015 Diocesan Convention was hosted by Christ
We are not a large diocese, at least not in numbers. Cathedral in Salina. But we are dedicated and hard-working people. While we are certainly open and desiring of someone who will help us to grow and be our best, we are looking for someone who will also appreciate us as we are and recognize the gifts and talents we have to offer.
A lunch gathering with the women of St. John’s in Ulysses.
Sustainability and growth is important to us, and we desire a visionary bishop who will help us look ahead, plan for the future, and grow our congregations. Many of our churches are located in small, rural, and agrarian communities. Aging populations further contribute to congregations that are dwindling in size. But these small churches are faithful and committed. Our new bishop will excel in small church leadership and appreciate the value that these churches bring to our diocese.
Spiritual growth is also important to us. We are looking for a faith leader who has been adequately prepared for the role through study, life experience, and his or her own spiritual life. Our new bishop will have the ability to study the Bible and help us apply it to our lives in faithful and meaningful ways. He or she will have a deep personal faith and devout prayer life. Our new bishop will be an effective administrator, with excellent listening and communication skills. We are fortunate to have a skilled and knowledgeable Diocesan Administrator already working in our Diocesan office—we hope that our new bishop will be open to working alongside her. We are looking for a bishop who will lead from within, with wisdom, humor, and love. At the same time, we pray that our new bishop will also be self-aware enough to know the limits of his or her gifts and time, and will enjoy empowering both clergy and lay leaders to lead, teach, and guide our churches. We are proud to be Episcopalians, and we desire a bishop who shares our joy in being a part of this communion. To us that includes true openness and acceptance of all people. Our new bishop will have a deep love for the
An ordination service at St. Cornelius in Dodge City.
16 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WE’RE GOING
richness and history of our liturgy, coupled with a desire to remain connected to a modern and constantly-changing world. WELCOME HOME Western Kansas is our home. We are looking for someone who wants to be a part of our family. Our new bishop will be equally comfortable conversing with clergy as with the many committed lay people whose work is vital to our Diocese. He or she will happily drive down dusty dirt roads to visit remote congregations, and then celebrate the Mass amid incense and the stately beauty of our cathedral. Our new bishop will value our young people for their wisdom and insight, and not talk down to them. He or she will enjoy preaching an empowering message at the ordination of a new priest, and then celebrating the new ministry over a glass of wine at the reception that follows. Do you feel the call? Are you the leader for whom we are praying? We look forward with great excitement and joy to meet you and invite you to join us in the Diocese of Western Kansas.
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|17
APPENDIX VITAL STATISTICS OF CONGREGATIONS CONGREGATION & CITY
Grace, Anthony Ascension-on-the-Prairie, Colby Epiphany, Concordia St. Cornelius, Dodge City Holy Apostles, Ellsworth St. Thomas, Garden City St. Paul’s, Goodland St. John’s, Great Bend St. Andrew’s, Hays St. Michael’s, Hays Grace, Hutchinson Christ Church, Kingman Holy Nativity, Kinsley Upper Room, Lakin Sts. Mary & Martha, Larned St. Andrew’s, Liberal Transfiguration, Logan St. Mark’s, Lyons St. Anne’s, McPherson St. Augustine, Meade St. Mark’s, Medicine Lodge Trinity, Norton All Saints, Pratt St. Elizabeth’s, Russell St. Francis, Russell Springs Christ Cathedral, Salina Incarnation, Salina St. Luke’s, Scott City St. John’s, Ulysses TOTALS
COMMUNICANTS IN GOOD STANDING
AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENDANCE
BAPTISMS IN 2016
CONFIRMATIONS IN 2016
11 22 17 112 19 46 16 26 19 23 421 8 10 22 22 47 13 22 42 4 6 16 36 0 13 185 52 33 17 1,280
9 11 11 54 12 17 13 15 6 24 106 4 10 14 25 20 9 14 20 4 9 10 22 2 8 68 17 12 10 556
0 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 1 0 25
0 0 0 6 0 5 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 30
FINANCIAL STATISTICS OF CONGREGATIONS Combined Plate & Pledge Income (2015): $964,907 TOTAL Combined Revenue (2015): $1,572,585 Combined Operating Expenses (2015): $1,339425 Combined Diocesan Apportionment (2015): $192,759 Combined Outreach & Development Expenses (2015): $171,009 TOTAL Combined Expenses(2015): $1,480,295
18 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: APPENDIX
CANDIDATE INFORMATION The Bishop Search Committee is seeking nominations for the position of the 6th Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas. Nominations will be accepted from November 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017. The Search Committee is happy to receive nominations and accompanying materials by mail or by email. To nominate someone else, please supply the following information: • Candidate’s full name, address, phone number, and email address • Candidate’s current position (title and location) • Do you personally know this person? If so, how? • Why do you feel this person should be considered? • Does this person know that you have nominated him/her? • Your full name, address, phone number, and email address Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Please supply the following information: • A letter of interest • A current resume/CV • 3 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from clergy and 1 from a lay person) • An updated OTM profile For nominations submitted by mail: Bishop Search Committee c/o Carolyn Peterson, Chair 2052 Leland Way Salina, KS 67401 For nominations submitted by email: diowksbishopsearch@gmail.com
BISHOP SEARCH COMMITTEE: Ms. Carolyn Peterson, Chair (Incarnation, Salina) Ms. Georgia Briery (Norton) Ms. Lisa Hodges (Christ Cathedral, Salina) Rev. Karen Lemon (Pratt) Rev. Amy Long (Hutchinson) Rev. Don Martin (Colby, Goodland, Russell Springs, Scott City) Mr. Steve Molstad (Colby) Mr. Bill Roenbaugh (Kinsley) Rev. John Seatvet (Dodge City) Rev. Bill Waln (Hutchinson)
DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|19
MAP OF THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS
TRINITY
NORTON
TRANSFIGURATION LOGAN
ASCENSION-ON-THE-PRAIRIE
ST. PAUL’S
COLBY
GOODLAND
ST. FRANCIS
RUSSELL SPRINGS
ST. ANDREW’S Hays
ST. ELIZABE
Hays
HOLY ASPOSTLES
ST. MICHAEL’S
Russell
Ellsworth
ST. LUKE’S
SCOTT CITY
ST. ST. JOHN’S
GREAT BEND
STS. MARY & MARTHA OF BETHANY LARNED
ST. THOMAS
CHURCH OF THE UPPER ROOM
GARDEN CITY
LAKIN
HOLY NATIVITY KINSLEY
ST. CORNELIUS DODGE CITY
ST. JOHN’S
ALL SAINTS PRATT
ULYSSES
ST. AUGUSTINE’S MEADE
ST. ANDREW’S LIBERAL
20 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: APPENDIX
ST. MARK’S
MEDICINE LODGE
GR
ANTH
EPIPHANY
CONCORDIA
CHRIST CATHEDRAL
ETH’S
SALINA
INCARNATION
S
SALINA
h
. MARK’S LYONS
RACE
HONY
ST. ANNE’S
MCPHERSON
GRACE
HUTCHINSON
CHRIST CHURCH KINGMAN
Does your heart belong in Western Kansas? DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|21
The Episcopal Diocese of
WESTERN KANSAS 1 North Main, Suite 418 Hutchinson, Kansas 67501 Phone: 620.669.0006 | Fax 620.259.6151 www.diowks.org
22 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE