To faithfully follow the God of innovation in His mission to the world by making disciples, taking risks, and creating new expressions of church in our diocese.

Biblical Reference: Matthew 14: 22-31 Jesus walks on water and then calls Peter to do the same - stepping outside our comfort zone in response to God’s call

Indicators:

Clergy and laity are able to engage in theologically grounded discussion of innovation (we have an active language and discourse about faithful innovation.
Clergy, laity and diocesan staff report feeling enabled and supported in the development of and experimentation with new models
The Diocese of Niagara has developed concrete new models of faithful innovation (e.g. Fresh Expressions ministries, innovative approaches to capital infrastructure, creative strategic planning at all levels of governance, new kinds of partnerships
People who previously did not connect with the church report being drawn by the life changing, contextual reshaping of their local faith community
Successful innovation will be recognized by changed lives, ongoing discipleship, deepened faith, and wide-ranging growth within the life of a parish.

MIssional Objectives:

The diocesan website sustains the Wall of Innovation and continues to elevate specific, existing examples of innovation and innovative leadership.
The Bishop will promote innovative stories, but also truthfully challenge parishes about the urgent need to take risks in their own context.
The Bishop states in every parish visit his explicit permission to take risks to solve problems in innovative ways.
The diocese will establish “incubator churches” where innovative ideas are intentionally implemented for the benefit of the church and for wider diocesan learning.
“Mission Shaped Ministry”, “Re-imagining Church”, or other similar workshops and courses will be offered, promoted, and funded throughout the diocese.
The diocese will host annual workshops for clergy and lay leaders on leading change.
The diocese will create, recruit, educate and commission a new order of “Ministry Pioneers” whose purpose is to establish/plant fresh expressions of church throughout the diocese.
The diocese will find creative ways to financially support innovative ministry endeavors taking place throughout the diocese.
The diocesan leadership will create and implement a comprehensive 10 year plan for church planting, reboots, and fresh expressions throughout the diocese..
Innovation will be better articulated in biblical and theological terms, so that churches understand how ongoing innovation is consistent with God’s mission in the world.
The Diocese will increase its hospitality across the theological spectrum, being open minded toward various evangelical ideas on innovation.
The Diocese will consider the creation of a position of “Missional
Coach” or “Diocesan Officer for Mission” to equip and encourage churches in their innovative projects.