Bishop Julian originally presented the vision for the future of the Diocese to the Bishop’s Leadership Team, Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod over a period of several months in late 2014 and early 2015. He spoke to Diocesan Synod about the vision on October 18, 2014, almost a year to the day since he first arrived in the Diocese as Bishop.

An initial summary document was handed out to all Synod representatives prior to a special ‘Vision Synod Meeting’ on February 7, 2015 and before ratification of the proposals at Synod in March 2015.

‘Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’

We desire to make the Good News about Jesus Christ more widely known, because we believe:

• He is the One who brings ‘life in all its fullness’
• Healthy church communities have a positive and transformative impact on our society.

We will work together to achieve this by:

Making disciples of Jesus Christ

• Knowing the Scriptures better through reading, teaching, preaching and study
• Praying with greater depth and urgency for the Kingdom of God to come
• Worshipping in spirit and truth
• Giving generously of our time, talents and money to the cause of Christ

Being witnesses to Jesus Christ

• Sharing the Gospel of salvation with confidence
• Meeting human need: actions as well as words
• Planting 10 Strategic Church Plants and 200 New Local Congregations
• Caring for God’s creation

Growing leaders for Jesus Christ

• Developing a diocesan-wide culture of vocational discernment so that all may hear God’s call and use their gifts in the service of the Gospel.
• Discerning and forming theologically literate lay and ordained leaders, rooted in prayer and with a deep love of the Lord Jesus
• Nurturing a healthy partnership between clergy and laity by fully implementing the Lay Majority Ministry framework
• Forming and supporting a pipeline of highly motivated deacons and priests in order to enable the Diocese’s clergy deployment strategy

Inspiring Children and Young People to raise up a new generation for Christ

• Discipling and nurturing children and young people in their Faith
• Holding regular worship that is accessible and appealing to children and young people and their families.
• Enabling growth in the numbers of leaders of children and young people
• Leveraging a step change in ministry with those aged 11-16
• Facilitating effective partnerships between churches and schools

The Diocesan Vision Prayer

Heavenly Father, we embrace Your call for us to make disciples, to be witnesses, to grow leaders and inspire children and young people.  Give us eyes to see Your vision, ears to hear the prompting of Your Spirit and courage to follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen