Demetreus Gregg
Thanks to all of you that participated in our strategic planning process—from completing surveys and participating in focus groups, so that we can set goals to guide our mission and ministry for the coming years.
Originally, this process yielded nine priorities, which with advice and guidance from our Chapter has been reduced to four priorities encompassing your feedback as to where we would like to head as a Cathedral Community.
At its August 5 meeting, Chapter approved the following strategic priorities:
Build Disciples for Today and Generations to Come
We are a community dedicated to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are committed to our discipleship and building the Kingdom of God by loving Christ, serving others and welcoming all.
As a Cathedral Community, we will:
- Evaluate and enhance formation offerings for all ages that equip individuals with the resources necessary for personal spiritual growth.
- Value the dignity of every human being, lifting the marginalized and oppressed through our commitment to social, environmental and racial justice.
- Share God’s unending love through excellence in worship, music and the arts.
- Create year-round opportunities for discipleship and fellowship, deepening our connection to Christ and one another.
Build Community and Congregational Connection
As the Cathedral for the Diocese of San Diego, St. Paul’s Cathedral invites everyone, wherever they are on their journey of faith to experience God’s reconciling love and be transformed. We strive to be warm and welcoming, creating a place where all can feel a true sense of belonging.
As a Cathedral community, we will:
- Ensure that all communities surrounding the Cathedral experience SPC as warm, welcoming and accessible.
- Celebrate the different ways newcomers, visitors and parishioners participate in our communal life and invite them to engage more fully in community.
- Evaluate and enhance our programmatic offerings, with a focus on attracting new members, ensuring that all feel connected, loved and valued.
Be Good Stewards of Our Resources
We are committed to ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Cathedral, maintaining our physical plant, and creating a culture that increases and honors generosity.
As a Cathedral Community, we will:
- Evaluate day-to-day operations to find opportunities to realize cost-savings and operational efficiencies.
- Grow together as a community in understanding the importance of pledging and supporting our communal life together.
- Invest in the maintenance and preservation of our campus facilities.
A Cathedral In The City, For The City
We seek to be a place where individuals and communities can come to develop a better sense of understanding and mutual respect.
As a Cathedral Community, we will:
- Expand opportunities for interfaith dialogue and understanding.
- Use our convening power to partner with churches throughout San Diego to address issues that affect our civic and spiritual lives.
- Utilize our space effectively to serve as a community hub.
Over the coming weeks, staff and lay leaders will work together to set out action steps to achieve these priorities in a tangible and measurable way. If you have questions or are interested in participating in this sacred work, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for all that each of you do to contribute to our communal life together.
Demetreus,
Many thanks for sharing this report on the good work of your committee. I’ve served on many strategic and long range planning committees over the years so I appreciate the work that can be involved.
The report causes me to think about it implementation. Understanding that you may not have yet focused on next steps, I have some questions. Please let me know if the answers form the agenda of additional considerations by your committee.
How will implementation be funded? Is there an estimated budget available?
Who will be responsible for making it happen and is there a timetable for doing so?
Are there specific numerical goals or others to measure success?
Also, did the committee consider, as part of strategic planning creating a plan for long term SPC financial health? Funding for the continued maintenance/replacement of our ever aging buildings? What skill set priorities should we be looking for in future staff and lay leadership? Do you see any existing obstacles to achieving your goals?
I understand, your committee may have been charged with only ‘programming’ plans and not financial, structural or staffing matters. I’m asking because I’m not certain of the scope of your engagement.
Again, many thanks for your considerable effort and best wishes for successful implementation!!!
Jim Greer