CAPTION: The five priorities will shape strategic planning for the Diocese of Exeter going forward
Bishop Outlines Five Priorities for Diocese of Exeter
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, has outlined his five key priorities for the Diocese of Exeter at this time.
They are: Missional Leadership, Missional DNA, Vocations, Children and Young People and Mixed Ecology.
Bishop Mike was enthroned as Devon’s 72nd diocesan bishop last November.
Four months into his new role he says he wants to build on the exisiting vision to Grow in Prayer, Make New Disciples and Serve the People of Devon with Joy. Here he explains why he has chosen these five priorities and what they mean to him:
The Diocese of Exeter’s vision to grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy has evolved over the last five years, with a widespread post-pandemic listening consultation leading to the development of the ‘Next Steps’ strategy to support mission communities to flourish and be sustainable for generations to come. It’s a vision that fits with Jesus’ commission in Mt.28.16-20, which is authoritative for me and I’m sure for many.
Putting flesh on the bones of the vision, I would like to articulate five particular priorities for this next season of our life together. First, missional leadership: equipping and resourcing the ordained and lay leaders of our Christian communities as best as we can to develop disciples and make new disciples. Second, developing a “missional DNA” across our Christian communities, encouraging outward-looking, invitational churches, hospitable to outsiders and engaged with their wider communities. Third, cultivating an intentional vocational culture so that we are not asking whether God is calling me/us, but “To what is God calling me/us now?” Fourth, children and young people being placed at the heart of our life, mission and ministry. And fifth, a mixed ecology: understanding that we need different ways of doing and being Church. Alongside time-honoured Church we need all sorts of Christian communities which can engage with the 95% of our population who are as yet unengaged. I hope that these five priorities will become embedded at every level of our ministry going foward.
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter
