The people of Eastern Kentucky are remarkably diverse: socially, economically, ethnically, and in terms of age and ability, yet much of that diversity is underrepresented in the leadership of the Diocese of Lexington. One of our challenges is to recognize our own diversity, then raise up and support leaders and ministers, both laity and clergy, who truly represent the range of diversity within our communities. We are also challenged by our continued need to address issues of access and support for persons with physical challenges; lingering racism; further inclusion of gay and lesbian persons; and understanding and working with persons of other faith traditions.
To build stronger, cooperative, mission-based relationships among Mission House, Christ Church Cathedral, every congregation in the diocese, and the communities we serve.
Geography and history are occasional stumbling blocks. Several of our churches are clustered around Lexington and the suburbs across the river from Cincinnati, many more are in small towns many miles apart; this creates disconnection and a sense that the diocese has a “Lexington focus.” Historic tensions between Mission House and Christ Church Cathedral, or Mission House and other regions have improved yet continue to linger. We are challenged to find new, creative ways of working together to harness the communal desires to address the needs of diverse communities within our diocese and to strengthen our connections to others in the state of Kentucky and around the world.
To build communal liturgies and other events that gather us into one worshipping community.
Diocesan-wide fellowship, and spiritual formation events have touched the lives of many. We are challenged to discover anew the energy that forged relationships on St. George’s Day, men’s retreats, women’s retreats, Cursillo, Happening, and other communal celebrations of years past.
To form, educate and train lay and ordained leaders of today and tomorrow through effective, innovative programs.Creativity has produced many benefits. We are now challenged to be equally creative in engaging the leadership and diocesan involvement of our youth, young adults, and college students, and to expand our well-grounded leadership training to include more lay and clergy across the diocese and throughout the church.
To support and strengthen our ministries and congregations to achieve financial sustainability and expand well-grounded and adventurous mission ideas, as we believe that every congregation and ministry is an important part of the whole.
Every ministry matters, especially in a diocese that is comprised of some of the poorest counties in the nation. We are challenged to assist and equip each ministry to achieve financial sustainability despite limited resources and to ensure the long-term stability of the Domain and other vital diocesan ministries.
[...] View more of the profile — Who We Are, What We Value, Our Goals and Challenges. [...]