Letting Down the Nets - Anglican Diocese of Edmonton

Letting Down the Nets

The Diocese of Edmonton applied to be, and was selected as, a ‘pilot diocese’ for the Letting Down the Nets program of General Synod. The information that follows will provide some background information about the program, the process that led up to it, and the significance of the Diocese of Edmonton being selected as a pilot.

Background

In 1995 General Synod approved a strategic plan—Preparing the Way—that outlined priorities and areas of work that it would concentrate on. Preparing the Way identified some areas of work that were to be eliminated in favour of other priorities and some that were to be passed on to dioceses and parishes It was to guide the church until 2004.
In 2001, Council of General Synod was directed to initiate and oversee a process of intentional listening to the church and in parishes regarding the future life and work of the Anglican Church of Canada. Out of that came a vision, approved by General Synod in 2004, Serving God’s World, Strengthening the Church: A Framework for a common journey in Christ.

“We envision a church that is growing in membership, faith and service in God’s world:

A church that reaches out to serve the world God loves by

inviting people into a relationship with Jesus Christ
nurturing spiritual growth and development in all its members
welcoming and supporting children and young people in their journey of faith
nurturing and strengthening local Christian communities in their worship, learning and mission

A church that works in creative ecumenical partnerships locally, nationally and internationally
A church whose members are learning and growing to understand themselves as stewards of their time, their resources, their decisions and their relationships
A church that is committed to walking with indigenous people in their goal of self–determination, to the enrichment of the whole church
A church that educates its members and advocates on issues of ecological, economic and social justice in Canada and throughout the world
A church that celebrates and strengthens the leadership of bishops, clergy and laity, and recognizes the vital role each has to play as it engages in God’s mission in the world
A church that actively affirms the presence of people of all ages and works to make the most of the gifts of each person

The intentional listening process disclosed deep concern for the financial and spiritual vitality of local churches in challenging circumstances. General Synod believes that it is called by God to offer national responses that can support and strengthen local ministry. It does not hear an invitation to develop another series of “one size fits all” national initiatives, resources and programs.

The church’s capacity to exercise the ministry called for in the Baptismal Covenant depends on its members’ capacity to embrace stewardship. That stewardship is rooted in the knowledge that we are participants in a mission initiated by God, rather than directors of a mission grounded in our own preferences, comfort or advancement. Consultations across the country indicated a strong desire that General Synod resume a leadership role in stewardship education. Continuing to implement the principles of proportional giving as a key element of Christian stewardship and as the basis of diocesan support of General Synod is a priority. For the church to grow in membership, faith and service, strong financial support is required at all levels. Pilot projects in selected dioceses in stewardship education are envisioned as a first step towards renewed efforts in this area.

Letting Down the Nets

In 2004 General Synod approved the stewardship proposals contained in Letting Down the Nets. The program is focused on four major initiatives along with a plan for funding each of them. The implementation of these four plans is to take place between 2005 and 2008.