Common Mission Share

Mission Resource Task Force

Re-imagining our financial model represents one of our 5-year Mission Priorities. 

The Mission Resource Task Force began work last summer to help us broaden resources for mission and move from an apportioned share to a common mission share that will be fair, equitable, and sustainable across all our congregations.

The goal isn’t to shift the diocesan budget;  the goal is to share ownership of diocesan mission.

These recommendations represent the next step in re-weaving our pastoral fabric to focus on our local communities. 

The picture of God and our mission is simple:  We’re all in.  Renewal and healing will be a story that we share.

Recommendations

  1. Shift to a Common Mission Share that is be fair, equitable, and sustainable.  Set the formula at 1% for up to $250,000 in expenses / 5.75% for above $250,000 in expenses.  Revenue numbers will be drawn from “Church Non-Capital Expenses” (line 6) of the new parochial report.
  2. Steward our property for mission revenue.  Immediate transactions for property sales to support local mission and develop a long-term plan for property development. 
  3. Create a legacy campaign to support local property maintenance.  Launch a planned giving campaign that allocates 75% to congregations for property needs, 25% for diocesan property support.
  4. Reach beyond the Diocese for mission support.  Develop fundraising capacity for grants, major donors, and small donations.
  5. Increase staff capacity to accomplish goals.
  6. Offer a Jubilee Moment.  Forgive the current apportioned share arrearages and start fresh.

The immediate difference will be changing from the apportioned share model adopted in 1985 to a Common Mission Share model that will provide financial relief to over 90% of our congregations. 

The longer-term impact will be new opportunities to support local mission from more diverse funding sources.

A Common Mission budget that’s shared across all our communities will provide a stable and sustainable foundation for the mission of the entire diocese 

We’re grateful to the Mission Resource Task Force for its hard work and to its chairs, the Rev. Dr. Pierre-Andre Duvert & Mary Farley for their leadership.  Ashley Gonzalez led staff efforts to coordinate over the last year.  The Rev. Gay Jennings served as consultant.