The Labyrinth in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA. by Erez Attias.

The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) announced a collaborative two-year project, Walk into the Future, which will bring together stakeholders across the church on the topic of ministry discernment. The project includes both leaders already engaged on these issues as well as those interested in beginning their exploration.

Walk into the Future will begin in February with the distribution of a questionnaire to diocesan bishops, canons supporting ministry discernment processes, and members of Commissions on Ministry. Dioceses which participate will have opportunities to come together in live stream conversations and listening sessions later in the year and attend an in-person dialogue and visioning session in 2025. Reports summarizing data, learnings, and trends will be shared during the process and at its conclusion. The first preliminary report will be distributed ahead of the General Convention.

Last year SIM and Trinity Church Wall Street discussed expressions of interest they were hearing in grassroots conversations from around the Church, and explored what could be achieved at this moment in our church’s effort to reshape paths to leadership.

Dr. Courtney Cowart, Executive Director of SIM, urged leaders across the church to take part.

“We want to encourage everyone to participate. The initial questionnaire to kick-off this exciting two-year project will be arriving by email in diocesan offices next week,” said Dr. Courtney Cowart, Executive Director of SIM. “As we hear of the many creative conversations various dioceses are beginning to have on the topic of ministry discernment, we believe this is an opportune time to gather information and bring people together.”

About the Society for the Increase of the Ministry

SIM is a non-profit Episcopal agency founded in Connecticut in 1857 with offices in Atlanta, GA. For 166 years SIM has been funding people engaged in ministry discernment and seeking theological education in The Episcopal Church, as well as listening to leaders of the church who educate and support them.

About Trinity Church Wall Street

Trinity Church Wall Street is a vibrant and growing Episcopal parish of more than 1,600 members. Over the past 325 years, Trinity has been guided by its mission to share God’s love for all people. Trinity’s programs seek to offer shared encounters with the holy, to cultivate compassion, to deepen knowledge and spiritual practices, to work for justice rooted in essential human dignity, to provide places of solace and healing, and to inspire a desire in all people to be conscientious contributors to the life of New York City and the world. More than 20 worship services are offered every week online and at historic Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel, the cornerstones of the parish’s community life, worship, and mission.

For questions or further information on Walk into the Future please contact:

Dr. Courtney Cowart

Executive Director of The Society for the Increase of the Ministry at info@walkintothefuture.church