2026-2031 Strategic Planning Begins in EDSD

written by Gwynn Lynch | January 20, 2026

One of Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s first projects after she was consecrated our Bishop in 2019 was to start work on a strategic plan. After a major pivot because of COVID, the 5-year Courageous Love plan was launched in mid-2020. That plan centered on four key areas: Evangelism, Discipleship, and Church Growth; Leadership and Congregational Development; Service and Advocacy; and Stewardship. Those four areas informed the work of the Bishop, the Bishop’s staff, and the Executive Council for the past five years. The plan emerged from the hopes and commitments of Episcopalians across the diocese who longed to grow the Church, deepen discipleship, and strengthen our shared ministry in a rapidly changing world. 

Across the diocese, congregations have expanded their reach through renewed evangelism, service, and formation, while leadership development has helped equip lay and ordained ministers for the work of the Church. From new ministry expressions and revitalized congregations to deeper commitments to justice, compassion, and stewardship, the fruits of these past five years offer a strong foundation for what comes next. And, it’s time for our next plan!

As part of the Strategic Planning Team’s efforts in listening to lay and clergy members from across the diocese, a Landscape survey was conducted by HolyCow! Consulting. Many thanks to those who took the time to share their thoughts with us. There were 198 responses from clergy and laity across the diocese. The survey results were presented to the Executive Council and the Strategic Planning Team at the Executive Council retreat. The results are very encouraging! 

The top three priorities of those who answered the survey are: 

  • Equip clergy and other leaders in congregations with strategies that enable them to reach new members. 
  • Take a leadership role in working with churches that are struggling. 
  • Equip congregations to be more effective in addressing problems affecting their surrounding communities. 

Our results showed high levels of satisfaction and energy, with an emphasis on leadership, collegiality, and a shared vision.  

We are very grateful for those who took the time to answer, and we acknowledge that 198 is not a huge response rate. There is still much listening to be done! The Strategic Planning team is beginning its work now. Look for updates from them in the future, and look for additional ways to share your thoughts about the future of our diocese.  

Our next strategic planning effort is being chaired by Ms. Mae Chao (St. Brigid’s, Oceanside) and Ms. Lori Thiel (St. James, La Jolla), with the consulting assistance of Mr. Carsten Hennings, associate professor of management at Point Loma Nazarene University. The rest of the team is comprised of Bishop Susan, Ms. Danielle Beabout (St. Thomas, Temecula), the Rev. Paige Blair-Hubert (St. Peter’s, Del Mar), the Rev. Paul Carmona, the Rev. Kate Flexer (St. Francis, Pauma Valley), Ms. Ana Garcia (St. Matthew’s, National City), the Rev. Richard Hogue (St. Paul’s Cathedral), the Rev. Paul Klitzke (Good Samaritan, San Diego), Mr. George Lynch (St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert), the Rev. Brian Petersen (St. Brigid’s, Oceanside), and Mr. Ray Tackett (St. Paul’s, Palm Springs).