Courageous Love: 2026-2031 Strategic Plan

Over the past five years, the people of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego have lived into a bold and Spirit-led vision. What began as a call to prayer, listening, and discernment grew into a transformative strategic plan–one that launched new congregations, expanded campus ministries, deepened discipleship, championed justice, and created new ways to house, feed, and uplift our neighbors. It has been nothing short of a movement of courageous love.

But God’s mission doesn’t end here.

As the current plan reaches its conclusion, Bishop Susan Brown Snook, the Diocesan Executive Council, and the Strategic Plan Task Force are beginning the work of shaping a new five-year strategic plan that will guide us from 2026 to 2031. Just as before, this plan will not be written behind closed doors–it will emerge from the collective wisdom, imagination, and hopes of the people of this diocese. The Task Force will be co-chaired by Mae Chao of St. Brigid’s Oceanside and Lori Thiel of St. James’ La Jolla. They will be assisted by Carsten Hennings, DBA, a business professor at Point Loma Nazarene University and a parishioner at St. James’ La Jolla.

The first major opportunity to speak into that future will come at Diocesan Convention on November 8. During our time together, delegates and guests will participate in listening sessions designed to gather stories, identify priorities, and dream about how God is calling us to grow, serve, and share the good news of Christ in the years ahead. 

The first strategic plan showed what is possible when we step forward and help one another: congregations grew and new worshiping communities were planted; discipleship deepened through vibrant formation programs; the Good News was shared in word and action; our service to neighbors expanded in tangible, life-changing ways; advocacy for justice has expanded into the public square; new leaders were raised up and equipped for ministry; and stewardship of our resources became a catalyst for mission.  

Because the past five years have been so fruitful, the work ahead is not about starting over–it’s about momentum. The growth, innovation, and transformation we’ve witnessed across our diocese are not endpoints; they are foundations on which we can build even bigger. 

As our congregations grow stronger, our ministries more impactful, and our partnerships more vital, the responsibility to discern where God is leading us, is even more significant. The next five years will be a time to deepen what has begun, to expand what is working, and to bravely step into new opportunities that will shape our diocese’s witness for decades to come.

We invite you to come ready to listen, to speak, and to dream with us at Convention. Together, we will discern and write the next chapter of courageous love in the Diocese of San Diego.