Strategic Missional Path Forward

A roadmap for faithful ministry, adaptive change, and community renewal.

The Strategic Missional Path Forward is the result of a Spirit-led vision process affirmed by the 2026 Susquehanna Annual Conference. It provides direction for how we will live into our calling, respond to changing realities, and strengthen our shared ministry for the years ahead.

Download the Full Document

Rooted in Our Shared Calling

The Strategic Missional Path Forward begins with our shared identity as United Methodists:

Oak tree with visible roots vector icon set featuring three distinct styles: solid black silhouette, thin line art outline, and a full color version for nature, growth, and environment design.

Mission

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Oak tree with visible roots vector icon set featuring three distinct styles: solid black silhouette, thin line art outline, and a full color version for nature, growth, and environment design.

Vision

To form disciples of Jesus Christ who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.

Oak tree with visible roots vector icon set featuring three distinct styles: solid black silhouette, thin line art outline, and a full color version for nature, growth, and environment design.

Purpose

To equip and resource leaders and congregations for impactful ministry

Realities We Must Address

The Conference identified several realities shaping our shared ministry:

Declining Attendance

Generational Leadership Gap

Aging and Costly Facilities

Rapid Cultural Change

Erosion of Trust in Systems

Required Adaptive Shifts

Congregational Independence → Cooperative Ministry Ecosystems

Congregations will increasingly collaborate through shared leadership, resources, and ministry partnerships.

Leadership Scarcity → Leadership Multiplication

We will cultivate new generations of clergy and lay leaders.

Building-Centered Identity → Community-Embedded Mission

We will help congregations reimagine facilities as tools for ministry rather than barriers to mission.

Institutional Complexity → Relational Simplicity

We will help congregations reimagine facilities as tools for ministry rather than barriers to mission.

Reluctant Change → Courageous Experimentation

We will create a culture where faithful innovation and learning are encouraged.

Strategic Adaptive Initiatives

Collaborative Parish Development

Supporting networks of congregations that share leadership, resources, ministry, and mission.

Focus areas:

  • Define models of collaboration
  • Resource congregations exploring partnerships
  • Encourage cooperative ministry experiments

Congregational Sustainability

Supporting faithful transitions, mergers, adaptive reuse, and new models of ministry.

Focus areas:

  • Understand congregational realities
  • Provide pathways forward
  • Encourage sustainable mission

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Helping congregations become places where neighbors experience belonging and meaningful connection.

Focus areas:

  • Develop community partnerships
  • Share best practices
  • Resource churches in engagement

Next Generation Leadership Development

Cultivating and equipping emerging leaders, lay ministers, young adults, and bi-vocational clergy.

Focus areas:

  • Identify pathways for leadership development
  • Support emerging leaders
  • Expand opportunities for formation

Want to read the report in full?

Take the opportunity to review the report in detail

Download the Report