The Episcopal Diocese of

WESTERN KANSAS

DIOCESAN PROFILE
Bishop Search | Winter 2017
 THE EPISCOPACY
IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF FAITH
The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church,
particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith,
unity and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in
Christs name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church;
and to ordain others to continue Christs ministry.
The Book of Common Prayer, page 855

A FORMER DEAN OF OUR CATHEDRAL HAS OFFERED THIS:

What do we want in a Bishop?
A blind person who has God by the hand.

FROM THE EXAMINATION IN THE SERVICE OF ORDINATION OF A BISHOP:

Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of Bishop?
I am so persuaded.
The Book of Common Prayer, page 517

OUR TRUST AND OUR PRAYER:

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church,
and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese,
that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and
equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, page 818
 The Episcopal Diocese of
WESTERN KANSAS
DIOCESAN PROFILE

WHERE WEVE BEEN

A Brief History of the Diocese of Western Kansas
The Episcopal Church in Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Becoming Western Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

WHO WE ARE
The People of Western Kansas
Infinite Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Far and Near . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ministries Around the Diocese
Saint Francis Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Saint Francis Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ashby House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Camp Runamuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Clover House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Domestic Missionary Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Youth Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Congregational Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Life in Western Kansas
The Big Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Historical Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Natural Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
And Toto Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

WHERE WERE GOING

Bishop Search Survey
Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Word Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
A Vision for a Shared Future
Exciting Things to Come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Welcome Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

APPENDIX
Statistics of Congregations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Candidate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Map of the Diocese of Western Kansas . . . . . . . . . 20

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|1

WHERE WEVE BEEN
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN KANSAS

T he Diocese of Western Kansas began as a part of the Diocese of Kansas,

and there have been several steps along the way to its present status. The
Diocese of Kansas was formed in 1864, and the Rt. Rev. Vail sent the first
missionary to Salina in 1869. The first vestry of the new Salina congregation
was elected in 1870. In May of that same year, the congregation of Christ
Church was admitted to the Diocese. The church, in a building consecrated
in 1908, later became the cathedral, and continues as the cathedral of the
Diocese of Western Kansas to this day.
By the end of 1900, there were 7 parishes, 16 missions, 13 unorganized
missions, and 838 communicants. In 1901 The Rt. Rev. Frank Millspaugh Bishop Thomas Hubbard Vail,
first Episcopal Bishop of Kansas.
presented the idea of a missionary district in Western Kansas to Gener-
al Convention. The request was approved by 7 of the 13 members of the
Committee on Admission of New Dioceses. The minority of 6 condemned the whole procedure. (On
occasion, voices are still heard urging the combination of the two Dioceses. The Convention of Western
Kansas, in October 2016, considered this idea and rejected it unanimously.)
The Rev. Sheldon Griswold was elected first Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Salina in 1902. In
his 1916 Convocation address, Bishop Griswold expressed a concern that continues in the Diocese to this
day. He said, Lay people must be our most active missionaries unless we are to remain a small reli-
gious body in Kansas peculiar in habit and narrow in thought and sympathy.

BECOMING WESTERN KANSAS

The name of the missionary district was changed in 1950 from Salina to Western Kansas to
better reflect the regional nature of the Diocese. At the 1960 Convention, Bishop Arnold Lewis spoke of
important issues such as population changes in which our small communities are getting smaller and

2 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WEVE BEEN

only a few are experiencing growth the movement of population, the lack of young people, the limited
number of new people coming to us, the increase in the size of our farms combined with the increasing
mechanization and the lessening of manpower. He stressed the needs for education, evangelism and
stewardship. The issues he addressed were and are real, but so is the determination of the people who
faithfully form the Episcopal Church in this Diocese.
In 1970, when the Rt. Rev. William Davidson was Bishop, General Con-
vention approved the Diocese of Western Kansas as a separate and official
entity. Bishop Davidson used as his theme for the first Convention in 1971 a
text used by Bishop Griswold: he that ploweth should plow in hope! One of
the hopes was this: Can we embark on mission goals rather than on surviv-
al goals? Another issue was that of caring for full-time ordained clergy, and
training and ordaining part-time and self-supporting clergy.
Bishop Jackson Gill and Bishop
William Davidson, 1974. At that time, a structure was put into place which included a Standing
Committee, Diocesan Council, and a Commission on the Ministry. When the
Diocese was established, it became a member of Coalition 14, later known as the Domestic Missionary
Partnership. The third Bishop of Western Kansas, Vernon Strickland, would become instrumental in this
transition.
The churches of the Diocese showed early support for youth ministries. One of the first Boy Scout troops
in the nation was started at Christ Cathedral in 1910. Following World War I, Grace Church in Hutchinson
helped to organize the first Girl Scout Troop west of the Mississippi.
The current Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Milliken, was consecrated on
February 19, 2011. He followed the fourth Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev.
James Adams, Jr. At the time of his election, Bishop Milliken was already
serving as Rector of Grace Church in Hutchinson; he continued to function
as both Bishop and Rector until January 2015. At that time, he transitioned
to our full-time Bishop. He has announced his resignation, effective the last
day of 2018. He has been a respected, admired, beloved Bishop throughout
The first brownie pack in Kansas,
his tenure. Hutchinson, 1938.

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|3

WHO WE ARE
THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN KANSAS
INFINITE SPIRIT

S ome years ago, a film about the Diocese of Western Kansas, Infinite Spirit, was produced and distrib-
uted. One of the segments of the film shows the contrast in size and congregational style which exists
here. There is a brief view of worship at Christ Cathedral, in the largest city of the Diocese, Salina. The
service is conducted in a magnificent Gothic setting, with the wonder of attention to the marvelous pos-
sibilities of our common liturgy. The film then shifts to St. Francis, Russell Springs, located in a city which
now has 25 residents, served by a priest who travels on an unpaved
road from another mission holding on with equal fervor to the faith
and to the traditions of the Church.
The Diocese, at least from this perspective, is one of contrasts.
There are grand parishes with glorious buildings, and small, faithful
missions. Life, too, is diverse. As one travels throughout the Diocese,
a person becomes aware of the variety of its people, its occupations
and its styles. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in many
parts of the Diocese, but a wide range of work possibilities exist. The
people of Western Kansas are both highly skilled and multi-talent-
ed, so congregations have the ability to develop unique programs of
Christian growth and development. Acolytes prepare for worship at Christ
Cathedral in Salina.
Uniting the people of this land is a certain and common bond
of tenacity. Persons stand up for what they believe, and they hold on to what is important. The Church
exists, at least in part, due to the absolutely unswerving dedication of its people.

FAR AND NEAR

The distance between Salina and Liberal, in the southwest, is 250 miles. The distance between
Hutchinson and Goodland, in the northwest, is 300 miles. Despite these distances, the closeness of people

4 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE

within the Diocese creates a dynamic union. Our Conventions in October of each year move around the
Diocese, and wherever we gather, it is a true family reunion that we experience.
This description began with the contrast of Christ Cathedral, Salina and St. Francis, Russell Springs.
The Cathedral is in the midst of a search process for a Dean, and remains undaunted under the leader-
ship of Father David Hodges, who works for Saint Francis Community Services. And the congregation in
Russell Springs? Years ago, before the tenure of our current Bishop, at the close of a visitation, the Bishop
at that point in the life of the Diocese told the priest that the Church there would disappear in ten years.
More than ten years later, the congregation is strong and stable. This spirit of faithfulness, of choosing to
seek always to follow Jesus Christ, is the great reality and blessing of life in this part of Gods world.

MINISTRIES AROUND THE DIOCESE

T he following are brief descriptions of certain institutions, agencies and organizations associated with
the Episcopal Church with which the Bishop of Western Kansas will, in his or her ministry, have
occasion to interact.

SAINT FRANCIS COMMUNITY SERVICES

The mission of Saint Francis is to provide hope
and healing to children and families. Founded by
Father Bob Mize, it is guided by the philosophy of
Therapy in Christ, and calls upon Gods healing powers
for mind, body and spirit. Saint Francis is the largest
non-profit provider of childrens services in the state of
Kansas. Its current Dean, President, and Chief Execu-
tive Officer is the Very Rev. Robert Bobby Smith. The
Rev. David Hodges, Chief Development Officer, is cur-
Fr. David Hodges, Col. Joe Brown, Bishop Michael Milliken,
rently serving as Provost of Christ Cathedral, Salina. and Fr. Bobby Smith at the dedication of Brown Family
Chapel at St. Francis Community Services.

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|5

THE SAINT FRANCIS FOUNDATION
The Saint Francis Foundation, led by the Rev. David Hodges, supports the mission of Saint Francis
Community Services by seeking others who are answering Gods call to help children in crises. The Foun-
dation also provides marketing and communications services to help grow opportunities to partner with
individuals, organizations, churches, and businesses throughout the community.

ASHBY HOUSE
Opened in February, 1992, this home provides safe shelter for homeless
families in the Salina area. It is located on the grounds of Christ Cathedral, in
a building which at one time was the residence of the Dean. Ashby House was
designated a Jubilee Center in November, 1992 by the Diocesan Council, and
confirmed by the National Church. It is governed by an ecumenical Board of
Directors, and receives funding from a variety of sources, public and private.
Ashby House in Salina. It is named for the second Bishop of the Diocese, John Ashby.

CAMP RUNAMUCK
Located in a remote part of the Diocese, south of Russell Springs, the Camp invites girls during the
summer for an experience in Christian living, Bible study, arts and crafts, horseback riding and working
together. It is a week long experience, and there are two sessions, each session for four persons under the
care of St. Francis Community Services. The directors of the Camp, Molly Lamb and Rebecca Edwards,
stay in touch with the girls periodically during the course of the year.

CLOVER HOUSE
Clover House was created as a place to provide restorative, residential care to young girls who have
survived commercial sexual exploitation. Created by Saint Francis Community Services, it is the first
program in Kansas that helps adolescent female survivors move from hurt to healing to wholeness.

DOMESTIC MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP

While the Domestic Missionary Partnership no longer exists, the Diocese of Western Kansas had re-
ceived grant money for Hispanic ministry prior to its dissolution in 2011. Our Bishop reports that we are
spending some of this fund to promote Hispanic ministry in the southwest, under the leadership of the
Rev. Carolyn Ballinger. At this time, Western Kansas receives no funding of any kind from the Episcopal
Church.

YOUTH MINISTRIES
Western Kansas has continued its long-standing tradition
of support for youth ministries with a variety of Diocese-wide
youth events. In 2009, the first Diocesan Acolyte Festival was
held, promoting learning, leadership, and fellowship. The Ac-
olyte Festival continues to this day, with the most recent gath-
ering held at Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany in Larned in Adventures with shaving cream at the 2017
August 2017. Diocesan youth also participate in pilgrimages to Youth Convention in Lyons, Kansas.

6 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE

England and Happening. Four youth and two adults from Western Kansas attended the most recent Epis-
copal Youth Event in 2017. An annual Youth Convention gathers and elects two delegates to the Diocesan
Convention, with voice and vote.

CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES
In addition to these diocesan ministries, almost every church in the diocese, from the smallest mission
church to the cathedral, has ministries of their own. At one of our Diocesan Conventions several years ago
each church was asked to tell the others of some ministry or mission project they were doing. The scope and
depth of these projects was amazing. There were a variety of pantries such as food, clothing and non-food
stamp items such as paper products, health and cleaning supplies. Others were providing sack lunches for
the homeless and free detergent and quarters at the laundromat one day a week. Many of our churches sup-
port a child through such agencies as Compassion International or Save the Children. At Christmas, special
offerings are sent to Episcopal Relief and Development to purchase
necessities such as clean water wells, farm animals and agricultural
products for families overseas who live in extreme poverty.
Together, we support and celebrate our individual and com-
munity ministries. A Diocesan newsletter, The Prairie Spirit, keeps
us connected with one another. And our website offers a wonderful
source of information about what is going on in our churches. The
churches of Western Kansas are living out their belief that Christ
Youth collected hygiene items for the Opening came not to be served but to serve and that we must do the same.
Eucharist at the 2017 Episcopal Youth Event.

LIFE IN WESTERN KANSAS

D ubbed a flyover state by those who spend more time flying coast-to-coast than driving through
the wide-open plains of the heartland, Kansas is home to the geographic center of the United States.
What our state lacks in impressive ocean coasts, it makes up for with friendly people, beautiful views, and
a variety of welcoming communities. Travel with us through a few of the highlights of Western Kansas.

THE BIG CITIES

The largest city in our diocese, Salina, is home to 47,700. Salina has earned its reputation as a thriv-
ing arts community with a variety of museums, concerts, and live theatre events. Art enthusiasts will en-
joy the Salina Art Center and the annual Sculpture Walk in the spring. Salina is home to several colleges,
including Kansas Wesleyan University, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, and University of
Kansas School of Medicine-Salina.
Hutchinsoncalled Hutch by the localsis the second-larg-
est city in Western Kansas. It has been home to salt mines since the
late 1800s. One of the citys prime attractions is Strataca, an under-
ground museum and experience that takes you 650 feet beneath the
earth to catch a glimpse of the working conditions in a real salt mine.
Hutchinson visitors also enjoy the Cosmosphere, a Smithsonian-af-
filiated museum dedicated to tracking Americas space program. In Youth from Grace Church in Hutchinson
September, Hutchinson is home to the annual Kansas State Fair. attend a concert at the Kansas State Fair.

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|7

HISTORICAL SITES
Head west from Larned to discover a complete and authentic
army post from the 1860s-1870s at National Historical Site, Fort
Larned. Originally built to protect traffic along the Santa Fe Trail
from hostile American Indians, the post was abandoned in 1878.
Modern visitors can explore barracks, officers houses, shops, and
more.
Another stop on the Santa Fe Trail, Dodge City is the place St. Cornelius in Dodge City prepares an annual
to visit if you want a taste of the real Wild West. Here you can float for the Dodge City Days parade.
watch the Dodge City Rodeo, or get transported back to the
1800s in the Boot Hill Museum. Situated on the original site of the Boot Hill Cemetery, the museum
highlights the glory days of the old west with lively, interactive displays and activities. If you visit Dodge
City in the summer, you might even catch Dodge City Days a ten-day, community-wide celebration.

NATURAL BEAUTY
The Diocese of Western Kansas is home to more than ten state parks, featuring sand dunes, grass-
lands, wetlands, woodlands, reservoirs, and lakes. Many parks offer camping, fishing, boating, and other
outdoor activities.
Lake Scott State park sits 14 miles north of Scott City, in Western Kansas. Hikers, bikers, and eques-
trians will enjoy the trails against a backdrop of impressive scenery. You can also rent a canoe or paddle-
boat to enjoy the lake. There is great wildlife-watching, and you can spend time visiting the remains of
the northern-most Native American pueblo El Cuartelejo.

AND TOTO TOO

And of course, Kansas would not be complete without a visit to Dorothys House and the Land of Oz
on the grounds of the Coronado Museum in Liberal. In additio to a life-sized house, you can also enjoy a
5,000 square-foot exhibit that will take you on a journey alongside Dorothy.

Clergy celebrate the ordination of Deacon Jeff Mitchell from St. Andrews in Liberal, Kansas.

8 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|9
WHERE WERE GOING
BISHOP SEARCH SURVEY
I n order to effectively consider where we are going, it is important to first understand where we are. For
this reason, the Bishop Search Committee created and distributed a Diocese-wide survey. This sur-
vey was made available in both an online and a paper format to individuals of all ages in August 2017.
Churches and clergy were notified of the upcoming survey in advance. Once the survey was prepared,
each church received a paper survey suitable for copying and distribution; instructions for online sur-
vey-taking; and bulletin inserts for use in promoting the survey. The same information and resources
BISHOP
were SEARCH
also distributed to all clergy viaSURVEY RESULTS
email, made available on the Diocesan website, and promoted on
social media. A period of ten days was allotted for survey-taking.
This survey was made available in both an online and a paper format to all members of the diocese in
August 2017. Churches and clergy were notified of an upcoming survey in advance. Each church then
SURVEY
received RESULTS
a paper survey for copying, instructions for online survey-taking, and bulletin inserts for use in
promoting
The firstthe
sixsurvey.
surveyThe information
questions was also
requested included
that in an email
survey-takers ranktoaall clergy,
series made available
of statements on theof
in order
diocesan website, and promoted on social media. The first six questions requested that survey-takers rank
importance - with 1 being the most important. The line graphs that follow show the percentage of
a series of statements in order of important. The line graphs below show the percentage of responses
survey-takers who selected each ranking for a given statement, as well as the average ranking. The state-
given for each rank, as well as the average ranking.
ments are listed in order of their ranked importance.

WHICH TASKS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR DIOCESE?
Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Cultivate, encourage, and empower younger 29% 24% 20% 15% 6% 7% 2.6
generations

Love and serve our neighbors at all times 29% 18% 18% 14% 12% 7% 2.8

Engage in ministry outside the doors of our churches - 3.2

14% 22% 27% 12% 14% 11%
into the community and the world

Provide support for declining and at-risk churches 12% 15% 11% 27% 20% 27% 3.9

Train and equip clergy and lay leaders to further the 8% 13% 12% 20% 24% 23% 4.0
ministry of the Church
Foster support, communication and cooperation 9% 9% 12% 21% 24% 26% 4.2
between the different churches within our diocese

WHAT IS WORKING WELL IN OUR DIOCESE?

10 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE
MostWERE GOING Least Average
Important Important Rank
Friendly, open, and faithful people 44% 27% 12% 12% 11% 2.0
August 2017. Churches and clergy were notified of an upcoming survey in advance. Each church then
received a paper survey for copying, instructions for online survey-taking, and bulletin inserts for use in
promoting the survey. The information was also included in an email to all clergy, made available on the
diocesan website, and promoted on social media. The first six questions requested that survey-takers rank
a series of statements in order of important. The line graphs below show the percentage of responses
given for each rank, as well as the average ranking.

WHICH TASKS ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR DIOCESE?
Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Cultivate, encourage, and empower younger 29% 24% 20% 15% 6% 7% 2.6
generations

Love and serve our neighbors at all times 29% 18% 18% 14% 12% 7% 2.8

Engage in ministry outside the doors of our churches - 3.2

14% 22% 27% 12% 14% 11%
into the community and the world

Provide support for declining and at-risk churches 12% 15% 11% 27% 20% 27% 3.9

Train and equip clergy and lay leaders to further the 8% 13% 12% 20% 24% 23% 4.0
ministry of the Church
Foster support, communication and cooperation 9% 9% 12% 21% 24% 26% 4.2
between the different churches within our diocese

WHAT IS WORKING WELL IN OUR DIOCESE?

Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Friendly, open, and faithful people 44% 27% 12% 12% 11% 2.0

Bishops involvement and accessibility within our 2.2

40% 22% 18% 10% 9%
congregations

Cooperation and fellowship between churches 7% 19% 28% 29% 18% 3.3

Outreach and support of smaller churches 5% 17% 28% 37% 14% 3.4

Collegiality among those with different viewpoints 4% 16% 15% 13% 49% 3.9

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACING OUR DIOCESE?

Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Aging congregations that are decreasing in numbers 59% 23% 6% 8% 3% 1.7

Financial difficulties within churches 10% 30% 32% 22% 7% 2.8

Geographical size and distance 16% 18% 23% 18% 25% 3.2

Ability to attract and sustain quality clergy and lay 3.3

7% 22% 22% 29% 19%
leaders

Lack of diversity 7% 8% 17% 24% 43% 3.7

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|11

WHAT SKILLS/EXPERIENCES ARE MOST IMPORTANT IN A NEW BISHOP?
Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Be a good pastor to the flock 32% 14% 14% 10% 9% 14% 7% 3.1

Visionary who can take us into the future 24% 15% 16% 9% 13% 13% 10% 3.4

Experience with small congregations in rural settings 15% 20% 14% 10% 13% 13% 15% 3.8

Able to relate well to both traditional and conservative

13% 17% 16% 15% 13% 15% 10% 3.8
viewpoints

Be a good administrator/manager 8% 16% 14% 18% 12% 10% 23% 4.3

Knowledgeable about theology, scripture and church 4% 13% 18% 18% 18% 16% 13% 4.3
history

Excellence in preaching 4% 6% 7% 18% 23% 19% 24% 5.0

WHAT PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ARE MOST IMPORTANT IN A NEW BISHOP?

Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Warm, compassionate, people-person 32% 23% 13% 8% 10% 5% 7% 2.8

Loves and follows Jesus 25% 16% 19% 11% 17% 5% 6% 3.1

Personal integrity 14% 17% 16% 21% 12% 13% 7% 3.6

Humble, with a servants heart 9% 10% 15% 21% 13% 19% 13% 4.2

Deeply spiritual and prayerful 9% 13% 15% 10% 16% 19% 19% 4.4

Flexible and open-minded 7% 12% 13% 14% 19% 20% 17% 4.5

Sense of humor 5% 9% 10% 14% 13% 19% 32% 5.0

WHAT DO YOU MOST HOPE OUR NEW BISHOP WILL BRING TO THE DIOCESE?
Most Least Average
Important Important Rank
Pastoral support of clergy and churches 33% 23% 19% 15% 7% 4% 2.5

Revitalization and new growth 30% 27% 15% 9% 10% 5% 2.5

Support of ministries for youth and young adults 13% 23% 22% 22% 16% 6% 3.2

Support of missional and innovative endeavors 7% 10% 22% 24% 25% 14% 3.9

Love of liturgy and traditions 9% 10% 12% 20% 23% 27% 4.1

A vital connection with the Episcopal Church as a

9% 8% 10% 11% 20% 43% 4.5
whole

12 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WERE GOING

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY? WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?

14%

41%
59%

86%

Yes Male
No Female

WHAT IS YOUR AGE? IN WHICH REGION DO YOU WORSHIP?

1%
8% 10%

19%
10%
36%

23%
18%
53%

22%

Under 18 North West (Colby, Goodland, Logan, Norton,

Russell Springs, Scott City)
18-25
South West (Dodge City, Garden City, Lakin, Liberal,
25-40 Meade, Ulysses)
40-60 North Central (Concordia, Ellsworth, Great Bend,
Hays, Lyons, McPherson Salina, Russell)
60-80
South Central (Anthony, Kingman, Kinsley, Hutchin-
Over 80 son, Larned, Medicine Lodge, Pratt)

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|13

WORD CLOUD
In addition to the ranking and
demographic questions, the survey also personable engag
approachable good hugger
encouraging
likeable

asked participants to list the 5-6 attri-

butes, gifts, or characteristics that they people-person rela
believe are most important for our new
funny friendly outgoing open
sense of humo
bishop to have.
These words and phrases were
then sorted, and like terms were com-

kind sincere open-min

bined, resulting in a list that represent-
ed our vision for our next bishop. This
list was turned into the Word Cloud common sense energeti
that you see to the right. The more good mediator influential
often a particular word or phrase was h
skilled at overseeing change & transformation

good leader y
used, the larger it appears in the Word
Cloud. (For instance, 30 survey-takers
stated that they felt it was important for patien
our next bishop to be loving.) Each
word or phrase has been scaled accord-
growth-
maintains confidentiality
ing to the frequency with which it was flexible team player outreach
listed - all the way down to those char-
acteristics that were listed only once.
community-building
good shepherd innovative visio
Similarand sometimes dissimi-
larterms that address the same gen-
skilled at recruiting, train
persuasive
eral area of gifts and skills have been good conversationalist cares for
provides c
grouped together. This is intended to
highlight both the similarities and di- positive
versities that exist within our diocese. empathetic
Certainly not every word on this
fosters a connection with The
Word Cloud is representative of the en-
tirety of Western Kansas. But taken as a
works together with congre
whole, the Word Cloud offers a unique warm has a spouse who is also engaged in diocesa

good listener
view of the hopes and dreams that our av
Diocese has for our shared future with
our new bishop. g
good communicator
skilled in marketing nurturing organiz
charasmatic insight

good adminis
hard-working

risk-taker skilled at conflict resoluti

14 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WERE GOING

ged in youth & young adult ministries
ates well tosupports
all ages bilingual understanding
Hispanic ministries supports enviornmental care
n to new ideas tolerant
or caring
inclusive of women inclusive of LGBTQ
celebrates & encourages diversity

loving
welcoming social-justice oriented no hateful speech
nded progressive conservative
ic subltle inclusive not political
healthy inspiring passionate

young God-filled
nt prayerful pastoral
faithful good preacher
devout loves church history motivational
-oriented
h-oriented spiritual loves the Church
collegial with other bishops forward-thinking

onary loves God scripture-centered

ning & equipping others willing
appreciates Kansas values
to travel hopeful
r all churches supportive of diocesan ministries
care for small & rural churches
Episcopal Church educated
candid intelligent
egations able to understand our diocese direct theologian
an ministriesrespect for liturgy & tradition
supportive of clergy
voids gossip
respectful
gracious

compassionate
zed
accessible
supportive
personal integrity honest
tful relaxed proactive

strator
ion self-aware
multi-taskerhumble
charitable
down-to-earth
wise
trustworthy

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|15

A Vision for a Shared Future
EXCITING THINGS TO COME

W e are excited about what the future holds for the

Diocese of Western Kansas. We desire many more
years as a vibrant and faithful Dioceseand we know that
this is something that takes all of us working together.
Nevertheless, we hope that our new bishop will assist us
in our journey by providing vital support to churches and
clergy, encouraging revitalization and new growth, build-
ing relationships with people of all ages, and loving us as
his or her own.
The 2015 Diocesan Convention was hosted by Christ
We are not a large diocese, at least not in numbers. Cathedral in Salina.
But we are dedicated and hard-working people. While we
are certainly open and desiring of someone who will help us to grow and be our best, we are looking for
someone who will also appreciate us as we are and recognize the gifts and talents we have to offer.
Sustainability and growth is important to us, and we
desire a visionary bishop who will help us look ahead,
plan for the future, and grow our congregations. Many
of our churches are located in small, rural, and agrarian
communities. Aging populations further contribute to
congregations that are dwindling in size. But these small
churches are faithful and committed. Our new bishop will
A lunch gathering with the women of St. Johns in excel in small church leadership and appreciate the value
Ulysses. that these churches bring to our diocese.
Spiritual growth is also important to us. We are looking for a faith leader who has been adequately
prepared for the role through study, life experience, and his or her own spiritual life. Our new bishop will
have the ability to study the Bible and help us apply it to our lives in faithful and meaningful ways. He or
she will have a deep personal faith and devout prayer life.
Our new bishop will be an effective administrator, with excellent listening and communication skills.
We are fortunate to have a skilled and knowledgeable Diocesan Administrator already working in our Di-
ocesan officewe hope that our new bishop will be open
to working alongside her. We are looking for a bishop
who will lead from within, with wisdom, humor, and love.
At the same time, we pray that our new bishop will also
be self-aware enough to know the limits of his or her gifts
and time, and will enjoy empowering both clergy and lay
leaders to lead, teach, and guide our churches.
We are proud to be Episcopalians, and we desire a
bishop who shares our joy in being a part of this commu-
nion. To us that includes true openness and acceptance of
all people. Our new bishop will have a deep love for the An ordination service at St. Cornelius in Dodge City.

16 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHERE WERE GOING

richness and history of our liturgy, coupled with a desire to remain connected to a modern and constant-
ly-changing world.

WELCOME HOME
Western Kansas is our home. We are looking for someone who wants to be a part of our family. Our
new bishop will be equally comfortable conversing with clergy as with the many committed lay people
whose work is vital to our Diocese. He or she will happily drive down dusty dirt roads to visit remote
congregations, and then celebrate the Mass amid incense and the stately beauty of our cathedral. Our
new bishop will value our young people for their wisdom and insight, and not talk down to them. He or
she will enjoy preaching an empowering message at the ordination of a new priest, and then celebrating
the new ministry over a glass of wine at the reception that follows.
Do you feel the call? Are you the leader for whom we are praying? We look forward with great
excitement and joy to meet you and invite you to join us in the Diocese of Western Kansas.

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|17

APPENDIX
VITAL STATISTICS OF CONGREGATIONS
COMMUNICANTS IN AVERAGE SUNDAY CONFIRMATIONS
CONGREGATION & CITY BAPTISMS IN 2016
GOOD STANDING ATTENDANCE IN 2016

Grace, Anthony 11 9 0 0
Ascension-on-the-Prairie, Colby 22 11 1 0
Epiphany, Concordia 17 11 0 0
St. Cornelius, Dodge City 112 54 2 6
Holy Apostles, Ellsworth 19 12 0 0
St. Thomas, Garden City 46 17 2 5
St. Pauls, Goodland 16 13 1 0
St. Johns, Great Bend 26 15 0 0
St. Andrews, Hays 19 6 0 0
St. Michaels, Hays 23 24 1 0
Grace, Hutchinson 421 106 1 10
Christ Church, Kingman 8 4 0 0
Holy Nativity, Kinsley 10 10 0 0
Upper Room, Lakin 22 14 4 0
Sts. Mary & Martha, Larned 22 25 4 4
St. Andrews, Liberal 47 20 1 0
Transfiguration, Logan 13 9 0 0
St. Marks, Lyons 22 14 0 0
St. Annes, McPherson 42 20 0 0
St. Augustine, Meade 4 4 0 0
St. Marks, Medicine Lodge 6 9 1 0
Trinity, Norton 16 10 0 0
All Saints, Pratt 36 22 4 4
St. Elizabeths, Russell 0 2 0 0
St. Francis, Russell Springs 13 8 2 0
Christ Cathedral, Salina 185 68 0 1
Incarnation, Salina 52 17 0 0
St. Lukes, Scott City 33 12 1 0
St. Johns, Ulysses 17 10 0 0
TOTALS 1,280 556 25 30

FINANCIAL STATISTICS OF CONGREGATIONS

Combined Plate & Pledge Income (2015): $964,907
TOTAL Combined Revenue (2015): $1,572,585
Combined Operating Expenses (2015): $1,339425
Combined Diocesan Apportionment (2015): $192,759
Combined Outreach & Development Expenses (2015): $171,009
TOTAL Combined Expenses(2015): $1,480,295

18 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: APPENDIX

CANDIDATE INFORMATION
The Bishop Search Committee is seeking nominations for the position of the 6th Bishop of Episcopal
Diocese of Western Kansas. Nominations will be accepted from November 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017.
The Search Committee is happy to receive nominations and accompanying materials by mail or by email.
To nominate someone else, please supply the following information:
Candidates full name, address, phone number, and email address
Candidates current position (title and location)
Do you personally know this person? If so, how?
Why do you feel this person should be considered?
Does this person know that you have nominated him/her?
Your full name, address, phone number, and email address

Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged. Please supply the following information:
A letter of interest
A current resume/CV
3 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from clergy and 1 from a lay person)
An updated OTM profile

For nominations submitted by mail:

Bishop Search Committee
c/o Carolyn Peterson, Chair
2052 Leland Way
Salina, KS 67401

For nominations submitted by email:

diowksbishopsearch@gmail.com

BISHOP SEARCH COMMITTEE:

Ms. Carolyn Peterson, Chair (Incarnation, Salina)
Ms. Georgia Briery (Norton)
Ms. Lisa Hodges (Christ Cathedral, Salina)
Rev. Karen Lemon (Pratt)
Rev. Amy Long (Hutchinson)
Rev. Don Martin (Colby, Goodland, Russell Springs, Scott City)
Mr. Steve Molstad (Colby)
Mr. Bill Roenbaugh (Kinsley)
Rev. John Seatvet (Dodge City)
Rev. Bill Waln (Hutchinson)

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|19

MAP OF THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS

TRINITY
NORTON
TRANSFIGURATION
LOGAN

ASCENSION-ON-THE-PRAIRIE
ST. PAULS COLBY
GOODLAND

ST. ANDREWS
ST. FRANCIS Hays ST. ELIZABE
RUSSELL SPRINGS ST. MICHAELS Russell
Hays HOLY ASPOSTLES
Ellsworth

ST. LUKES ST.

SCOTT CITY
ST. JOHNS
GREAT BEND
STS. MARY & MARTHA OF BETHANY
LARNED

ST. THOMAS HOLY NATIVITY

CHURCH OF THE GARDEN CITY
UPPER ROOM KINSLEY
LAKIN
ST. CORNELIUS
DODGE CITY
ALL SAINTS
ST. JOHNS PRATT
ULYSSES

ST. AUGUSTINES ST. MARKS

MEADE MEDICINE LODGE
GR
ST. ANDREWS ANTH
LIBERAL

20 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: APPENDIX

 EPIPHANY
CONCORDIA

ETHS CHRIST CATHEDRAL

SALINA
INCARNATION
S SALINA
h

. MARKS
LYONS
ST. ANNES
MCPHERSON

GRACE
HUTCHINSON
Does your
CHRIST CHURCH
KINGMAN
heart belong
in Western
RACE
HONY
Kansas?

DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS DIOCESAN PROFILE|21

 The Episcopal Diocese of
WESTERN KANSAS
1 North Main, Suite 418
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501
Phone: 620.669.0006 | Fax 620.259.6151
www.diowks.org

22 | DIOCESE OF WESTERN KANSAS: WHO WE ARE