The Diocese of Missouri offers workshops and conferences for parish leaders on different topics throughout each year. You will find resources from those events, as well as other resources of interest on this page.
If you have information you'd like to include, or if you are looking for resources you can't find, please contact Communications Director Janis Greenbaum.
Alcohol Policy
The Diocese of Missouri has developed a policy on the use of alcohol at church functions. This policy applies to all groups hosting events on church premises.
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
Are you looking for classes to prepare you for mission and ministry in the church? The Bishop Kemper School for Ministry has programs for those who are on the path to ordained ministry, seeking education for a licensed lay ministry, taking a class or two for personal enrichment, or needing coursework for continuing education.
Disaster Preparedness
Disasters can and do happen in our diocese. The bishop has appointed the Rev. Dr. Maria Evans (interim rector at Christ Church, Rolla) and Janet Thompson (Calvary, Columbia) as our diocesan disaster coordinators. Their role is to help people and parishes respond and recover when disaster strikes.
Here are some resources to get you started:
- Episcopal Relief & Development offers resources and training to help people prepare for disasters and provide emergency support so they can make a full and sustained recovery.
- United Way's Volunteer Center (Greater St. Louis)
- State Emergency Management Agency
- MU Extension: Flood Resources
- MODOT Travel Conditions
Historical Land Acknowledgement
Our historical land acknowledgement was crafted by the Rev. Leslie Scoopmire, Missioner for Indigenous Ministry Engagement, and the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. The Standing Committee approved the updated acknowledgement on September 22, 2022. We encourage our parishes and ministries to use this text during their worship services and other public events.
Idea Toolbox
Do you have something new, creative, or simply logical that's working well for your parish? If it's working for you, it will probably work for others in the Diocese, too! Share your ideas and get ideas on our "idea toolbox" page.
Mutual Ministry Review Guide
A Mutual Ministry Review is a disciplined time of reflection on how the life of a congregation is going, including a look at the goals for the congregation and the roles and responsibilities of those working toward those goals. The main purpose is to clarify objectives and consider how best to make changes that will lead to more effective ministry aimed at those shared goals.
Rural Ministries Colloquium
The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice offers a list of resources for lay and clergy leaders in our rural congregations.
Small Group Gathering Strategies
The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice has put together effective tips for planning and managing successful small group gatherings.
Stewardship
The Diocese of Missouri is a member of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), which offer many resources for parishes to incorporate into their stewardship programs. If you would like access to those resources, please contact our diocesan communications director to get a password.
Vestry Resources
Bishop Deon Johnson has collected several examples of policies and guidelines your parish vestry can modify and personalize to suit your needs.
Click to download examples of policies and guidelines that can be modified and personalized for your congregation:
- Alcohol Usage Policy
Please note: Your congregation's alcohol policy must also contain all the elements of our Diocesan Alcohol Policy. - Financial Policies & Procedures
- Key Policy
- Vestry Covenant
- Vestry Resource Guide
- Vestry Responsibility
- Vestry Stewardship Statement
- Welcome to the Vestry
- Youth & Children Guidelines
Please note: Your congregation's youth & children's guidelines must also contain all of the elements of our Diocesan Policy for Protection of Children & Youth.
*Please see our Safe Church, Safe Communities page for more information.
Vestry University
Diocesan staff and parish leaders came together on March 6, 2021, to offer a workshop on Vestry leadership.