Vision

The Diocese of Ely vision

This is the diocesan vision:-

We pray to be generous and visible people of Jesus Christ

We work to realise that vision by being committed and prayerful in these ways:

• To engage fully and courageously with the needs of our communities, locally and globally
• To grow God's church by finding disciples and nurturing leaders
• To deepen our commitment to God through word, worship and prayer.

These three imperatives underpin all that we do. They came out of a process of consultation with parishes, schools and other groups, as well as discussion at Diocesan Synod, the Bishop's Council, deanery and chapter meetings, and from individuals.

We believe the vision statement is a distillation of all that God is calling us to be.

We aim for the vision to become in essence who we are, what we are known by and what we live by.

The vision is ultimately the plumb line by which diocesan strategy is developed, resources are allocated and ultimately by which objectives and outcomes are measured.

Unpacking our vision

We ... God calls us be a part of Him and united with one another. We are people of Jesus Christ. The church is the primary way in which we are visible; as a 'we'.

Pray ... Our Christian life is made possible by God's presence and activity in us powered through prayer. All our activity and interaction needs to be underpinned in prayer.

Generous ... Generosity is a summary word for our response to God’s love for us. As God gave himself generously, unstintingly, to the world He loves, He calls us to reflect His nature. The gospel commands, 'Freely you have received, freely give' (Matt 10:8). Its implications run through our relationships with others in the church, with those outside the church, our use of money, and time, and so on.

Visible ... Daring to be out and about in the places where God has put us to work. Not taking refuge in our buildings, or always remaining where we are comfortable, but being present with people where they are, serving our communities, working with others for the common good. We are also very visible through our buildings. Often, they cannot be ignored.

People of Jesus Christ ... We belong to the God who bought us at a price (1Cor 6:20), the death of His Son. So, we do not live for ourselves, but as disciples of the one who died and rose again. We are His witnesses as we call others to join us to follow Him.