A132 Establishing an Online Hub for Continuing Formation and Ministry Resources
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 81st General Convention reiterates its commitment to the establishment of an Online Hub for Continuing Formation and Ministry Resources; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention acknowledges the lack of funding from previous conventions, hindering the progress of critical work identified by the Task Force on Formation and Ministry of the Baptized; and be it further
Resolved, That this Online Hub will serve as a central repository of vetted resources, ensuring that leaders have access to adaptable materials for their specific contexts, fostering ongoing formation, and addressing the current void left by the absence of sustained denominational-level work; and be it further
Resolved, That the Online Hub, curated by subject-area experts, will connect leaders with proven formation processes, materials, and networks to facilitate vocational development, thereby alleviating the need for leaders to develop tools independently; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution emphasizes the urgency of providing leaders with a starting point for spiritual discernment, leadership development, and ordination preparation, recognizing the diverse situational needs within The Episcopal Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention urges the allocation of funds to support the establishment and maintenance of the Online Hub for Continuing Formation and Ministry Resources in the upcoming triennium.
Explanation
The Standing Commission on Formation, the Task for on Formation and Ministry of the Baptized, and the Task Force on Theological Networking have served as short-term solutions for ongoing denominational-level work within The Episcopal Church; and despite the passing of legislation in previous General Conventions, funding has not been allocated for the implementation of these crucial tasks, hindering progress and development; and there is a pressing need for a sustainable and accessible platform that provides vetted resources for leaders to adapt within their unique contexts, fostering ongoing formation and ministry development. An online hub curated by subject-area experts would uplift diverse voices from across The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, offering leaders a centralized starting point for their spiritual discernment, leadership development, and ordination preparation; and would network the resources currently available but often siloed in such entities and individuals as the Department of Faith Formation, Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, Association of Episcopal Deacons, Young Adult Campus Ministers, Young Adult Service Corps, Episcopal Service Corps, FORMA, Schools for Ministry, Education for Ministry, and Seminaries.