Comments: Food pantries, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, mental health support, immigrant/refugee advocacy, serving elderly and low-income families, volunteering, and being visibly present in the community.

Summary: Many see the Church’s witness primarily in acts of compassion and service beyond its walls. Outreach programs—whether meals, clothing, mentoring, housing, or advocacy—are essential for showing Christ’s love in practical, tangible ways. The congregation is strongest when it is visibly serving the needs of neighbors.

Comments: Standing with marginalized groups (LGBTQ+, immigrants, poor, bullied, oppressed), being present in Pride and protests, advocating for civil rights, environmental and economic justice, confronting racism, fascism, and political oppression. Some emphasize truth-telling in the public square.

Summary: A strong witness means standing for justice, equity, and dignity for all. Many stress that the Episcopal Church must actively defend vulnerable populations and confront societal injustices, while also being clear that this is rooted in the Gospel rather than partisan politics.

Comments: Be seen in community events, Pride, protests, local fairs, ecumenical partnerships; more publicity of existing ministries; better use of media and social media; clergy speaking out in public.

Summary: Witness requires visibility. Many feel the Church is already doing good work but lacks recognition. Public presence—whether at events, in the streets, or in media—helps show neighbors that the Church is active, alive, and relevant.

Comments: Strong worship, traditional liturgy, Nicene Creed focus, orthodox theology, Bible-centered preaching, Prayer Book identity, Celtic Christianity, alternative services, charismatic and vibrant worship.

Summary: Worship and theological clarity remain central. For some, distinctive Episcopal liturgy and tradition are key to witness. For others, grounding in Scripture and Christ’s resurrection is non-negotiable.

Comments: Some want strong advocacy against injustice (naming political leaders and policies), while others warn the Church is becoming “too political” and straying from the Gospel. Several call for a Christ-centered focus that transcends partisan politics.

Summary: There is tension over the role of politics. Some believe strong prophetic action is necessary; others feel political activism undermines growth and distracts from Jesus’ message. How do we balance advocacy with clear proclamation of the Gospel. (16 comments say the church should continue or increase political activism where policies are in conflict with our gospel values. 9 comments express the hope the church would be less political or “focus on the gospel and avoid politics.”)

Comments: Recruiting members, reaching critical mass, attracting young families, rebuilding Sunday School and youth programs, having enough clergy, more visibility, creative outreach, social media presence.

Summary: There is concern about shrinking congregations and a desire for revitalization. Growth depends on intentional outreach, especially to youth, families, and newcomers. Many link numerical growth to the church’s ability to sustain ministries and remain a visible, vibrant witness in their communities.

Comments: Supporting each other, treating members with dignity, welcoming all, nonjudgmental spirit, pastoral support for mental health, caring for elderly/infirm, opportunities for lay leadership, active participation from everyone.

Summary: A healthy witness begins inside the congregation. Building supportive, caring, and welcoming communities helps embody Christ’s love. Strong internal relationships allow congregations to better serve the wider world.

Comments: Need for strong, empathetic clergy and lay leaders; diocesan support for struggling parishes; positive role models; building up lay leadership; clergy presence in media and public witness. Concerns about diocesan overreach or being “top heavy.”

Summary: Effective leadership—clergy and lay—is seen as essential to growth, outreach, and public credibility. Some want the Diocese to empower local leaders with resources, while others feel diocesan leadership should avoid heavy-handedness. Visible, servant-minded leaders are highly valued.

Comments: Episcopal distinctiveness (liturgy, Prayer Book, theology), ecumenical cooperation with other denominations, interfaith work, living the baptismal covenant, embodying love of God and neighbor, being the “Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.”

Summary: Witness also means clarity about identity—who we are as Episcopalians and Christians. Some emphasize distinctives like liturgy, while others highlight collaboration with other churches. The mission is to embody God’s love in ways both uniquely Episcopal and broadly ecumenical.

• Strong appreciation from many for the Episcopal Church’s inclusivity, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and standing up for marginalized groups.

• Others are deeply concerned that too much emphasis is placed on LGBTQ+ inclusion, sometimes at the expense of unity, or attracting new members.

• Overall: inclusion is seen as a great strength and a source of division.

• Widespread concern about declining membership, aging congregations, and lack of youth engagement.

• Desire for strategic evangelism, including planting new churches in growing Iowa communities, prison/jail ministry, and outreach partnerships.

• Some fear the Diocese is “dying” or “irrelevant” if growth and discipleship aren’t prioritized.

• Strong emphasis on youth and young adult formation as critical to the Church’s survival.

• Feelings of disconnection: many parishioners feel distant from the Diocese unless on a committee or when the Bishop visits.

• Some small and rural churches feel neglected or misunderstood. Concerns about restrictions on lay Eucharistic ministry and clergy availability in small churches.

• Concerns that lay leadership is overlooked; some feel diocesan leadership is too “top-down.” Some call for more direct Bishop involvement and stronger diocesan–cathedral ties.

• Appreciation for recent efforts (regional missioners, Bishop visits, support staff) but still a strong call for more engagement, partnership, and mutual accountability.

• Many want the Church to remain centered on Christ, the Gospel, and the sacraments, not just social or political causes.

• Concerns that sermons and diocesan messaging focus too much on moral exhortation, politics, or identity issues instead of the Resurrection, grace, and good news.

• Strong appreciation for liturgy, tradition, and sacramental life; calls for more variety in music, worship resources, and spiritual formation for both youth and adults. There is strong hunger for diverse, accessible spiritual formation and worship that balances tradition with new vitality, especially in small parishes.

• Desire for balance: radical inclusivity + deep Christ-centered theology.

• Several people reported a lack of response from diocesan staff (emails, phone calls, primarily around administrative and financial/stewardship questions).

• Requests for more clear and proactive communication about finances, diocesan vision, and parish support.

• Strong call for better information sharing (newsletters, bulletins, social media, easy-to-access updates).

• Concerns about unclear roles of diocesan staff and staff being spread too thin.

• Many celebrate the Diocese’s public witness for justice (lobbying, advocacy, standing with marginalized communities). (10 comments)

• Others strongly oppose political involvement, saying the Church should “preach the Gospel, not politics.” Some explicitly ask: no endorsements, no partisan work, no focus on secular movements. (9 comments)

• Public advocacy is seen as both essential to discipleship and a barrier that drives members away.

• Bishop Monnot is widely praised for energy, spirit, and justice advocacy, especially as a woman leader.

• Concerns about staff size, cost, and sustainability.

• Some call for staff reorganization and downsizing to match resources. Some propose selling property (e.g., Mills House), consolidating churches within the diocese, or restructuring staff.

• Disagreement about governance: some want more lay empowerment; others want clearer top-level vision and accountability.

• Many express deep gratitude for diocesan leadership, Bishop Monnot, and diocesan staff.

• Appreciation for diocesan efforts to listen, adapt, and serve.

• Gratitude for youth ministries, outreach, lay training opportunities, and spiritual support.

• Recognition that the Diocese is facing real challenges, but encouragement to remain bold, visionary, inclusive, and hopeful.