Something old, something new: ECF launches and refines programs to transform ministries
In his “Top Ten Reasons to be an Episcopalian,” the late Robin Williams listed, as his closing remark, “No matter what you believe, there's bound to be at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you.”
It’s true that Episcopalians can have widely varying views; we are united by common prayer rather than dogma, after all. It’s safe to say, however, that all ECF board members are united in their excitement about the hope of its Diocesan Vitality Initiative (DVI).
DVI is a pilot program, now in its third year, that ECF is launching to strengthen dioceses by working with bishops early in their episcopates. At our Spring 2025 meeting, we were presented with a detailed overview of DVI by the Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, a valued ECF consultant, and the Rt. Rev. Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, which is in one of the initial cohorts. At our Fall 2025 meeting in November, we heard success stories from the Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, who began DVI in 2024. Board members later suggested visiting a DVI diocese, and Bishop Scharf has since agreed to host the Spring 2026 ECF meeting so we can observe the program firsthand. A challenge for Board members will be to support fundraising efforts for DVI’s long-term sustainability. Development consultant, the Rev. Suzanne M. Coles, led an exercise to develop their “elevator pitch” for ECF fundraising.
ECF’s Fellowship Partners Program, established in 1964, is gaining renewed focus with the formation of a Fellows Advisory Committee. ECF Fellows are emerging leaders in the church—ordained, academic, and newly added lay—whom ECF supports in their ministry development through financial resources, networks, and experiences.
While ECF has awarded nearly 250 fellowships over the years, we have lacked a formal program to stay connected with them. The new Fellows Advisory Committee, composed of past and current board members, advisors, fellows, and ECF staff, will share their stories and encourage ongoing involvement in ECF. In November, a dinner reception was held in Boston, gathering current and past Fellows.
ECF is evolving under the new vision of President and CEO Dail St. Claire, who is just completing her first year leading the organization. She has identified her three areas of focus as endowment management, philanthropy, and shared services—an area to be developed. With stability now established under her leadership, we are set to develop a strategic plan. Dail St. Claire and a consultant outlined this process, and much of our spring meeting will be dedicated to this effort.
We recognize the significant need within our beloved Episcopal church for innovative efforts to reverse declining membership. The Rev. Dr. Molly James, Interim Executive Officer of the General Convention, and Patty Favreau, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of the Church Pension Group, joined us to offer a current picture of church membership and clergy numbers.
We welcomed new board members G. Frederick Reinhardt of Downingtown, PA, with background in finance and banking; Amalia Sykes of Mill Valley, CA, with expertise in real estate development; and Charles Atkins, JD, of New York, NY, a strategic advisor and CEO experienced in advising alternative investment funds, who is passionate about attracting youth to our churches.
We recognized and thanked retiring board members Andrew H. Luke of Richmond, VA, and G. Peter Macon of Charlotte, NC.
As a lay-led group, with joy rooted in Jesus, we move forward to build the Body of Christ we know and love as The Episcopal Church. May God inspire and equip us.
-Julie Gehm, Board Member, Sioux Falls, SD