Parish Development

Parish Development exists to support healthy, faithful, and mission-focused congregations across the Diocese of Niagara. We partner with clergy and lay leaders to discern where God is calling their communities, strengthen leadership, and develop practical strategies that help parishes flourish.

Whether a parish is exploring a new vision, navigating change, building leadership capacity, or implementing a Mission Action Plan (MAP), Parish Development provides guidance, facilitation, and ongoing support rooted in prayer, collaboration, and a shared discernment of God’s call for each parish.

Parish Development supports parishes through:

• Mission Action Planning (MAP) and strategic planning
• Visioning and congregational discernment
• Leadership development for clergy and lay leaders
• Facilitation of parish meetings, retreats, and workshops
• Healthy congregation assessments and parish reviews
• Community engagement and neighbourhood mission initiatives
• Goal setting, implementation planning, and progress reviews
• Support for parishes experiencing transition or significant change
• Resources, coaching, and consultation tailored to each parish’s context

Mission Action Planning (MAP) is one of the primary ways the Diocese of Niagara encourages parishes to prayerfully discern their mission and translate that discernment into meaningful action. Parish Development walks alongside congregations throughout this journey—from initial conversations and planning through implementation, reflection, and ongoing renewal.

While MAP provides an overarching framework, every parish is unique. We draw on a variety of facilitation, organizational development, and strategic planning approaches to meet each congregation where it is. Our approach is collaborative, participatory, and adaptable, helping congregations build on their unique gifts and move from vision to action with confidence and hope.

Parish Development serves every parish, ministry, and region across the Diocese of Niagara.

A Fresh Expression is a new, contextual form of church — not a re-brand of an existing model, but something that grows to serve people who don’t currently ‘go to church.’ Ministries like Messy Church help parishes reach families and individuals in fresh, creative ways. Learn More