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Our Ministry Priorities

Beginning during the 2024 Annual Conference season, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth began a process for identifying the ministry priorities of each conference within the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area and the area as a whole. People were invited into multiple conversations to discuss what matters as we seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Those who participated in the discussions and design process then carried the identified ministry priorities to a special session of each conference for approval in December 2024.

What follows on this page are identified and affirmed priorities, both ministry and administrative, that serve as guideposts and calls to action as members of each conference and people of the Greater Northwest Area.

Greater Northwest Area Shared Ministry Priorities

The three conferences that comprise the Greater Northwest Area have adopted shared Ministry Priorities, items they have committed to working collaboratively on. These include:

  • Lessening housing, hunger and health disparities
  • Developing young people’s ministry
  • Providing training for lay leadership
  • Securing preferred and in-common vendors
  • Supporting information technology and tech for local ministry teams

Alaska Conference Ministry Priorities

The Alaska Conference has identified the following as ministry priorities for the conference:

  • Developing young people’s ministry
  • Lessening housing, hunger and health disparities
  • Native Ministry / Equity / Inclusion
  • Resourcing Discipleship & Education
  • Strengthening the Connection between churches in Alaska with the GNW and UMC

Oregon-Idaho Conference Ministry Priorities

The Oregon-Idaho Conference has identified the following as ministry priorities for the conference:

  • Advocating for climate care and combatting climate change
  • Addressing disparities in housing, hunger and health
  • Standing for equity, justice and against racism
  • Resourcing Discipleship & Leadership development

Pacific Northwest Conference Ministry Priorities

The Pacific Northwest Conference has identified the following as ministry priorities for the conference:

  • Advocating for climate care and combatting climate change
  • Developing ministry with youth and young people
  • Addressing disparities in housing, hunger and health
  • Standing for equity, justice and against racism
  • Centering spiritual formation and discipleship.