Focus Groups

During late June, fifteen focus groups convened throughout the Diocese of New Hampshire, to discuss the Bishop Search process. A brief moderator’s guide was provided to every congregation, with suggested discussion topics.

These included:

1. As a diocese, where are we now?
2. Where do we wish to be in the future?
3. What are the important and special characteristics of this diocese?
4. What are the strength of the diocese? Our weaknesses?
5. What areas of our diocesan life together need strengthening?
6. What should be the primary focus of the bishop's attention? The secondary focus?
7. What should our bishop not be required to do?
8. What are the characteristics of the bishop who, in your experience, has had the most positive influence on you?
9. Which three adjectives describe the person who would make the best Bishop of New Hampshire?
10. Which one quality would you hope to see in our next bishop?
11. If you could advise a candidate for bishop, what would you say?
12. If you were interviewing a candidate for bishop, which one question would you ask?

At every focus group, a scribe was assigned the task of recording responses and key points. The full set of fifteen focus group reports is contained in the Appendix of the full survey report.

The first focus group was held by the clergy during a Clergy Day at St. Paul’s School, Concord. By the end of June, all six diocesan Convocations—Northern, Southern, Central, Western, Seacoast, and Lakes—held a focus group at a central location. In addition, eight parishes of all sizes in various parts of the state held individual focus groups.

Role of the Bishop

The role of the bishop was defined by the majority as Pastor, Leader, Teacher, and Communicator.

• “The Bishop’s teaching role is important, especially with the children who are our future.”
• “More education about: prayer, spiritual study, Anglican tradition, wider understanding of the tradition within the church.”
• “Good communicator in New Hampshire and the wider church.”
• “A spiritual leader who challenges us to grow in our faith and who is a teacher and encourager of thought, especially among the clergy.”

Bishop’s Primary Focus

Support of clergy/Pastoral care

• “Provide leadership and training on conflict resolution, marriage and family counseling, and other issues of pastoral care.”
• “Help recruit effective priests and young priests.”

Outreach

• “We hope for the expansion of social outreach programs and diocesan supported programs for youth ministries.”
• “We need to feel connected to the National Church to ensure that we do not become marginalized or too provincial.”

Vision for Growth and Development

• “[We need] innovative/creative ways to bring people to Church.”

Internally visible and active

• “In some ways we do not feel closely connected to the office of Bishop…we don’t really know what the Bishop does.”
• “We would like more frequent visits by the Bishop (or his/her assistants) and guidance regarding the connections between the Diocese.”
• “The cultural and economic differences between North and South are significant. It is important that the Bishop be aware of these differences.”
• “New Hampshire’s face-to-face political style requires a Bishop who is well and widely known, therefore we want an accessible bishop and one with an acute sense of humor.”
• “Understand regional diversity.”
• “Think globally and act locally.”

Stewardship

• “Diocesan life needs strengthening in stewardship of our financial resources.”

Evangelism

• “Proclaim the Resurrection and the Gospel…drawing us together as Episcopalians and helping us evangelize and share our faith.”
• “Outrageous commitment to evangelism and stewardship.”
• “Through innovative and inviting strategies we open our tables to all people of faith by meeting the thirst of those who want and need to know God.”

Bishop’s Secondary Focus

• “Responsibilities outside diocese to regional, national, and worldwide church.”
• “Administration and delegation.”
• “Strong fiscal management and stewardship skills.”
• “Make statements on the issues of the day.”
• “Make frequent visits to congregations.”

Bishop Should Not

• “Be required to impose dictates of the National Church if these are not the will of the Diocese.”
• “Burn out—please model healthy self-care.”
• “Micro-manage.”
• “Be a workaholic.”
• “Be a control freak.”
• “Get too involved in the National church, get bogged down on only 1 or 2 social issues.”
• “Try to be all things to all people.”

Most Frequently Mentioned Desired Qualities

• Spiritual, spirit-filled
• Compassionate
• Faithful
• Sense of humor
• Accessible
• Moral leadership
• Visionary

Strengths of Diocese

• “The strengths of the diocese are smaller size, dynamic bishop, supportive of clergy.”
• “New Hampshire: diverse natural environment and four distinct seasons.”
• “Community: size of diocese and convocation structure allows for strong relationships.”
• “Commitment of people: people are determined, especially in small congregations who strive to keep doors open.”

Areas for Improvement

• “Sometimes projects start with great enthusiasm but are not completed…We would like the Bishop to help us be intentional and follow through on mission and outreach.”
• “Diocesan Convention filled with relevant resolutions and Bishop's inspiring address verbally given.”
• “Lack of Stewardship: charitable giving very low in our state.”
• “We need to reach out more effectively to the un-churched.”
• “Some of our weaknesses center around our finances in that we are not a well endowed diocese, we have no focus for growth of new parishes or support of growing ones.”
   

Next Page:_Conclusions

Executive Summary
| Methodology | Analysis of Survey Results | Tables and Graphs |
| Analysis of Open-ended Questions | Analysis of Focus Groups | Conclusions |