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. At every focus group, a scribe was assigned the task of recording responses and key points. 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.

The role of the bishop was defined by the majority as Pastor, Leader, Teacher, and Communicator. The Bishop’s desired primary focus was determined to be support of clergy/pastoral care, outreach, vision for growth and development, being internally visible and active, stewardship, and evangelism. The Bishop’s secondary focus: responsibilities outside diocese to regional, national, and worldwide church, Administration and delegation, strong fiscal management, making statements on the issues of the day, and making frequent visits to congregations. Participants stated that the next bishop should not burn out or be a workaholic, micro-manage or be a control freak, get too involved in the National church, get bogged down on only 1 or 2 social issues, or try to be all things to all people. The most desired qualities in the next bishop: Spiritual and spirit-filled, compassionate, faithful, possessing a sense of humor, accessible, a moral leader, and a visionary.

Existing strengths in the diocese were identified as small size, dynamic bishop, clergy support, committed and determined people. Suggested areas for improvement: follow-through on mission and outreach, better levels of stewardship and charitable giving, reaching out more effectively to the unchurched, vision for supporting small or growing parishes.

In addition to the findings already described, the survey and focus groups reflected a strong affection and admiration for Bishop Douglas Theuner, and an appreciation of his 17-18 years of service to this Diocese. At the same time, respondents were forward-looking, with a desire to take advantage of an unavoidable change in leadership.

| Introduction | Methodology | Demographic Profile | Analysis of Results |
| Focus Groups | Conclusion |