Connectional Table Keeps Big Picture in Mind

The Connectional Table (CT) was established by conference action in 2022. It is composed of the following members:

  • Eight chairpersons of Conference Boards and Committees
  • Seven at-large members selected from across the West Ohio Conference
  • The bishop
  • Four members of the conference staff
  • Chair selected by bishop

The CT meets quarterly, with subgroups convening between regular sessions to maintain momentum and address ongoing needs.

The Four Key Roles of the Connectional Table:

  1. Strategic Collaboration
    Partner with the bishop and his team to set strategic goals that will guide the conference and its districts into the future.
  2. Goal Monitoring
    Develop and implement a process to track progress on both intermediate and long-term goals. The CT is responsible for following up on all initiatives outlined in the three-year strategic plan.
  3. Fostering Collaboration
    Ensure horizontal collaboration in the creation, delivery, and evaluation of all resourcing efforts. The diverse makeup of the CT is designed to support broad-based collaboration across the conference.
  4. Contextual Awareness and Adaptation
    Maintain awareness of evolving realities in our communities and denomination to inform strategic adaptation. The CT will continually bring in relevant resources and experts to guide this process.

In addition to these roles, the CT is responsible for staying informed about key issues affecting the West Ohio Conference. These have included topics such as redistricting, disaffiliations, the future direction of camps and retreats, and resource allocation. Key conference leaders have presented on these topics during CT meetings.

To assist with the development of the strategic plan, the conference partnered with Measurement Resources, a consulting firm, in 2024. With their support, a comprehensive survey was created and distributed to all clergy, key lay leaders, and affiliated organizations. Selected one-on-one interviews were also conducted. The insights gathered from these efforts informed the development of the West Ohio Conference Strategic Plan.

The Connectional Table meets several times each year to ensure continued progress. The CT remains the conference’s most broadly representative body, positioned to support planning, problem-solving, and strategic oversight.