testimonials
My first experience collaborating with Emergent Mission occurred at Grace Episcopal Church in New Lenox, IL. in a time of great concern about the future vision and growth of our parish. Joe brought his experience with the Episcopal Church, congregational vitality and group facilitation to what became an exciting chapter in the life of our parish. Under his guidance, the congregation participated in visioning exercises, small group meetings, and larger committee meetings to discern our readiness and need for a capital campaign. Even though our parish community decided not to proceed with a capital campaign at that time the process was decidedly successful for two reasons: Joe walked the journey with us every step of the way. It provided our parishioners with an opportunity for deep discernment that correlated directly to a clearer sense of mission, depth in ministry and growth.
The Rev. Greg Milliken, Rector
As fate would have it, I became the rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, IL where Joe had been engaged by the previous rector to facilitate their capital campaign. That campaign was incredibly successful, enabling the renovation and expansion of existing ministry space that served the homeless population of Evanston. Since my arrival in 2023, St. Mark’s has become a boon to the Evanston community as our renovated Hospitality Center for the Homeless (home of Interfaith Action of Evanston) now ministers to 100 or more unique visitors or guests per week who seek food, temporary shelter, rest, social services and job training. The reach of Joe’s ministry to the wider-church community, represented by my experiences with two very different parishes in very different areas within the Diocese of Chicago, is a testament to the strength of his vision, leadership and resources.
The Rev. Greg Milliken, Rector
One of the challenges of campus ministry is maintaining relationships with current students and with alums. Working together, Joe and I were able to develop a narrative framework and a process for networking that gave Brent House a way to connect with our alums. In addition to in-person and virtual meetings to learn more about what Brent House meant to our alumni, former board members, former residents and other supporters we began regular online gatherings for alums. This experience energized of our alumni community, allowed us to raise much needed funds for capital improvements, and attracted a new generation of board members who have begun thinking about how to build a vibrant alumni community, despite being scattered across the globe.
The Rev. Stacy Alan, Chaplain
Joe provided invaluable support and consultation to me during an intense time of leadership and organizational transition at our Camp and Conference Center. As a development professional and committed Episcopalian, Joe responded to the gravitas and complexity of the moment and assisted us with identifying relational and sustainable ways that our Camp and Conference Center could build capacity and better serve our parishes and our neighbors, all while remaining true to its mission and values. Joe’s work provided a spring board for our new board and executive leadership to work from, and we will always be thankful for Joe’s contribution. I highly recommend his services.
The Rev. Jason Oden, Canon for Formation and New Episcopal Communities
Working with Emergent Mission has been a game-changer for our organization. Joe’s collaboration has been significant and impactful on multiple levels. He expertly helped us craft a compelling narrative that beautifully encapsulates where we’ve come from, who we are, and where we are going. Joe’s support in crafting our narrative has helped us build stronger relationships, foster meaningful collaborations, and significantly simplify the grant writing process. Emergent Mission’s insights and guidance have been invaluable in helping us recognize the diverse needs of both our traditional and non-traditional constituent groups. This expanded understanding has been instrumental in shaping our strategic planning, board development, and overall board contributions.
The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts, Executive Director
Joe has the unique ability to translate the ethos of mission into actionable strategies that have expanded our focus, increased membership and enabled us to grow. From our first conversation he brought a keen understanding of our value and impact in the lives of faith communities and church leaders. He helped us understand that placing our attention on the unique needs and circumstances of every person we speak with is not only strategically important for institutional growth, it mirrors the very pastoral heart we promote as a provider of lay pastoral formation and skill development. Our work with Joe has influenced every aspect of our member engagement process from our institutional messaging, the questions we ask, the responses we give, along with new licensing and implementation options that have made it easier for congregations and dioceses to partner with us.
Sarah Roberts, Board President
Joe helped me grow in my knowledge and confidence around raising money. He also helped me be at ease with talking about the money needs of our campus ministry. I see more clearly the organic connection between our ethos, our ministry, and our need for support from outside of our immediate circle. I have a much better understanding and language that is in tune with who we are as a ministry. Money and other contributions are no longer artificial conversations that seem miles away from more pastoral or spiritual conversations. This new understanding of stewardship has become the foundation of how we elicit funds from members of our larger community.
The Rev. Ed Bird, Chaplain
Working with Joe really helped me develop clarity along with the basic tools and steps for creating a robust development plan in my ministry. As a priest I believe I was woefully unprepared for the work of stewardship and fundraising in the church. Now, I feel like I have a plan in place that will help us begin the dreaming-visioning-imagining process, which will help with our stewardship goals. While I’m still aware I’m not an expert in development and fundraising, working with Joe helped me to understand that what I was really crafting in this process is a love letter to my congregation and student population. The process that Joe created was an opportunity to really immerse myself in my ministry context and remember, again and again, all the many ways I love being in ministry alongside these people.
The Rev. Hillary Cooke, Chaplain