Leading with Love

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral’s Strategic Plan | 2026 to 2031

We have been following an intentionally inclusive strategic planning process in order to live most effectively into God’s call for us. I thank everyone for your participation in helping create goals, strategies, and initiatives. We have now embarked on the implementation phase, and what a gift it is to engage in this ministry with all of you. 

The Very Reverend Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt, Dean
Mission Statement

Our cathedral is a seat for the bishop, a home for the diocese, an open door for all. Believing in the measureless expanse of God’s merciful love, we strive to be a community where relationship with God grows, faith deepens, and Christian hope leads to action in the world.

Core Values

Love • Community • Spirituality • Inclusion • Stewardship

 

Leading with Love and rosette

 

Below you can find out more information about the Strategic Plan Goals, Strategies, Initiatives, and Implementation Team:

Get Involved!

If you are interested in participating in the Leading with Love implementation, please complete this form to express your interest for one or more of the initiatives listed below.

Further Questions? Contact our Leading with Love Coordinator, Troy Hannigan, at PECleadingwithlove@gmail.com or see him after a Sunday service.

Leading with Love Initiatives

The Strategic Plan Implementation is divided into Initiatives throughout two phases and will be the work of many. The list below of 79 initiatives emerged out of 164 original ideas generated by members of the congregation, Cathedral staff, Chapter, Diocese, and other stakeholders. 

Leading with Love Implementation team:
  • Implementation Oversight Team: The Very Rev. Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt, The Rev. Barbara Ballenger, & Luisa Rabe
  • Leading with Love Coordinator: Troy Hannigan (PECleadingwithlove@gmail.com)
  • Goal Champions (overseeing Initiative Leads for each goal):
    • LEAD - Anna Meyer & John Chou
    • GROW - The Rev. Jeremy O’Neill & Victoria Akagha
    • LOVE - Dale Cranmer & Jane Clinton
  • Initiative Leads (Individuals who will work to implement the actual initiatives listed above. May be congregation members, Chapter members, Diocesan clergy, Diocesan staff, Diocesan parishioners, Community partners, or others):
Leading with Love Strategic Plan Goals & Strategies:

LEAD - By 2031, the Cathedral will be the hub of Diocesan life and a key partner in realizing the Bishop’s vision. To achieve this goal, we will…

  1. Articulate and promote a clear and easily understood statement of the Cathedral's identity and purpose. 
  2. Cultivate shared-growth partnerships with Diocesan offices, staff, deans, deaneries, and parishes to support Diocesan life.
  3. Collaborate on the establishment of a portfolio of relevant and impactful programs that meet the needs of Diocesan parishes and make the Cathedral a vibrant center of Diocesan life.
  4. Celebrate and promote the Cathedral as an exemplar of excellence in preaching, teaching, liturgy, art, music, outreach, and social justice.
  5. Strengthen stewardship and expand resources beyond the Cathedral's congregational community.
  6. Achieve operational excellence in Cathedral leadership, financial stability, business systems, and facility utilization and enhancement.

GROW - By 2031, the Cathedral will be a dynamically engaging spiritual center with a deeply connected, intergenerational, diverse congregation. To achieve this goal, we will…

  1. Develop and implement innovative opportunities and programs that attract and engage people of all ages seeking connection, spiritual depth and growth, faith formation, and/or pastoral care.
  2. Strengthen and grow children’s, youth, and young adult ministries.
  3. Expand and enhance worship offerings to increase opportunities for transformative encounters with God for all.
  4. Foster a culture of lay leadership.
  5. Grow and cultivate a more diverse congregation that reflects the broader Philadelphia community.
  6. Nurture an intergenerational community where all are welcomed, included, and supported.

LOVE - By 2031, the Cathedral, in witness to God’s love, will be a transformative force in the community – radically relevant and courageously pursuing justice. To achieve this goal, we will…

  1. Broaden community outreach with high impact programs and services that exemplify God's incarnational love for all.
  2. Serve as a connector, collaborator, and accelerator of social justice initiatives with, through, and across the Diocese and in the local community.
  3. Establish the Cathedral as a center for spiritual, cultural, and civic life.
  4. Equip individuals to share God's love through organic and authentic relationships that extend grace beyond the church walls to where people live, work and gather.
  5. Intentionally cultivate community relationships and partnerships within immediate and surrounding neighborhoods.
  6. Leverage technology to extend reach, amplify witness, and increase accessibility to faith formation and spiritual connection. 
Leading with Love and rosette