January 12, 2005

Bishop Wolfe announces restructured plan for campus ministry

The Right Reverend Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, has announced a restructured plan for campus ministry in the diocese. Based on recommendations from a task force he appointed last year, Bishop Wolfe on Jan. 10 unveiled a new structure that will result in an increased presence on all campuses within the diocese.

This new plan will include:

• a shift in the philosophy of campus ministry to a model of active mission, with work on college campuses regarded as an outreach ministry of the diocese
• appointment of a full-time diocesan campus missioner, reporting to the bishop, to oversee ministry on all campuses within the diocese
• appointment of stipendiary young adult interns, to facilitate ministry on the campuses where they will live and serve
• recruitment of local college students as peer ministers
• recruitment or appointment of deacons for each campus mission
• strengthened structures for governance and accountability within campus ministries
• greater involvement by local parishes in campus mission and governance

As a result of this new structure, the positions of campus minister at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University have been eliminated, effective Jan. 10. The Rev. Joe Alford and the Rev. Matt Cobb will have their salaries and benefits continued for a period of time, based on years of service, in order to assist them through this transition period.

Bishop Wolfe said he took this action at this time, before the start of the spring semester, to keep disruptions among students to a minimum once classes begin and to offer Alford and Cobb the greatest opportunity to explore other ministry options.

Bishop Wolfe was quick to point out that this does not represent a change in the commitment of the diocese to ministry on college campuses. He said, “Rather, these decisions are intended to enable us to spread the gospel to more college students and establish a vibrant Episcopal presence not only at KU and KSU but at every college and university in the diocese.”

Bishop Wolfe and Canon to the Ordinary Jo Ann Smith will be working with the student and adult members of the Episcopal communities at KU and K-State as they enter into this transition period. Bishop Wolfe said he also has begun appointing a committee to search for a campus missioner, with the goal of having that person in place before the start of the fall semester. Recruitment of campus interns and peer ministers also will begin in the coming months.

To see a copy of the report of the campus ministry task force, click here.