Closer Paths, Clearer Structure
Regional Deaneries 2027
Starting January 2027, C4SO moves from five deaneries to three. Each will have a Regional Dean for resourcing and pastoral care and Area Coordinators who bring groups of local clergy together for fellowship.
We will announce the names of the Regional Deans and Area Coordinators very soon.
What’s Changing
Five deaneries become three in 2027
C4SO will be divided into three deaneries
West, Central and East, replacing our current five.
Each Deanery will have a Bishop-appointed Regional Dean
Your first call for pastoral care and oversight.
Regional Deans will be supported by Area Coordinators
Local gatherings within a shorter drive, so you’ll have the opportunity to see colleagues more often.
How it fits together
Bishop Jeff Bailey will continue to provide episcopal oversight for the whole diocese. The three Regional Deans will report to the Canon to the Ordinary. The Regional Deans will be the first point of contact for rectors and clergy.
Pastoral Care & Oversight
Your Regional Dean
Your Dean will get to know your church’s story, walk with you through hard seasons and connect you to diocesan resources.
Call your Dean when you:
- Are in a hard season personally, spiritually, or in your marriage or family
- Face conflict with your vestry, staff or a parishioner that you can’t resolve alone
- Are considering a transition: leaving, retiring, adding staff or starting a rector search
- See your church plateauing, declining or growing faster than your structures can handle
- Need a sounding board before a significant decision
- Aren’t sure who else to call
In 2027
What to expect from your Dean
- One-on-ones (virtual or in person) with you at least twice a year
- An annual Deanery retreat for prayer, teaching and peer support
- Discretion. What you share stays with your Dean, unless it involves safety, misconduct or a canonical matter. Then, your Dean will direct you to C4SO’s Reporting Portal.
- An advocate who brings your needs to diocesan staff
Your part
Show up to gatherings and one-on-ones, and call when you need support.
Meet Your Regional Deans
Three Deans, one region each
Not sure about your 2027 Deanery?
Local Connection
Your Area Coordinator
Your soon-to-be-announced Area Coordinator will keep you connected to the clergy closest to you.
Reach out when you:
- Want to know when the next local gathering is
- Want to meet up with nearby clergy
- Have an idea for a local meet-up, shared event or joint ministry
In 2027
What to expect from your Area Coordinator
- Local gatherings a few times a year, within a reasonable drive
- A personal welcome if you’re new to the diocese or the area
Your Area Coordinator is not a supervisor, a crisis contact or a substitute for your Dean.
Pastoral care & leadership
Start with your Regional Dean
Church health & planting
Regional Dean or Canon for Church Planting
Ordination & episcopal visits
Canon for Ordinations or the Executive Coordinator
Operations
COO or Director of Communications
Confidential & urgent
The Reporting Portal for canonical, disciplinary or crisis matters