"One of the things I found to be most helpful was the use of the models such as Christian Life, Shape of the parish, Renewal/Apostolate etc. The OD material trains and equips us as leaders with many tools but the models help bring it together to keep us focused on the fact that it is Christ at the center of it all. If we miss that then nothing else really matters."

Jan Merkt
St. Matthew's, Kenosha, WI

"Never before have I felt so much hope for our Diocese. Through my participation in CDI, I am acquiring tools... real tools that I can use to grow my congregation, both in numbers and in spiritual depth. I cannot recommend this program more enthusiastically."

The Rev. Susan B. Haynes
St. Paul's, Mishawaka, IN

"I learned a new vocabulary to put parish strengths and weaknesses into words. Once I had the vocabulary to articulate the strengths and the weaknesses of the parish, I could apply tools and techniques to build upon the strengths of the parish. That counterintuitive step, working to build the strengths, has done a great deal to overcome the weaknesses.

I find myself turning to the tools and techniques from CDI in my day-to-day work and in my family life. I've been sharing the Renewal-Apostolate model with my wife; she is trying to apply that model to her day-to-day relationships and activities. She says that this one model has helped her to understand the need for balance in life. She and I struggle together to balance our Renewal and Apostolate and by doing it together we have strengthened our marriage.

I often joke that I am the same person now that I was years ago: I was a work in progress then and I'm still a work in progress now. Now I have a better set of tools and techniques to continue that work. I have been blessed by my CDI experience."

Brian Bowers
St. Luke's, Madison, WI

"CDI has given me some very valuable theory and practical application in order to evaluate my parish's health and potential. I am inspired by the experiences of the instructors, as well as the other participants. Its Episcopal emphasis makes it very appropriate for our needs and gives me a sense of where Episcopal parishes are headed and what we need to do to keep up with the trends."

Diana Peters
Intercession, Thornton, CO

"The CDI program has raised my ability to be more confident in dealing with all types of people in my role as a warden, and to deal with problems within the church in a more faith oriented and productive way."

Gary Beatty
Christ the King Church, Huntington, IN

"CDI uses a framework for congregational life, supported by readings, small group work, and practical learning experiences. All of these combined have had a catalytic effect on my ministry. I am able to focus my energy on faith and spiritual formation in a new way."

Erika Meyer
St. Barnabas, Cortez, CO