When the 2007 Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly directed the Synod Council to "prepare a new mission strategy and structure," the election of a new bishop the following year was already anticipated. In both actions, there was an expressed desire to build on the strengths of this synod for the sake of mission. Already in 2007 it was clear that a more strategic approach would be beneficial. The strategy presented in the below documents reflects a vision shaped under the leadership of a new bishop and recognizes that responding to the many challenges facing this church, including this synod, requires more institutional agility because of a faltering economy.