Mission Action Team: Community Engagement

The goal of the Community Engagement Mission Action Team is to inspire and mobilize our diocese to actively participate in the reconciliation, repair, and restoration of our communities. By prayerfully following Jesus into the heart of the world, we aim to embody the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, fostering a diocese where every member engages in meaningful outreach and service.

Get Involved:

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you have a way you have been helped in the past. Maybe you’ve run several community events and have wisdom to share. Maybe you see a need or a connection that we should make.

Whatever it is, you can make all the difference.

Learn more

The Convener

The Rev. Dave Mowers, known as Father Dave, has been the Rector of Trinity Church in Baraboo since 2017, following his ordination in 2015. With eight years of prior experience in higher education, Fr. Dave is dedicated to recognizing God's work in our lives and helping others see that divine presence. In addition to his pastoral duties, he actively engages with the community as a gameday volunteer for Baraboo High School athletics and as a founding board member of the Baraboo Area Homeless Shelter. He is married to Elizabeth Rusinak Mowers, an attorney, and they have three children. When not at church, Fr. Dave enjoys birding, attending CrossFit classes, and cheering for his beloved Forward Madison FC.

Resources

The Power of Partnerships
DioWis Community Engagement MAT Webinar

Strong partnerships can expand your church’s impact in powerful ways. In this webinar, Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh share how to identify, evaluate, and build effective ministry partnerships in your community.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • How to find mission-aligned partners

  • Ideas for collaborating in meaningful ways

  • Key strategies for healthy, sustainable partnerships

  • Common pitfalls to avoid

Whether you’re exploring new connections or strengthening existing ones, this session offers practical next steps.

Growing Your Small Church’s Community Ministry
DioWis Community Engagement MAT Webinar

Small churches can make a meaningful impact in their communities. In this webinar, Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh share practical, sustainable ways to grow community ministry—no large budget or staff required.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • How to identify your church’s strengths and local opportunities

  • Simple ways to start or expand community ministry

  • How to build relationships that deepen engagement

  • First steps to turn ideas into action

Whether you’re just beginning or building on existing work, this session offers clear, doable next steps.

Community Engagement MAT Webinar: The Power of Partnerships in Action
DioWis Community Engagement Mission Action Team

Partnerships are key to meeting real needs in our communities. In this webinar, the Community Engagement MAT explores how churches and organizations can work together to create meaningful, lasting impact.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • How to identify local needs and opportunities

  • Ways to build meaningful community partnerships

  • How to leverage shared resources for greater impact

  • Real examples and success stories from across DioWis

Whether you’re part of a congregation, nonprofit, or simply passionate about serving others, this session offers practical, actionable next steps.