Director for Evangelical Mission, Northwestern Minnesota Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Moorhead, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position represents the ELCA through the Christian Community and Leadership Unit (CCL) in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and is responsible for the development of tools to support congregational vitality. The position also reflects the purposes, principles and commitments of the synod, CCL and the ELCA as a whole. The Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) will collaborate and coordinate with Churchwide, synod and congregational leaders to develop strategies designed to help congregations engage their communities so that more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love. The person in this position is expected to fully participate in the life and ministry of the synod on the synod staff with synod initiatives and is responsible for implementing and building upon ELCA commitments to ministries among diverse cultures and communities, people with disabilities, and the young-adult population, as well as people and communities experiencing poverty. The DEM participates in resourcing the synod mission strategy with an emphasis on congregational vitality, evangelism, and leadership. This position will be coterminous with the synod bishop and supervised jointly by both the Bishop of the Synod and CCL staff. Other assignments of responsibility will be made by the Synod Bishop and Senior Director, DEM Relationships. The position will be based in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and will serve as a living representation of the interdependent nature of the ELCA.

Requirements

5+ years of experience effectively leading an effort that helped bring people to faith. Grounding in Christian faith and familiarity with Lutheran theology, evangelism, discipleship and the theories and practice of mission development that responds to God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
Effective communicator in preaching, teaching, writing and evangelical outreach.
Demonstrated ability working with leaders in agile, adaptive innovation and facilitating group processes as well as knowledge, experience and/or willingness to learn, listen and utilize the ELCA Coaching Ministry in growing leaders and building tables.
Ability to utilize metrics, congregational trend reports and demographic data in the process of the development of congregational vitality for new and existing congregations.
Proven effective time-management and administrative experience and ability to meet deadlines and attention to details.
Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, analytical and communication skills and the ability to work in partnership with peers, other CCL staff, synod and regional staff.
Demonstrated competency among communities of color; and well as with people and communities experiencing poverty. Ability to relate and communicate well in diverse cultural, ethnic and socio-economic situations and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Active participation in a Christian congregation and God’s mission.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred. Ability to learn new software and systems.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license is preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the formation and coordination of at least one synod team that organizes the vitality of existing congregations and new mission development in the synod (including area ministry strategies, congregational mission plans, and congregational vitality).
Responsible for the administration of the portfolio of ministries supported by the New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team including the process of application and evaluation of grants through the ELCA Grantmaker (EGM) System. Provides supervision, monitors development and evaluates progress of funded ministries.
Responsible for identifying, recruiting and training leaders for the work of the church including those who can serve as mission developers and rostered ministers.
Responsible for establishing short- and long-term priorities and sharing learnings with the synod and across the ELCA. Provides a visible witness to the interdependent nature of the church and communicates our shared mission and vision.
Other duties as assigned.