Coordinator for African American Black Council (AABC)

Part-time, 20 hours per week position serving the Reformed Church in America (RCA) denominationally and ecumenically in matters related to its African American/Black constituency.

About the role

As a member of the General Synod Council (GSC) staff and the Revelation 7:9 ministry team, the coordinator supports the work of the AABC Executive Committee by strengthening the Council and its connections with its constituency, congregations, middle assemblies, denominational leadership, and ministry partners. The position combines relational leadership and program coordination to support the Council's mission, cultivate current and emerging leaders, strengthen congregational vitality, and advance the shared ministry of Revelation 7:9 for the flourishing of African American/Black churches, leaders, and communities throughout the RCA.

Responsibilities

• Identify, connect, and invite African American/Black churches, pastors, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, and members throughout the RCA into the life and work of the AABC, strengthening relationships, participation, and leadership throughout the denomination. (15%)
• Support, educate, equip, and assist the AABC Executive Committee and broader constituency in fulfilling the Council's purpose and advisory responsibilities within the RCA by providing strategic, relational, and administrative support, including planning and implementing the annual Council gathering, communications, reports, and other Council initiatives. (15%)
• Facilitate communication between the AABC and the General Synod Council, helping ensure that the concerns, experiences, and gifts of the Council and its constituency remain visible, connected, and supported in partnership with Council leadership and the General Synod Council representative. (5%)
• Visit, engage, and encourage African American/Black congregations and communities throughout the RCA and, as requested, provide or coordinate training, education, consultation, and other ministry programming that strengthens congregations, leaders, and the broader constituency. (10%)
• Recruit, encourage, educate, orient, and connect African American/Black pastors, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, and members for leadership and service throughout the RCA. Provide education and orientation regarding the mission and work of the AABC, RCA polity, governance, doctrine, history, ministry opportunities, and participation in the wider life of the denomination. (10%)
• Develop and sustain trusted relationships that foster continuity among congregations, consistories, middle assemblies, and denominational leaders. Serve as a primary point of contact by facilitating connections between the Council, constituents, and middle assemblies and, upon request, providing consultation, wise counsel, and appropriate resources that strengthen African American/Black congregations, leaders, and communities. (15%)
• Collaborate as a member of the Center for Church Multiplication and Ministry and the Revelation 7:9 ministry team, cultivating relationships and shared ministry across the denomination that advance the Revelation 7:9 vision of a multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational church where all belong, contribute their gifts, and flourish together. (10%)
• Coordinate and lead one Sankofa Journey annually in collaboration with the other racial and ethnic councils and Revelation 7:9 ministry colleagues, fostering learning, reconciliation, building relationships, and shared ministry across the denomination. (10%)
• Represent the African American/Black Council, as appropriate, at denominational, ecumenical, and other ministry gatherings. (5%)
• Manage and administer the AABC annual budget. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Committed to the mission and vision of the RCA.
• Bachelor's degree in ministry, religion, or a related field.
• Ability to travel around 20-30 days per year.
• Working knowledge of the RCA, its congregations, and its governing structures.
• At least three years of demonstrated ability to work with congregations to enable them to increase their missional imagination around social justice and cultural agility.
• A demonstrated passion for an equitable, just, multiracial society, demonstrated experience around the work of reconciliation, and a demonstrated ability to articulate biblical theology from a reformed perspective to complex racial and social/political issues.
• A commitment to racial, ethnic, gender, and generational justice in the church and the world.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a budget.
• A working knowledge of various social media platforms.
• Recognized gifts of leadership, equipping, encouragement, and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, ministry, religion, or a related field.
• Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament, a commissioned pastor, or currently working toward those certifications.

Faith Alignment

As a religious organization, the Reformed Church in America requires employees to support and align with its religious observances, practices, and beliefs. Employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the Christian faith and to the ministry and values of the Reformed Church in America.

Pay

Hiring salary range: $26,000 – $29,000 (geographic differential applied for those outside of Michigan).

Schedule

Part-time, 20 hours per week.