Director for Evangelical Mission, Western North Dakota Synod

About The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther. The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries.

About The Position

The Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) represents the ELCA through the Christian Community and Leadership Unit (CCL) in the Western North Dakota Synod and is responsible for the development of tools to support congregational vitality, which we define as, “Communities of Jesus that nurture new life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world.” The position also reflects the purposes, principles and commitments of the synod, CCL and the ELCA as a whole.

• Responsible for the formation and coordination of a Congregational Vitality Team that offers regular trainings to support 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 supported ministries including the process of application and evaluation of grants provided by the New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team 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.
• Serves as a resource person for congregations, institutions, and agencies in this synod, when requested.
• In partnership with the Bishop, responsible for coordinating stewardship and mission support efforts in the synod.

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.

Physical

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone.
• This position requires sitting for long periods of time.
• May be required to lift boxes of materials.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please contact us at careers.HR@elca.org.