The Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin, in Covenant Partnership with the Christian Church in the Michigan Region, is looking to expand the staff. We are opening a search for an Associate Regional Minister for Clergy and Lay Education. Attached to this letter is a ministry description for consideration.
Our goal is to call a Disciples of Christ minister in good standing to begin this ministry by the end of the calendar year. To that end, we are requesting a letter of interest to be received not later than July 31, 2024, with a Ministerial Search and Call Profile to follow as soon as possible thereafter. In your interest letter, please certify that you have begun the Search and Call Profile process, and your Background Check request has been submitted.
Letters of interest may be sent via email to Reverend Rick Hamilton: [email protected]
All correspondence will be kept in strictest confidence.
Questions may also be directed to Rick at the above email address.
The successful candidate will join a professional staff of ten church leaders including the Regional Minister, Three Associate Regional Ministers; An Admin team of Administrator, Director of Information and Technology, and Coordinator of Communication and Development Ministries; a Camp Host and Resident Minister; a NAPAD Minister; and a Disciple Women Coordinator. The Associate Regional Minister will provide Congregation Care and Support for about 40 churches and will be deployed in the geographic area of care in Illinois.
In addition, the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin maintains a Covenant Partnership Relationship, which is emerging to a single merged region, with the Christian Church in Michigan. The ARM for Clergy and Lay Education will provide program support for both regions during the time of transition.
This a permanent, Full-Time, exempt ministry. The ministry requires travel approximately 40-45 weeks a year. A vehicle owned by the region and all travel expenses will be provided.
Associate Regional Minister for Clergy and Lay Education Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin
POSITION SUMMARY
Be in relationship with congregations/ministries of CCIW to provide educational opportunities for clergy, lay persons, and congregations to enrich the life of the whole church and provide training and education which meets the ministry goals of congregations and the region.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
Reporting to the Regional Minister-President of CCIW.
TIME REQUIREMENT/STATUS
This position is full time Pastoral Staff/Exempt.
JOB FUNCTIONS
Clergy and Lay Education Associate provides leadership for the CCIW by carrying out the following:
- Embracing the Vision and Mission of CCIW, particularly embedding Pro Reconciliation/Anti-Racism concepts and training into this ministry.
- Working in coordination with the Regional Minister-President and the School for Ministry Advisory Council, as well as the PR/AR team, AllianceQ, Commission on Clergy Ethics, Commission on Ministry, and Disciple Women’s council.
- Provide programming for ministry development of lay leaders and congregational elders.
- Serve as Dean of the School for Ministry, working in cooperation with Mentor/Advisors to encourage comprehensive education of Lay Ministers seeking Commissioned Status
- Provide coordination of continuing education opportunities in cooperation with NAPAD and Obra Hispana ministers in the language of their hearts.
- Work with the CCIW Commission on Ministry to ensure advocacy for lay ministry and consistency of educational program of the CCIW.
- Provide for monthly training events located throughout the geographic areas of the CCIW which will fulfill Clergy Ethics Requirements.
- Coordinate Annual Summer Institute of In-Person Intensive Learning and extended Clergy workshops in cooperation with Eureka College.
- Create and Coordinate ongoing Elder and Deacon Trainings which encourage discernment of calls to Lay Ministry.
- Encourage open communication and cooperation with the CCIW Ministry Team
- Provide pastoral care and oversight for search and call to congregations in assigned area.
Other Responsibilities
- Prepare and implement goals and objectives annually. Discuss and review with Regional Personnel Committee and RMP.
- Support the ministry of the Regional Church as assigned and relate appropriately to all expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
- Strive to become a specialist in one of four assigned church types to help in consulting and coaching all congregations in the Regional Church.
Compensation: Salary/housing/health/ $65,000-70,000 plus pension fund and automobile.
Staff Position to be deployed in the region.
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Required
- Understanding of educational pedagogies related to religious education.
- Ability to articulate and represent the need for Lay Training for Ministry.
- Experience in leading educational events and workshops.
- Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to listen, clarify, and convey information in an accessible way.
- Ability to self-direct, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- High commitment to confidentiality in all matters.
- Basic conflict management skills.
- Ordained/Commissioned Disciple Minister.
- MDiv preferred.
- Positive attitude, detail and customer oriented with good multitasking and organizational ability.
- Fluency in English. Bilingual skills are a plus.
- Excellent consulting, writing, editing (photo/video/text), presentation and communication skills.
- Proficiency in use of social media.
- Demonstrated ability to social network.
- Basic knowledge of Word, Gmail, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
- At a minimum, have knowledge or willingness to gain knowledge of CCIW ministries and congregations.