Employment opportunities

Church of the Brethren congregations

Church of the Brethren denominational positions

The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Church of the Brethren districts

  • District Executive, Northern Plains District

    JOB GOAL: To nurture the spiritual and numerical growth of the Northern Plains District of the Church of the Brethren.

    ACCOUNTABILITY: The District Executive is directly accountable and reportable to the Executive Committee of the Northern Plains District Board.

    TENURE: This position is ongoing, reviewed and renewed annually by the Executive Committee of the District Board.

    CORE LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AND COMMITMENTS:
    The District Executive will seek to:

    1. challenge the process: searching out challenging opportunities to change, grow, innovate and improve by experimenting, taking risks, and learning from accompanying mistakes.
    2. inspire a shared vision: envisioning an uplifting and enriching future and enlisting others in a common vision by appealing to their values, interests, hopes and dreams.
    3. enable others to act: fostering collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust and by strengthening people by giving power away, providing choice, developing competence, assigning critical tasks, and offering visible support.
    4. model the way: setting an example by behaving in ways that are consistent with shared values and by achieving small wins that promote consistent progress and build commitment.
    5. encourage the heart: recognizing individual contributions to the success of every project and by celebrating team accomplishments regularly.

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    Recognizing the importance of professional growth and development in fulfilling the responsibilities of District Executive, the District Executive is expected to grow spiritually and professionally, participating in events such as the Council of District Executives professional growth events, ecumenical educational events, personal prayer and scripture study, spiritual retreat time, and educational opportunities relating to district work. In addition, the District Executive is entitled to and encouraged to engage in sabbatical rest on a regular basis as outlined by district policy. The District Executive will keep the Executive Committee informed about specific professional development plans and will work with the Executive Committee to plan for sabbaticals and ensure the necessary coverage.

    AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

    1. Pastoral Placement

      The District Executive is responsible for helping district churches (congregations, fellowships, and projects) secure pastoral leadership. This involves: receiving and distributing profiles; meeting with search committees; serving as a link to the Office of Ministry and other districts; interpreting polity; assisting in pastoral negotiations; communicating with candidates and search committees; and arranging for the installation of pastors. When a church is unable to support a pastor, the District Executive will advise them regarding leadership alternatives.

    2. Pastoral and Congregational Support

      The District Executive is responsible for responding to the concerns/needs of district pastors and churches. This involves: listening and encouraging; providing feedback related to ministry situations; arranging for pastoral/church evaluations when invited; and making referrals to other resources as needed.

    3. Building Relationships

      The District Executive is responsible for fostering communication within the district and between the district and the denomination. This involves: visiting churches; sending mailings to churches; preaching as invited; publicizing district events; sharing how God is working in our lives in Northern Plains; and serving as a communication link with the denomination.

    4. Relating to the District Board and Committees

      The District Executive is responsible for preparing materials as needed for the District Board and Committees. This includes: assisting in setting the agenda for meetings; communicating with chairpersons; and providing supplies/materials for workshops or projects.

    5. Administration and Supervision

      The District Executive is responsible for overseeing district operations and supervising district staff, paid and volunteer, including but not limited to the Communications Minister, Minister of Leadership Development, District Conference Support Staff, and Cluster Ministers. As needed, the District Executive will be available to advise regarding the purchase and maintenance of supplies and equipment and the coordination of volunteers.

    6. Leadership Development

      The District Executive will participate in calling and nurturing both ministerial and lay leadership within the district. Related to ministerial leadership, this involves: identifying and calling out gifts for ministry; arranging for licensing and ordination services in conjunction with the District Ministry Commission; and encouraging churches to develop ministerial leadership from within their own congregations.

    7. Denominational Involvement

      The District Executive will support connections with denominational agencies and boards and the Council of District Executives. The District Executive will serve in denominational capacities as time permits.

    8. Ecumenical Relations

      The District Executive will share in the ministry of the gospel within the church at large and participate in the ecumenical witness when in congruence with Church of the Brethren beliefs. The District Executive will participate in state ecumenical bodies as time permits.

    DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS

    • A deep commitment to God and the Church of the Brethren.
    • Completion of an approved course of theological education and/or ministerial training.
    • Ministerial credentials.
    • Pastoral experience.
    • Strong written and oral communication skills.
    • Electronic communication skills (e-mail, social media, and website management).
    • A working understanding of ministry, congregational life, and district life within the Northern Plains district and the denomination.
    • Ability to relate well to churches of all sizes and theological perspectives.
    • Ability to work with a wide variety of people.
    • Willingness to listen, be supportive of, offer encouragement to, and share insights with individuals and congregations.
    • Experience supervising other staff, paid and volunteer.
    • Administrative skills and experience.
    • Good people and coaching skills including conflict resolution and the ability to hold others accountable and help them move forward.
    • Ability to think deeply and critically.
    • Familiarity with the Church of the Brethren Guidelines for Ministerial Relations.
    • Commitment to follow the ethical guidelines outlined in the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Papers: Ethics in Ministry Relations and Ethics for Congregations. This includes a solid understanding of and respect for confidentiality

     

  • District Executive Minister Positions, Middle Pennsylvania District

    Note: The Middle Pa District Executive Search Team is announcing new developments in their efforts to discern God’s will for leadership within the District.

    The District’s Coordinating Team has re-evaluated the financial package they are offering for successful candidate(s) and are now able to offer a more attractive package. The District Profile and information on the new financial package are available through the Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry.

    The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren seeks a full-time district executive minister to serve its 53 congregations located in rural, small town and city settings. Middle PA District churches share a heritage that grounds them in a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, enlivened in the activity of the Holy Spirit. They seek to follow Jesus’ teachings and example, living in grateful response to God’s amazing grace, and sharing a cross-shaped love with a hurting world.

    The district executive minister will be expected to work both on location at the Middle PA District Office located in Huntingdon, PA and remotely as needed. Compensation for the DEM will be negotiated in reference to the denominationally recommended Salary and Benefits for District Executive Ministers. Travel is required both within and outside of the district.

    Responsibilities are outlined in the position description available upon request and will include the primary areas of:

    • Pastoral/Congregational Transitions
    • Pastoral Support
    • Leadership Development with respect to calling and credentialing of ministers
    • Consultations with congregations and throughout the district structure, and
    • Management and administration of district staff and oversight of district finances.

    These primary areas of responsibility serve to provide:

    • Direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Coordinating team (District Board).
    • Work with the congregations in calling and credentialing ministers, and in the placement/call and evaluation of pastoral staff. Provide support and counsel for ministers and other church leaders, share and interpret program resources for congregations.
    • An important link between the congregations and the district and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, the Annual Conference, appropriate denominational entities and their staff.

    Qualifications/Experience:

    • Ordained through accredited program, minimum of Brethren Academy ACTS level training program; Master of Divinity preferred.
    • Personal skills in organization, administration, and communication.
    • Committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically.
    • Demonstrated leadership skills.
    • Pastoral experience.

    Interested and qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest and a resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of the Ministry Office, via email at officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of the resume, the individual will be sent a Candidate profile that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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