Employment opportunities

Church of the Brethren congregations

Church of the Brethren denominational positions

  • Manager of Global Food Initiative (Elgin, Illinois)

    The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a part-time (40 hours biweekly) salaried position of Manager of Global Food Initiative (GFI). This position reports directly to the Executive Director of Global Mission and is responsible for providing oversight and administration of the Global Food Initiative Fund and coordinates hunger-based programming with GM, particularly with sister churches. This position is based in Elgin, IL/ remote with some travel required. Full COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment.

    Skills and knowledge required:

    • Ability to take initiative without regular supervision.
    • Demonstrated ability in organizational skills.
    • Demonstrated ability in communication skills (verbal/written).
    • Experience in word processing, database and spreadsheet software.
    • Able to articulate and operate out of the mission and vision of the Church of the Brethren and the Mission and Ministry Board.
    • Understanding of managing a budget required. Experience managing a budget preferred.
    • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
    • Education or experience in agriculture or community development preferred.
    • Well-grounded in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology and polity preferred.
    • French, Spanish or Haitian-Creole or other relevant languages preferred.

     

    Education and Support of Church of the Brethren:

    • Keeping before the denomination the needs of the poor and hungry and the biblical injunctions to address those needs.
    • Collaborating with other programs of the Mission and Ministry Board, particularly Washington-based staff, and with the hunger ministries of other denominations, Foods Resource Bank, Church World Service, and Bread for the World.
    • Keeping abreast of the work of such allied organizations as Heifer International, SERRV International, ECHO, and the Inter-Faith Anti-Hunger Directors, and noting the policy pronouncements of the US Department of Agriculture, USAID, World Food Organization, and other related agencies.
    • Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.
    • Initiating news and article coverage and creating and promoting worship and study resources for distribution in print and electronically.
    • Informing and enlisting Brethren to support advocacy work of the Washington Office and speak on specific legislative measures related to hunger, poverty, nutrition, and development.

    Bachelor’s degree expected, Master’s degree or equivalent work experience helpful but not required.

    Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org.

  • Director of Brethren Historical Library and Archives (Elgin, Illinois)

    The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of Brethren Historical Library and Archives. The director of Brethren Historical Library and Archives is part of the Organizational Resources team and reports to the executive director of Organizational Resources. Full COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment.

    Promotes the history and heritage of the Church of the Brethren by administering the Brethren Historical Library and Archives and by facilitating research and the study of Brethren history.

    Skills and knowledge required: Familiarity with Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity, ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren, familiarity with library and archival disciplines, customer-service skills, research and problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Microsoft software and experience with OCLC products.

    At least 3-5 years of experience in a library or archives. Masters degree in library science/archival studies or a public history related program, and extensive knowledge of Church of the Brethren history and beliefs. Graduate degree in history or theology and/or certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.

    This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, IL.

    Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org.

Church of the Brethren districts

  • District Executive Minister, Western Plains District

    The Western Plains District is seeking a half-time district executive minister to serve its 36 congregations located within four states including New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. The district is a geographically dispersed and theologically diverse group of Brethren disciples seeking to serve together as the body of Christ. This is a half-time time position (approximately 25 hours per week). The office location is negotiable. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. See the Western Plains District Executive Minister position description.

    RESPONSIBILITIES include:

    1. Direct, coordinate, manage, and lead the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Leadership Team.
    2. Provide a strong emphasis on missional church and Jesus in the Neighborhood Compelling Vision-focused leadership
    3. Work with the congregations in calling and credentialing ministers, and in the placement/call and evaluation of pastors. Oversee the wellbeing of the congregations and ministers of the district.
    4. Provide an important link between the congregations and the district and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, the Annual Conference, the Agencies, and their staff.

    QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

    1. Ordained through accredited program, Master of Divinity preferred.
    2. Personal skills in organization, administration, and communication.
    3. Committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically.
    4. Demonstrated leadership skills.
    5. 5-10 years of pastoral experience preferred.

    Interested and qualified persons may apply for this position by sending a letter of interest and resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of Ministry, 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.

  • District Executive Minister, Full-time Position, Mid-Atlantic District
    Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2023. The Mid-Atlantic District includes 59 congregations residing in five states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The district is very spread out, creating a challenge for district leadership to attend to all parts of the district. After receiving feedback from around the district and being mindful of the challenge it can be for a single district staff person to provide in-person executive support for such a widespread area, the district is subsequently committed to developing a small team supervised by the District Executive Minister (DEM) that will mitigate some of the geographical challenges. With the support of this team, the DEM can spend less time in travel and be freed to manage their time and workload more effectively. Our hope is that this will better support all congregations and allow the DEM to delegate as appropriate to focus on bringing their own strengths and gifts to the district’s needs. The office is located in Westminster, MD. Travel is required both within and outside of the district.
     
    RESPONSIBILITIES include:
    1. Direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Leadership Team.
    2. 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.
    3. Equip congregations for growth and renewal and encourage new church planting, evangelism, and missions in the District.
    4. Provide an important link between the congregations and the district and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, the Annual Conference, the Agencies, and their staff.

    See the full position description here (PDF)
     
    QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
    1. Ordained in the Church of the Brethren.
    2. Masters of Divinity preferred, but candidates ordained through other approved ministry training programs will be considered.
    3. Personal skills in organization, administration, and communication.
    4. Committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically.
    5. Demonstrated leadership skills.
    6. Pastoral experience preferred.

    Interested and qualified persons may apply for this position by sending a letter of interest and resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of Ministry, via email at officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide letters 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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