Church of the Brethren congregations
- Pastoral/staff openings (many locations)
Church of the Brethren denominational positions
- Administrative Assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation (Elgin, IL)
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an Administrative Assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation. This full-time salaried position is located at the General Offices in Elgin, Illinois, and reports to the Executive Director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation.
The major responsibility is to enhance and support the ministries of Discipleship and Leadership Formation through administration of a variety of tasks and projects assigned by the Executive Director.
Skills and knowledge required:
- Bilingual- English and Spanish is preferred.
- Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
- Skilled in Windows-based computer systems (currently Windows 11) and applications, particularly Outlook, Word, Access, Excel, Explorer, and Publisher, with the capability and willingness to learn new software applications.
- Ability to problem solve; good judgment in prioritizing tasks; and ability to work independently.
- Knowledge of financial processes.
- Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to communicate effectively with multiple agencies and constituencies and deal gracefully with the public.
- Able to work with minimum supervision, self-starter, readily adaptable to change, works well in a multi-dimensional program.
- Excellent organizational skills, i.e., ability to work with details, complex assignments, and simultaneous tasks.
- Ability to work with established style guides and an eye for print and image design.
- Appreciation for the role of congregations and their leaders in the life of the church, perspective on the church’s role in mission, and an awareness of the Church of the Brethren’s values.
- Sensitivity to other cultures, and an understanding of organizational development and capacity building.
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team.
Experience: 3-5 years of administrative assistant experience with preference in a not-for-profit environment.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or other education relevant to the position.
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 cover letter with a resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
- Director of Sales for Brethren Press (Elgin, IL)
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of sales for Brethren Press. The director of sales reports to the publisher of Brethren Press.
The director of sales develops and implements sales plans for Brethren Press, the publishing house for the Church of the Brethren. Brethren Press publishes curriculum, church resources, and books for congregations and individuals across the Church of the Brethren, a small denomination known for its commitment to peace, service, and discipleship.
The director of sales is responsible for the functions of customer service, shipping, and management of the inventory and warehouse. This person works within a unit dedicated to the publishing and communication ministries of the church, and also communicates frequently with other denominational staff, the wider church, and colleagues in other denominational publishing houses.
Skills and knowledge required: Ability to work with sales and inventory management systems and other computer programs used within Brethren Press, experience supervising people and systems, strong interpersonal skills and experience working well within a team, knowledge of the Church of the Brethren or ability to learn, and ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and values of the Church of the Brethren and to represent Brethren Press favorably in denominational and ecumenical settings.
Experience and education: Experience in sales, especially within the business of publishing and within a church setting. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of the Church of the Brethren preferred.
This position is located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
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, IL)
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.
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 Positions, Middle Pennsylvania District
The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren seeks candidates to fill the roles of a three member District Executive Team, namely one ½ time district executive minister position and two ¼ time district executive minister positions. Applications for any of the positions are welcomed at this time.
The district is a coalition of 53 congregations in rural, small town and city settings. We seek a team that will share the responsibilities that foster the work of Jesus through our congregations.
Clarification: This team structure was suggested by interpretation of the results of a survey completed by church members in the District. However, the District Coordinating Team and the Search Committee have made clear that the intent is NOT to limit of the working of God in the process of finding effective leadership. In short, individuals feeling led to full time opportunities in District level ministry are still encouraged to apply. While a small majority of survey results suggested the team approach as a possibility, the District is still very open to full time or three-quarter time leadership within the limits of available compensation.
Members of the DEM team may work remotely or on location at the Middle PA District Office located in Huntingdon, PA. Compensation for the DEM team 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, through the work of the entire team, 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 for ½ time position.
- 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 for any of these positions 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.
- Regional Ministry Associate, Mid-Atlantic District (5-10 hours/week)
The Mid-Atlantic District includes 53 congregations and seeks individuals to serve as Regional Ministry Associate (RMA). This is a part-time stipend position with an expected work commitment of 5-10 hours per week. Each RMA will be assigned to engage with approximately one third of the congregations in our geographically and culturally diverse district, with the geographical division being based upon the locations of the selected candidates. The RMAs ministry will support and complement the efforts of the District Executive Minister (DEM), regularly checking in with the DEM to share information and receive feedback. This position reports to the DEM with an annual review and is accountable to the District Leadership Team.
A link to the Regional Ministry Associate position description can be found at www.madcob.com/pastoral-openings. Please share with qualified individuals who may be interested.
- District Executive Minister Opening, Shenandoah District
The Shenandoah District includes 86 congregations in Virginia and West Virginia. The district is theologically, geographically, and politically diverse with creative, committed Christians seeking to serve together as the body of Christ. This is a full-time position (approximately 48 hours per week). The office is located in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Travel is required both within and outside of the district.
RESPONSIBILITIES include:
- Direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Leadership Team.
- 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.
- 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:
- Ordained through accredited program, Master of Divinity degree preferred and extensive experience in pastoral leadership including serving as pastor of a Church of the Brethren congregation required.
- Experience in organization, administration, supervision, communication, and working with lay leaders is highly desired.
- Committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
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 candidate’s resume, the individual will be sent a Candidate profile that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. The district profile and the position description for the role are also available upon request. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
- District Executive Minister Opening, Southern Pennsylvania District
The Southern PA District which includes 27 congregations seeks a district executive minister for a part-time position equal to approximately 25-30 hours per week. The District Executive Minister (DEM) may work remotely or on location at the Southern PA District Office in Gardners, PA. 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.
The Southern PA district board envisions a district executive team that includes the district executive minister as well as a district minister of pastoral care and a district minister of nurture and outreach. The need for these two additional roles will be determined approximately 6-8 months after the part-time DEM has begun his or her role.
RESPONSIBILITIES are outlined in the position description available upon request and include the primary elements:
- Serve as the chief executive administrator and planning officer for the District and its Board;
- If and when necessary, lead the District Executive Team, including Guiding team meetings; and delegating tasks and responsibilities to appropriate team members or volunteers.
- Maintain confidential files, including, but not limited to, pastoral, personnel, and congregational files;
- Direct and oversee the work of the administrative assistant;
- Monitor and direct the administrative tasks of the district;
- Liaise with the Stewards Commission, the Bookkeeper, and district board on the finances of the district, including providing input for the district’s annual budget;
- Guide and assist congregations in the pastoral placement process;
- Plan and conduct services of licensing and credentialing, assisted by the Minister of Pastoral Care or ministry commission, as needed;
- Liaise with the denominational Office of Ministry, Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, and Bethany Seminary, C.O.D.E., Annual Conference, General Secretary, CoB offices and agencies;
- Work with District Moderator, Moderator Elect, Program and Arrangements Committee, and Personnel & Nominating Committee for the District Conference.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
- Ordained through accredited program, minimum of Brethren Academy ACTS level training program.
- 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 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.
Bethany Theological Seminary & Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership
- Openings at Bethany Seminary & Brethren Academy – Note especially Coordinator of English-Language Ministry Training Programs