Church of the Brethren congregations
- Pastoral/staff openings (many locations)
Church of the Brethren denominational positions
- 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.
- Director of Intercultural Ministries (remote)
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of Director of Intercultural Ministries. The Director of Intercultural Ministries is part of the Discipleship and Leadership Formation Team and reports to the Executive Director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation.
This position is remote with some travel required.
The major responsibility is to equip the denomination toward its intercultural vision and commitments.
Skills and knowledge required:
- Commitment to Jesus Christ as understood through the Anabaptist and Radical Pietist roots of the Church of the Brethren.
- Effectively share personal faith story.
- Able to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren and the Mission and Ministry Board.
- Integrate intercultural competencies within a model of discipleship.
- Demonstrates intercultural understanding and competency, and the ability to teach others.
- Holds a broad definition of “intercultural” and sees wide application for core intercultural competencies.
- Moves easily among a variety of different cultural groups, recognizing and respecting the unique qualities and gifts of various groups and cultivating forms of expression that bridge diversity throughout the church.
- Knowledge of group process and able to facilitate appropriate processes for shared learning, receiving feedback, or decision-making.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Bilingual ability preferred.
- Ability to draw on the expertise of others as needed, and a willingness to do so.
- Skills in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic initiatives.
- Manage logistics, such as meeting and event planning.
- Able to function effectively in a complex system, including making difficult decisions.
- Prioritize and manage a defined workload.
- Read and monitor budgets, function within financial limits, and manage personal and activity expense reporting.
- Engage and utilize teams of volunteers to execute strategies.
- Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to effective work with the Church of the Brethren, congregations, and districts.
- Computer aptitude and experience, including internet, email, word processing, database usage, presentation software and direct communication. Current platforms include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and Zoom.
- Familiarity with and experience in social media to promote to, relate with and influence individuals and a broader public.
- Confidence in speaking truth to power.
Experience:
Five or more years participation in intercultural contexts. Experience developing and implementing programs, managing complex workloads, communicating effectively to a diverse constituency, and working as part of a collaborative team. Demonstrated success in moving within urban, suburban, and exurban settings, adapting to cultural variations and norms. Work in areas of social justice and racial reconciliation
Bachelor’s degree required, Masters in related field preferred.
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.
- Brethren Historical Library and Archives internship. Housing, insurance, and stipend provided. It is not too late to apply! Find more information about the BHLA archival intern position here.
- Brethren Volunteer Service is looking for individuals who are interested in assisting with BVS orientations and the FaithX program. These will be full-time volunteer positions through BVS. As a BVS volunteer, your basic living expenses will be covered, including housing, transportation, food money, insurance, and a $3,000 stipend for a year of service.
As BVS Orientation Assistant, your main role is to help new volunteers feel welcomed and supported during their service with BVS. You will assist with preparation for orientations, provide leadership during orientations, and follow-up with volunteers during their time of service. Additionally, you will join the BVS team to help run behind the scenes task that make the organization tick. This may include support calls to volunteers, publishing newsletters, writing press releases, assisting with retreats, and other administrative duties as needed. Requirements include the ability to work with a diverse group of people; skills in organizing, writing, and finance; the ability to maintain confidentiality; flexibility; and computer knowledge. To learn more about BVS, visit www.brethren.org/bvs.
As Assistant FaithX Coordinator, you will help to plan, coordinate, and lead FaithX trip experiences in the United States. Requirements include organizational skills; commitment to Christian values and beliefs; initiative; communication and writing skills; and dedication to empowering youth through service and leadership. To learn more about FaithX, visit www.brethren.org/faithx.
Both of these volunteer positions require the ability and willingness to travel, an openness to explore your faith, and the ability to connect with people of all ages. These positions can start as early as January 2023 and will be filled on a rolling basis.
For questions or for more information about the application process, please email Chelsea Goss Skillen at cskillen@brethren.org.
Shine curriculum
The Shine Curriculum project, a joint publishing project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia, seeks a full-time Project Editor for Shine’s quarterly faith formation resources and a full-time Project Facilitator to oversee Shine’s new Everyday Faith project, a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative that aims to help parents and caregivers share faith and values with their children. Both are remote positions with some travel requirements. Shine values diversity and encourages people of color to apply. Email your resume and cover letter to Jobs@ShineCurriculum.com.
Position Descriptions:
Project Editor position description (PDF)
Project Facilitator position description (PDF)
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:
- Direct, coordinate, manage, and lead the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Leadership Team.
- Provide a strong emphasis on missional church and Jesus in the Neighborhood Compelling Vision-focused leadership
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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
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:
- 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.
- Equip congregations for growth and renewal and encourage new church planting, evangelism, and missions in the District.
- 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:
- Ordained in the Church of the Brethren.
- Masters of Divinity preferred, but candidates ordained through other approved ministry training programs will be considered.
- 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 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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