Employment opportunities

Church of the Brethren congregations

Church of the Brethren denominational positions

The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • Mission Advancement Advocate (Elgin, Illinois or Remote)

    The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of Mission Advancement Advocate. The Mission Advancement Advocate is part of the Mission Advancement team and reports to the Interim, Executive Director of Engagement and Communications.

    The major responsibility is to strengthen individual and congregational relationships and increase financial support for the ministries of the Church of the Brethren through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Builds relationships through denominational, district, and congregational events and gatherings; personal visits; and ongoing communication. Encourages current, increased, and legacy giving and supports special denominational giving initiatives.

    Skills and knowledge required:

    • At least three years of experience in fundraising, development, donor relations, constituent engagement, nonprofit advancement, or comparable relationship-management work.
    • Strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships and engage with cultural humility and respect across differences in background, identity, experience, perspective, and level of connection to the Church of the Brethren.
    • Ability and willingness to invite individuals and congregations to provide financial support and to conduct fundraising conversations confidently, respectfully, and appropriately.
    • Familiarity with—or willingness and ability to develop knowledge in—planned and legacy giving.
    • Strong organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships and priorities while working both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.
    • Experience using—or demonstrated ability to learn—a constituent relationship management system or comparable database.
    • Ability to analyze giving and engagement data to identify trends and opportunities for cultivation.
    • Ability to understand and effectively articulate the mission, ministries, heritage, theology, polity, and organizational structure of the Church of the Brethren; existing knowledge of the denomination and its congregations and districts preferred.

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    Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required

    Location: Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, Illinois/ Remote within the United States

    Travel: Regular auto and air travel to cultivate and steward relationships with Congregations and individual donors and to participate in denominational, district, congregational, and donor gatherings. Travel should be planned strategically to make effective use of time and resources and, when possible, combine multiple opportunities for cultivation, stewardship, and relationship building.

    Travel expectations and geographic assignments will be appropriate to the assigned portfolio. Travel to Elgin, Illinois, for department and organization meetings are required as assigned.

    Pay: $52,000 – $56,000 per year

    Benefits: Health insurance, health savings account, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, paid parental leave, sponsored short-term disability, sponsored Basic life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), paid time off (vacation days, and sick leave) professional development assistance, and flexible schedule.

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

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

     

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