Job Description

Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of several national entities: the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Corporation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group.

POSITION PURPOSE

Support the denomination’s work of engaging the world outside our doors and strengthening those who assemble within by forming cohort-based learning experiences that build the capacity to pursue the Matthew 25 goals and participate in Hands and Feet Initiatives.

Job Skills / Requirements

Roles and Responsibilities

1. [Identify needs for equipping] Identify areas where congregations and mid-councils participating in the Matthew 25 Vision and the Hands and Feet Initiatives need equipping to carry out their commitments to these ministries. Continue identifying existing and emerging needs for equipping.
2. [Plan for addressing these needs] Develop and maintain a plan for addressing equipping needs. Identify skills and outlook needed. Identify resources for addressing equipping needs: particularly on developing a network of coaches and mentors who can guide ministry leaders in developing the needed capacities. Gain familiarity with online, printed, and other resources that may be useful in equipping leaders and, when necessary, create contextual resources for leadership formation.
3. [Cohorts as a medium for equipping] Organize short- and long-term cohorts as the means by which to offer equipping for ministry. Assist those cohorts as they are underway.
4. [Relationship with Mid Council Ministries] Work with colleagues in Mid Council Ministries on forming cohorts supporting their work with ministry leaders in congregations and mid councils.
5. [Relationship with Ministry Colleagues] Work with the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries colleague for Leadership Development for Leaders of Color and the Compassion Peace and Justice colleague working in community organizing to organize and support cohorts in their ministries.
6. [Build a base of knowledge] Provide periodic summaries of key learnings from the cohorts that contribute to a shared understanding of the gifts and challenges of cohorts and the work of ministry leader formation.
7. [Inventory across entities] Inventory all programs in this area by the six agencies, mid-councils, and other organizations with significant PCUSA involvement; build relationships with those working on these programs. Seek ways to collaborate with and support these initiatives.
8. [TAW duties] Respond to general inquiries about the theological views of the PC(USA) from individuals, particularly inquiries regarding other religious groups.
9. [TAW duties] Governance: work on General Assembly referrals as assigned by and in consultation with the Coordinator for Theology and Worship. Prepare reports for GA and for the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board, as assigned. As needed, serve in staffing roles that support the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and other agencies.
10. [TAW duties] Engage in research and writing project(s) on topics that address the situation of the PC(USA). Topics for such work will be shaped in conversation with colleagues in the Office of Theology & Worship.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Experience working with ministry leader formation either through denominational, presbytery or seminary formation work;
• Experience organizing and supporting cohorts or small groups; diplomatic relational skills;
• knowledge of the theology of the PC(USA) as found in its Constitution and General Assembly theological statements;
• project management experience demonstrating abilities in this area.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

Helpful Skills: 

• Experience working well with others on major projects
• Ability to analyze the church and its context, seeking opportunities for faithful living a proclamation.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Experience developing and organizing content for learning contexts.

Experience:

2+ years working with cohorts as a means of supporting growth in faith

Education:

Master of Divinity preferred.

Skill and Competency Requirements

• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to think strategically
• Strong communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Work remotely or in person.
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed

Additional Information / Benefits

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues at the Presbyterian Center.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Pension Plan, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending accounts, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.