Church Engagement Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

About the Agencies

General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)

The General Board of Global Ministries is the worldwide mission, relief, and development agency of The United Methodist Church, working with partners and churches in more than 115 countries to equip and transform people and communities for God’s mission. Global Ministries connects the church in mission and alleviates human suffering through missionary work, church engagement, global health support, and humanitarian and disaster relief and recovery efforts.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM)

As stewards of the educational mission and intellectual life of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry connects the church and the academy to develop transformational leaders for the church and the world. Elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors benefit from our training and candidacy programs. Young adults receive support in discerning vocation and call through leadership programs. GBHEM awards nearly $4 million in scholarships annually and connects and supports a global network of more than 1,000 United Methodistrelated schools, colleges, and universities.

Position Summary: Area Liaison for Europe 

The Area Liaison for Europe will be the primary relational bridge connecting the United Methodist Regional Conferences in Europe and other European Methodist – related churches and entities with Global Ministries and other United Methodist agencies to further the strategic priorities of our European partners. High priority on ability to understand diverse contextual realities across Europe will be critical along with an ability to engage in dialogical relationships with key stakeholders.

This position will be supervised by the Executive Director for Mission Engagement at GBGM and work closely with the General Secretary of GBGM/GBHEM and an advisory committee composed of UMC Bishops in Europe (or their designees) and general secretaries of the participating agencies, who will provide strategic directions for the position. Regular reporting and adherence to agreedupon timelines are expected.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Area Liaison will be responsible for understanding and articulating the strategic priorities of our European partners, communicating these effectively to Global Ministries, Higher Education & Ministry, and other United Methodist General Agencies to guide resourcing determinations. Additionally, the area liaison will have a good understanding of the assets our European partners bring into this mutual partnership.
• In alignment with partner priorities, the area liaison will cultivate potential National in Mission positions, missionary positions (inclusive of young adult Global Mission Fellows), and mission volunteer placements while adhering to Global Ministries’ processes and capacity.
  • After missionary placements have been cultivated and a missionary has been placed through Missionary Service, the Area Liaison will collaborate with the placement site and the missionary to ensure that all legal documents, travel, and living arrangements are completed, providing intervention when needed.
  • Once a missionary has arrived at the place of assignment, the area liaison will be responsible for attending to administrative and relational processes related to supervision along with the placement supervisor, meeting at least once every two months with appointed missionaries.
• In alignment with partner priorities, the area liaison will connect European partners with resourcing opportunities provided through grants and The Advance.
  • Broker appropriate grant opportunities through GBGM/GBHEM/UMCOR in alignment with internal processes.
  • Connect with Advance Special Project partners ensuring alignment with the new system being developed and attending to administrative requirements related to the release of funds to partners and adherence to reporting protocols.
  • Connect partners with appropriate grant opportunities through participating agencies.
• The Area Liaison will provide strategic connection with the Lead Hubs and Methodist – related educational institutions located within the European context, seeking to create a unified presence and integrated structure that appropriately aligns education and mission.
• The Area Liaison will facilitate communication between European partners and participating agencies based on the strategic directions provided by the advisory body to be created for this purpose.
• The Area Liaison will be part of the Mission Engagement Unit staff and will actively participate in the work of the unit.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of  leadership experience within The United Methodist Church. Clear understanding of the United Methodist Church and its structure, especially in Europe
• Minimum 5 years of experience living in and understanding European cultural and ecclesial contexts
• Demonstrated ability to bridge diverse cultures and develop decolonized approaches to relationships, leadership, and partnership
• Strong diplomacy and  relational skills with staff, partners, authorities, and beneficiary communities
• General knowledge of mission theology, education, discipleship, communication, and United Methodist polity within the European and worldwide contexts
• Knowledge of multiple languages will be an advantage

Working Conditions:

• Location: Remote, based in Europe
• Hours: 40 hours weekly (Monday - Friday; flexible start/end time between 07:00 - 19:00)
• Schedule: Requires work outside standard business hours and on weekends. Additionally, the person will be working with colleagues across multiple time zones, requiring flexibility. Work style: Extended periods of computer/virtual meeting work
• Travel: Up to 40% domestic and international travel
• Department: Mission Engagement
• Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

What We Offer/How to Apply:

• A competitive benefits package
• To apply, please submit: 1) A cover letter, 2) Resume/CV, 3) A digitally signed employment application, 4) Evidence of competencies aligned to the role, 5) Three references [2 supervisory and 1 professional], 6) Your potential start date
• Applications should be submitted through our applicant portal. Please scan the QR code below to access the careers page or visit Careers | Global Ministries.
• Please ensure your application is signed before submission.

We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible, so don’t wait to apply! 

If you have any questions as you complete your application, please contact

HRGeneral@umcmission.org

Data Protection and Privacy Notice (GDPR Compliance)

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and our designated Employer of Record (EOR) will process your personal data for recruitment, assessment, and—if applicable—onboarding purposes.

Your data will be processed under the lawful basis of legitimate interest and, when required, consent (e.g., contacting references). Access to your data is restricted to individuals directly involved in the recruitment process and our EOR or service providers acting on our behalf in compliance with GDPR.

Personal data will be retained only as long as necessary for the recruitment process and will be securely deleted within 12 months unless you provide consent for longer retention for future opportunities.

You may request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of your personal data at any time, and you may withdraw consent without affecting prior lawful processing.

For questions or to exercise your rights, contact:HRgeneral@umcmission.org

Employment Structure

This role will be hired through an Employer of Record (EOR). While daily work will be performed exclusively for our agencies, the EOR will be the legal employer for payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with relevant employment laws, including GDPR.