Church Revitalization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organization Profile

The Office of National Mission coordinates and supports domestic ministries that serve congregations and schools through the districts of the Synod (Bylaw 3.8.2.3).

Reporting Relationships

• Reports and is directly accountable to the ONM Managing Director, Congregations and Districts. Is ultimately accountable to the ONM Executive Director, Chief Mission Officer (CMO) and President of Synod.

Working Relationships

• Works closely and collaboratively with ONM Managing Directors, Ministry Leaders and all ONM staff to achieve mutually established ONM objectives while executing the strategic vision of School Ministry throughout the LCMS.
• Interacts with designated representatives from the various entities of the Synod and offices within corporate Synod, especially the mission and ministry units under the supervision of the Chief Mission Officer.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides leadership and strategically directs the work of LCMS School Ministry.
• Develop resources and support for the Lutheran School models of early childhood centers, elementary and secondary schools, as well as other forms of Lutheran Education (e.g. classical, micro, home, etc.)
• Plans, implements and oversees all School Ministry activities and events in line with the goals and mission of the Synod and ONM.
• Directs and is responsible for all programs related to School Ministry, including but not limited to the National Lutheran School Accreditation program [NLSA], Genesis studies, the Lutheran School Consulting Services [LSCS], the School Leader Development program [SLED], and others.
• Strives to broaden and strengthen the School Ministry network through networking and presenting at conferences, conventions, workshops, meetings and other functions.
• Provides leadership (visitation) and resources (conferences, etc.) which support and extend Lutheran schools operated by the Synod’s member congregations.
• Sets direction and offers guidance in the development of materials to promote Lutheran Schools (web, print, social, television, etc.)
• Develops the annual School Ministry budget proposal; manages expenditures within approved budget amounts; monitors financial reporting; collaborates with Mission Advancement on grant proposals and funding for School Ministry projects from outside sources.
• Provides regular reports to ONM and Synod staff and participating districts.
• Secures, interprets and communicates pertinent school statistics in order to support school related decision making at the national, district, university and local level.
• Works collaboratively with district Education Executives, RSO’s, and other 3rd parties engaged in the School Ministry sphere, communicating regularly and providing training and leadership.
• Oversees the ongoing relationship between School Ministry and district staff to ensure that work is aligned and carried out with the support of each district.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of ONM, or its Managing Directors.

Education and Experience

• A commissioned or ordained minister of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, preferably with a minimum of ten years in school ministry with significant leadership experience.
• A member in good standing of Lutheran church—Missouri Synod congregation who is supportive of the Synod’s constitution, bylaws and policies and familiar with the structure, policy, organization and procedures of the Synod.
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to the Word and Sacrament ministry of the Church.
• Understands the structure of the Synod and is supportive of the Synod’s position.
• Experience in long- and short-range planning techniques and procedures.
• Experience in writing and public speaking to various groups and organizations.
• Experience in conducting seminars, conferences, workshops and training events.
• Authorship of published articles on subjects related to Lutheran education (desirable).
• An advanced degree in Lutheran education or administration, a terminal degree is preferred.
• Post-graduate course work in administration, supervision and leadership.
• Experience in office management and supervision of a team ministry staff.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Able to articulate a clear confession of Lutheran Identity in School Ministry.
• A visionary and proactive leadership in School Ministry.
• Views Lutheran education as a key component of strengthening congregations (revitalization).
• Viewed by peers as a leader in Lutheran education.
• Proven skill, experience and working knowledge of good administrative procedures, especially as these skills relate to ONM.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and coordinate persons and groups in a variety of related ministries and services in the Synod, in other church bodies and outside the church.
• Ability to function as a member of the ONM team and in supportive relationships with district leaders.
• A self-starter with ability to develop a vision for the future.
• Ability to express clearly in written language, adapting writing to the audience.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises ONM LCMS School Ministry staff.