ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH – POSITION DESCRIPTION

PERSONNEL POLICIES STATEMENT:  The employees of this church, in all of their services-both within the congregation and in the fulfillment of the church’s mission in the world-shall carry out the duties to which they are assigned in faithfulness to the faith and mission of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Reporting to:           Senior Pastor

Title:                       Minister of Congregational Life

Hours:                     Part-time, non-exempt, approximately 25 hours per week

General

Responsibilities:     The purpose of this position is to establish an intentional ministry focused on three key areas:  1. Congregational Life: creating a welcoming and unifying environment for all members and visitors at St. John, helping to foster deeper relationships within the congregation,  2. Integration: developing and managing the new member process, and integrating all new and existing members into the life of the congregation as Disciples of Jesus Christ, and 3. Small Groups: focusing on facilitating small group infrastructure within the congregation and incorporating a coaching structure for leaders. 

1.  Congregational Life:  Empower and educate members and ministry teams in fostering a spirit of hospitality within the life of St. John. Lead initiatives to: 1. seek out, welcome and follow-up with all visitors, 2. champion activities and programs which bring all ministries and members together in deepening relationships, and 3. enhance communications both within the congregation as well as within the local community.

2.    Integration:  Evaluates and directs the new member process, including further development of existing programs such as the Inquirers’ classes.  In addition, research, develop, and implement new initiatives to ensure timely follow-up and integration of new and existing members into the life of the congregation.  Seek to draw new and existing members into new and existing ministries, and develop a means to track participation of members to ensure greater utilization of all the gifts that the Holy Spirit has provided.

3.   Small Groups: Engages and supports the Small Group Ministry Team to develop and execute a system for actively encouraging and placing members and visitors within appropriate small groups; recruiting, coaching, supporting, and training existing small group leaders/facilitators; and training others to become small group leaders/facilitators. The intention is to be the staff liaison for the small group ministry.

The Minister of Congregational Life should champion the communications of these ministries to the congregation. Special emphasis is to be placed upon cascading these initiatives throughout the Body and empowering members and visitors to become involved in the ministries/activities of the Church. These efforts depend upon the entire congregation, and the Minister’s role is to “teach us how.”

Skills

-        An understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ

-        Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in public speaking

-        Demonstrated organizational skills.  This function requires the ability to integrate the efforts of many into one integrated, cohesive ministry.

-        Outstanding people skills.  The Minister will need to work with and depend upon the efforts of numerous volunteers.  More importantly, this function is all about relating to, developing relationships with, and successfully integrating people into the life of the congregation.

-        Leadership skills, and the ability to recruit, train, and motivate volunteers.

-        Ability to work in a team.

-        Good computer skills, especially with Word and Excel. It is also essential that the Minister learn and utilize our “Shepherd’s Staff” software program.

Expectations

-        Profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

-        This position will have expectations for, and access to continuing educational opportunities.

-        This position will work flexible hours, including Sundays.

-        The Minister of Congregational Life will be, or will anticipate becoming, a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.