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Title

Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability - Close Date: August 15, 2019 

Ministry Team Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Ministry  
Reports To Team Leader  
FLSA Status  
Salary Grade 8  
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Category National and Global Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio  
Starting Salary  
Description

CONTEXT FOR MINISTRY: The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Ministry Team (MESA) serves as the touch point for ministers in the United Church of Christ throughout their ministry. MESA resources Members in Discernment, Local Church Ministers, those serving in Specialized Ministry and all ministers during times of transition. MESA also resources Committees on Ministry and Conference staff regarding ministerial authorization, covenants of mutual accountability, and Search and Call. A team job description can be found at www.ucc.org/ministers_mesa.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION: In our polity, the United Church of Christ places an emphasis on covenants of mutual accountability, including practices of support and accountability. The Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability supports and networks COMs, Conference Staff and clergy regarding processes of oversight in the United Church of Christ. The position is tasked with instilling a commitment to mutual accountability and oversight for ministers and their covenantal partners as well as a dedication to lifelong learning. This position is also attentive to the resource and support needs of ministers serving in congregational settings, in cooperation with other team members.

LOCATION: This position is based in Cleveland. Relocation costs are covered by the UCC as per Common policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • To identify emerging needs of COMs, Conference Staff and Clergy as related to ecclesiastical processes of support and accountability in the United Church of Christ and to develop long and short term strategies to address those emerging needs.
  • Articulate and resource best practices related to Information Reviews, Vocational Support, Situational Support Consultations and Fitness Reviews.
  • Assists in embodying the on-going covenants between authorized ministers, Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and the National Setting of the church, including requirements for maintaining ministerial standing.
  • Liaise with existing clergy cohort programs as a part of ongoing vocational best practices for clergy.
  • Strengthens a culture of lifelong learning and continuing education among authorized ministers, including on-going boundary awareness training and anti-racism/cultural competency training.
  • To work cooperatively with partners across the UCC in resourcing and supporting the use of the United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry.
  • Develops and maintains a denomination wide record of results from UCC Fitness Review proceedings.
  • To staff the Antoinette Brown Awards selection committee and provide leadership for the UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event.
  • Conduct and analyze surveys and research data on relevant demographics and trends in ministry.
  • Serve as a consultant to the Covenanted Ministries, Conferences and other parts of the church.
  • Work in conjunction with other MESA Team members and colleagues to conceptualize and prepare material to interpret program objectives.
  • Promote the program's positive public image by responding in writing and orally on a timely basis to inquiries for information, accepting speaking engagements, and serving as a resource.
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of work teams by fostering a spirit of cooperation and accomplishing assigned tasks.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.
 
Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.

  • Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as in areas of divinity, theology, or leadership development.
  • Ministerial Authorization preferred, United Church of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
  • Demonstrated experience in working with clergy and Committees on Ministry.
  • Member of a local church of the United Church of Christ.
  • Commitment to lifelong learning and embodiment of Covenants of Mutual Support and Accountability for Authorized Ministers and Calling Bodies.
  • Understanding of the polity and structures of the United Church of Christ.
  • Desire and sensitivity to work in diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and religious settings with a commitment to diversity in the workplace as well as in one's understanding of mission.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially as well as independently.
  • Demonstrated written and oral English language skills, including ability to conceptualize and develop print resources; public speaking skills and knowledge of a second language when applicable.
  • Demonstrated administrative skills.
  • Competency in leadership planning, development and training.
  • Must be a self-starter, able to prioritize work and to perform with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to travel within the United States.
  • Computer experience and ease with adapting to new technology.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder's responsibility.

It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the UCC and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization. All staff are encouraged to nurture safety within the work performed on behalf of the UCC by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.

 
Comprehensive Benefits Package Employer paid health, dental, life insurance, and pension benefits  
Application Deadline August 15, 2019  
About the Organization The United Church of Christ



Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.



We believe in God's Continuing Testament.

We believe in Extravagant Welcome

We believe the church's mission is to Change Lives



 
EOE Statement The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.  

This position is currently not accepting applications.

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