Director of Discipleship Ministries and Congregational Care

Faith United Methodist Church, Champaign, Illinois 61821

FULL TIME

Director of Discipleship Ministries and Congregational Care

Faith United Methodist Church, located approximately 2 miles southwest of Downtown Champaign and 1 mile west of the University of Illinois Campus, has an immediate opportunity for a Director of Discipleship Ministries and Congregational Care. This position reports to our Senior/Lead Pastor, with accountability to the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

Faith Church is an active, inclusive congregation that celebrates its mission and vision of being in ministry to all the world regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, or situation.  Our motto is “to be a beacon of light, a center of faith and a refuge of hope, sharing Christ's love abundantly with ALL people!

About the Position

The priority of the Director of Discipleship Ministries and Congregational Care is to work in partnership with the Lead Pastor and staff with a sense of ownership and enthusiasm, fully supporting the vision and values of Faith UMC.

This ministerial position holds primary responsibility for oversight of:

1. Adult Christian formation (including classes and small groups);
2. The ministries of Congregational Care (including oversight of visitation ministries and hospital calling, funerals and weddings, etc.); and
3. The Hospitality ministries partnering with other staff and volunteers.

The Director of Discipleship Ministries and Congregational Care also shares responsibilities for:

1. Worship design and leadership (including preaching up to once per month) as part of a team with Lead Pastor, other staff and laity
2. Outreach ministries as part of a team with Lead Pastor and laity

Our key goals are:

1. To invite persons into relationship with Jesus Christ and continuously encourage the deepening of each person’s relationship with Christ through vital Christian formation and vibrant worship
2. To continuously strengthen faithful Christian stewardship of time, talent, and other gifts through a variety of service opportunities and options for giving financially.
3. To continuously create and nurture caring, supportive relationships within the congregation

Required Competencies and Basic Covenants

• Deeply rooted in Christ and growing spiritually through personal habits and disciplines
• Understands the basics of United Methodist (Wesleyan) theology, history, and polity and embraces the Wesleyan model of discipleship
• Exhibits an ability to listen objectively and communicate with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, maturity, and status
• Creative thinker with strong leadership, administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to recruit, train, delegate, appreciate, and retain volunteers
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality
• Works efficiently and effectively in a team environment (as well as independently) exhibiting adaptability and flexibility when needed
• Uses effective and regular communication, through a variety of methods, with volunteers, staff, and the congregation
• Develops and manages an annual budget for each ministry area
• Familiarity with various tech equipment and/or willingness to learn as needed
• Competent in Microsoft Office software, Zoom, Planning Center and other web-based technologies with ability to learn computer programs quickly and use them proficiently

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry, religion, or another related field required.
• Master’s level degree in related field preferred. Seminary training is desirable.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a medium to large church setting with ability to navigate dynamics of a large organizational church structure is desirable.
• We especially welcome: Ordained Deacons, Deacon Candidates, Licensed Local Pastors, Certified Lay Ministers, or United Methodist laity with appropriate education and experience.
• Must successfully pass the background check required by Safer Sanctuary policy.
• Hold a valid driver's license.

Supervisory Responsibility

Coach and mentor a volunteer-driven ministry of laity offering leadership in a variety of ways.

Expected Hours of Work

Days and hours of work are Sunday-Thursday, 40 hours per week. Position may require additional hours during certain events and projects including some Fridays and Saturdays. Evening and weekend work is required.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day.  Some longer distance travel may be required from time to time for educational training, district/conference meetings, retreats, mission trips, etc.  There is accountable reimbursement for professional expenses including mileage.

Compensation - Commensurate with experience and education.

SEND RESUME ALONG WITH 1-3 page STATEMENT OF FAITH TO:

Rev. Jan Griffith  at  jan@champaignfaith.org

Or by mail to Faith UMC, 1719 S Prospect, Champaign, IL  61820