Church Staff Openings

Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooks, Alberta is seeking a Transitional Pastor to assist us in our mission to “Serve Christ our Lord by welcoming, equipping and sending disciples”.  Our current pastor is in process of retiring.  He has graciously continued serving in a 75% role in order to facilitate a smooth transition.  We are also blessed that our former Youth & Family minister has accepted a contract call as our Lead Pastor through this process.  This husband and wife team has served us faithfully for 24 years and with this change Trinity is seeking God’s will as we search for a new pastor to join our family.  This fall we participated in a visioning workshop led by Moving Forward Coaching.  This workshop gave us some recommendations and one of those was to seek a Transitional Pastor to further evaluate and review Trinity and its ministry in order to have an “outside” assessment and recommendation on whom could best shepherd Trinity in the years to come.  Below is a synopsis of what we are looking for, as well as a congregational and community summary.   We are casting our net in hopes of finding that pastor who is uniquely qualified to guide us through this process.  This 6–12 month Transitional Pastor position would serve our congregation by evaluating, reviewing and visioning with us as we prepare to call a new permanent lead pastor. 

Transitional Pastor Duties include:

• Leading careful examination of ministries, staffing, policies and congregational vitality for the purpose of making recommendations to Church Council.  
• Assisting with visioning for God’s direction for this congregation.  This includes moving through the transition from a long-term husband/wife pastorate team. 
• Attending meetings and working alongside the various ministries with emphasis on evaluation and revitalization. 
• Regularly praying for this congregation and its ministries.
• Aiding in congregational worship and programming, which may include preaching, as well as sharing in pastoral responsibilities.

Congregational Summary

Trinity is an active, multi-generational congregation, averaging 140-180 attendants for worship.  There are numerous active ministries, including Sunday School for ages 4 to adult, ladies Bible study, midweek evening Bible studies, missions ministry that includes local mission initiatives and travel mission teams, Vacation Bible School, funeral luncheon team, confirmation classes, quilting group, vibrant music teams, caring ministry teams and visitation teams.  The church staff includes two pastors, two part time office staff and contract custodians.  Our building is also actively used by groups in our community such as Girl Guides, ALANON, A.A., and an African Christian Church Group.

Community Summary

Trinity is situated in Brooks, a small city of 15,000 in southeastern Alberta.  Brooks is ethnically and culturally diverse with over 100 languages and dialects spoken and is supported by the main industries of oil & gas and agriculture (farming & ranching), including the JBS Beef Processing Plant.  Brooks is easily accessible as it is only a 1 hour and 45-minute drive southeast of the Calgary International Airport on the Trans-Canada Highway. 

If this is a position you feel that God is calling you to, please visit http://brookstrinity.ca/transitional-pastor-needed to see the full job description, congregation profile, and community profile. All applications can be sent to [email protected] and will be reviewed.

Where: St Johns Lutheran Church, Springfield, MN

URL: www.sjlcspringfieldmn.org

St. Johns Lutheran Church is committed to the work of educating and training pastors for LCMC. We have created an intern position to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills in pastoral ministry. This is a traditional internship in the sense that it is one year long and covers the spectrum of the work of a small town, medium sized congregation, with direct, on-site supervision.

Interns will have freedom to explore their talents and interests, with a supervising pastor to offer support and direction. Responsibilities The intern will not have sole responsibility in any one area of the ministry of the congregation, but will, instead, have the opportunity to experience all aspects of the pastoral office. The final project will be in an area of the intern’s choosing, reflecting his/her particular interests.

The following aspects of pastoral ministry will be experienced in the internship.

Worship – the intern will regularly lead Sunday morning services, and will participate in the planning/leadership of an occasional service (wedding, funeral, etc)

Preaching – the intern will receive regular opportunities to preach at Sundaymorning services, and other services (as appropriate)

Pastoral Care/Visitation – the intern will participate in the care ministry of the congregation, visiting elderly, ill and homebound members and leading worship at the nursing home

Christian Education – the intern will participate and have opportunities to lead in all aspects of the education ministry of the congregation, including Sunday School, adult Bible study, confirmation, and Milestones Ministry

Church Administration – the intern will attend monthly meetings of the church council and other board and committee meetings as appropriate

Other – the intern will have the opportunity to explore any/all other aspects of parish ministry as his/her interests and time allow

About St Johns Lutheran Church

St. Johns Lutheran Church is a congregation of 480 members located in Springfield, MN (about 120 miles southwest of the Twin Cities). We have a vibrant education ministry for all ages, offering a variety of Bible studies for adults, a large cross-generational Sunday school, a two-year confirmation program, and Milestones Ministry. We also have an active, volunteer-led youth group. We are deeply rooted in the community of Springfield and have a variety of outreach ministries in the community. We have traditional worship and an appreciation for music. Historically, we are out of the Norwegian branch of the Lutheran Church. We have been in LCMC since 2010. Our pastor has 20 years of pastoral experience and has been serving with us since 2012.

Contact Person: Julie Smith

TO WHOM THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CALLING:
Trinity Lutheran Church of Hallock, MN is offering this letter of introduction to the minister who shall become our pastor.  We are excited to tell you about our congregation and community.

OUR PURPOSE:
We, as baptized members of Christ’s Church, responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, do desire to unite together to preach the Word, to administer the Sacraments, and to carry out Christ’s Great Commission to His world.

OUR HISTORY:
Trinity Lutheran Church was established in July of 2010.  We were, and continue to be, a group of Lutheran Christians seeking to learn, worship, and firmly stand upon the inerrant Word of God.  As individuals, after much prayer and introspection, each of us had decided that we could no longer find the necessary firm foundation of Biblical Truth in our former churches. In June of 2011, after prayerful deliberation of the choices available to us, we voted to join the Lutheran Church in Mission for Christ (LCMC) association of Lutheran churches.  We believe that as a member of LCMC, whose structure as an association of like-minded Christians, who are free in Christ, who are accountable to one another, and who are rooted in the Scripture and Lutheran Confessions, would enhance our work to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission. In December of 2015, our congregation voted to join the Augustana District.  As a LCMC congregation, we believe that being a member of the Augustana District enhances our congregation’s mission by providing assistance through pastoral & congregational services, regional fellowship, and support for LCMC churches.

OUR BUILDING:
Within a week of deciding to form our church we had been provided a building in which to worship.  The Hallock Episcopal Church had only a few members remaining and held just 2-3 worship services throughout the year.  They graciously offered their church building for us to hold our Sunday worship services.  In 2012 we purchased the building from the Episcopal diocese. Our building was the first church built in Hallock in 1887.  Its beautiful sanctuary holds about 70 people and is graced with beautiful woodwork and stained glass windows.  In the summer of 2014 we re-shingled the roof, re-sided the church, and replaced windows where needed.

OUR WORSHIP SERVICE:
Currently we worship on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM and average about 40 worshippers per week.  Our worshippers range in age from 1 to 89 years old and are evenly dispersed throughout that age range.  Our worship services have been traditional in style and we are planning to incorporate a contemporary worship service once per month. We are blessed to have several members who are willing to assist in conducting our worship services.  We have three worshippers who are willing to share their musical gifts by playing piano and leading us in song.  We have several members who are willing to use their gift of discernment and refection by preaching the Word.  And we have had two members blessed by our congregation in order to lead our communion services.

OUR CONTINUING EDUCATION:
We hold Sunday school throughout the school year and will soon begin confirmation education classes.  We have 10 children, and counting, who regularly attend classes. We offer a summer Bible School experience which over 22 children from our congregation and community have attended each year. We have held several adult Bible classes and continue to look for opportunities to continue to grow together through the study of the Word. Our men from the congregation hold a weekly Bible study which is open to all men from the community.

OUR MISSION WORK:
 We have committed 10% of our offerings to be given for missions.  We deliberately look to support both local and global missions which extend the love of Christ to those in need, by providing both spiritual and tangible resources. We support the county’s Christmas gift giving mission, Holiday Helpers, to those in need, by providing them a checking account under our financial umbrella, and by supporting their mission through prayer and physical and financial support. Our 2015 missions included: Augustana Partnership (Ethiopia); Intervarsity (NDSU foreign student outreach); Ginny Tripp (local woman, AGWM mission to Viet Nam); and various local outreach needs.  Our Sunday School children sponsor a monthly “Muffins for Missions” from whose proceeds the children decided to purchase a goat for a Compassion International family. Trinity’s Women of the Word (WOW) group is involved in the mission of Trinity through supporting church and community activities.  Many of our members are also active in the ecumenical GIVE organization which is a local group committed to growing community by providing free meals in towns across the county, on a rotating basis.

OUR COMMUNITY:
Trinity is located in Hallock, MN which has a population of around 990 residents.  Hallock is the county seat of Kittson County which is the northwest corner of Minnesota.  Some of our members reside in other communities in our region.  We are communities that work diligently to keep our towns vibrant and welcoming to others.  Hallock is home to a top performing school district and has a strong business community.  Hallock is also home to: Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center (Hospital, Clinic, Nursing Home and Assisted Living); Hallock Library; Hallock Curling Club; Two Rivers Golf Club; Hallock Swimming Pool; Skating Arena; and parks. Five churches call Hallock home: Assemblies of God; Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA); 1st Presbyterian Church; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; and Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMC).  We have an active and supportive ministerial association; who together have created a community fund to help those in need.  We believe Sunday worship attendance in the Hallock churches to average about 300 worshippers.

OUR FINANCES:
Trinity holds no financial debt at this time.  We believe we will be able to fully support a half-time minister position.  Trinity has been a member of a two-point parish in the past and would be willing to enter into such an arrangement again, should the right situation present itself.   

Please contact:
Council Chair: Rock Bakken (218)843-2082
Call Committee Chair:  Kathy Johnson (218)843-2283

Scope of Responsibility:

The Director of Youth and Family Ministries will provide primary leadership for developing, implementing, evaluating and maintaining a congregation-based ministry with youth, children and their families.  This position plans, coordinates and is responsible for activities, such as Sunday school, summer programs, and youth group activities.  This position will have a strong focus on proactively developing relationships between and among members of families of the congregation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities                                

1. Identifies, recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers for Youth & Family Ministry teams (e.g. Sunday school leads and teachers, summer programs).
2. Directs volunteer recruitment, coordination, evaluation and spiritual development.
3. Oversees Children’s Ministries (pre-school through elementary-aged children), including a weekly program of Christian education on Sunday (e.g. Sunday school) and/or midweek (e.g. SPARK), and flexible programs during school vacations, nights, and weekends (e.g. Vacation Bible school, Day trips/outings, service opportunities). Has oversight for children’s sermon (J.A.M.) on Sunday mornings.
4. Oversees IGNITE Youth Ministries (7^th–9^h grade students) including Sunday school, Confirmation, and flexible programs during school vacations, nights and weekends (e.g. Middle school retreat, Confirmation retreat or camp, participation in VBS, Day trips/outings, service opportunities).
5. Oversees High School Youth Ministries (10^th-12^th graders) including facilitating a youth ministry team, a weekly ministry program, Peer ministry, and flexible programs during school vacations, nights and weekends (e.g. mentors, retreats, lock-ins, leadership in VBS, Mission trips, service opportunities).
6. Oversees intergenerational Family Ministries including a regular calendar of family events that encourages and strengthens the faith foundation in the context of a family in daily life and builds relationships within and among families.
   1. Develops lead team(s) to assist in planning and implementing special programs.
   2. Defines the responsibilities of each volunteer leader and collaborates with the individual(s) to develop curriculum, program scope, and evaluation method for each program at a set interval or at its conclusion.
   3. Makes special efforts to gain the endorsement, support, and involvement of all adults, especially parents and other congregational organizations.
7. Takes reasonable steps to maintain a high moral and ethical quality of leadership for the children by screening all adult volunteers involved with the Youth and Family Ministry. This includes the establishment, implementation, record keeping, and maintenance of PLC’s policy on youth safety.  All adult volunteers will be required to consent to and pass a criminal background check, as well as, abide by the youth safety policy upon its implementation.
8. Administrative Requirements:
   1. Assists in coordinating participation in church-wide sponsored events.
   2. Participates in staff meetings and coordination of ministries with other staff persons on a regular basis and the Youth and Family Ministry Team on a monthly basis.
   3. Develops and manages annual budget for implementing all Youth and Family programs and activities.
   4. Establishes and maintains communication with parents and leaders of Youth and Family activities, informing them about events and encouraging their growth in understanding the faith of children.
   5. Develop specific and attainable goals collaborating with ministry teams for Youth and Family Ministry that supports PLC’s strategic plan for continued growth.
   6. Evaluates all programs at their conclusion to include participant and volunteer feedback.
   7. Includes outreach components to implemented programs to benefit PLC’s partner ministry.
   8. Communicates and markets special programs to the wider community.

Competencies

1. Proven leadership with an emphasis on communication, delegation, and multi-tasking, able to build and sustain programs.
2. Degree/Certification or significant experience (references required) in Youth & Family Ministry or similar preferred.
3. A passion for interacting with children, youth and adults.
4. Ability to share one’s faith. This may include occasionally giving a message or homily to the congregation.
5. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable using multiple methods of communication.
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters and prioritize work.
7. Skill in using personal computers and proficient with Microsoft Office suite.

Please remit resume’ to:

Peace Lutheran Church
600 Kristi Lane
PO Box 817
Watertown, MN 55388

URL: https://www.come2peace.com/