| Position: Presbytery/Synod Executive |
Experience
Required/Desired: Desired |
| Specific Title: Executive Presbyter |
| Employment
Status: Full-time |
Experience
Level: 4 years or
more |
| Language
Requirements: English
|
Brief
Church Mission Statement:
The mission of the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley is to live in
partnership with its member congregations in order to discern and develop
mission initiatives that will draw God’s people into God’s vision for the
future. |
Brief description of the church/organization's
programs or accomplishments:
We, the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley:
Partner with congregations through:
congregational * New Church Development
local & global mission partnerships & opportunities
Partner with congregations for mission by:
facilitating mission opportunities
financial support of shared mission projects
Partner with congregations for resources, leaders, programs
& training by:
constituting service delivery teams
developing a talent and resource directory to connect congregations
Foster technology by:
assisting congregations with technology issues
using the Presbytery website for gathering & disseminating
information
Provide a marketplace for the exchange of ideas, solutions
& assets between pastors & congregations by:
sharing best practices
gathering & sharing resources
Initiate & deliver support for professional church workers,
clergy & their families by:
acting as a resource, mediator & spiritual leader
Equip leaders to recognize & meet emerging challenges
by:
supporting inquirers & candidates
commissioning lay pastors
sponsoring leadership development & training
supporting new pastors
sponsoring spiritual opportunities for pastors & lay leaders
Encourage congregations to interpret & promote their unique
identities & environments Model & encourage creative worship &
foster spiritual growth by:
acting as a resource for ideas
using special task groups to assist congregations
|
Gifts,
Skills and Experiences the congregation possesses to fulfill its mission:
Our congregations: range in size from small to mega-; include urban,
residential, suburban, college, inner city, small town, rural; reflect
liberal to conservative theological/political persuasions. Both pastors
and elders are active in mission and ecclesiastical responsibilities.
Presbytery debates reflect mutual appreciation. Despite theological
diversity, per capita contributions (95+%) and church-wide mission giving
demonstrate a continuing dedication to the PCUSA.
A 2001 Design for Mission formalized a desire to support congregations
with a structure more “bottom-up” than “top-down.” The magnitude of this
change, coupled with staff transitions, slowed implementation. After a
successful interim, we have proactive and engaged committees (particularly
COM and CPM). Presbytery Council continues to grow into the leadership
envisioned by the Design. We have a demonstrated commitment to mission,
with broad financial support, administrative leadership, and significant
volunteer recruitment for a mission partnership with Northern Quintana Roo
Presbytery (Mexico), Hispanic outreach in Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne, and
Westminster Neighborhood Ministries (inner city Indianapolis).
Located within or near our boundaries are institutions that provide
excellent resources for ministry: The Synod of Lincoln Trails, the
Indianapolis Center for Congregations, Christian Theological Seminary, two
camp and conference centers two PCUSA seminaries, and the General Assembly
offices. |
Key
theological issues of the church and society that are reflected in the
ministry of the congregation/organization:
The Sovereignty of God
WVP trusts in God as the initiator and sustainer of the hopes and
dreams of our churches and our members. We do not fear the present or the
future because of the leadership of God, as modeled by Jesus Christ and
guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Love of God
WVP celebrates God’s unconditional love in individuals and in
community. In agreement and disagreement, we meet as brothers and sisters
of one loving family. WVP counts itself as part of the living body of
Christ that exists to serve God and humankind. Due to sin we fall short of
Christ’s purposes on earth, but we continually seek the strength and
courage to fulfill God’s will. In response to God’s matchless love and
grace, we extend love and grace to each other, and work for justice in
every activity.
The Call of God
WVP understands our role as living witnesses of the saving work of
Jesus Christ. As such God calls us to be an expression of the missional
Church, the gathered family of God seeking to extend the boundaries of the
kingdom of God with neighbors inside and outside our communities of faith.
We do this by following Christ’s Great Commission, endeavoring to be
disciples who make disciples.
These theological issues instruct the mission of WVP as
expressed by the Presbytery Council several years ago:
To join in partnership with member
congregations
To discern and develop mission
initiatives
that will draw us into God’s vision for the
future |
References:
| Name |
Address |
Phone Numbers |
Relation |
Email |
| The Rev. Dr. Glen Bell |
7700 North Meridian Street; Indianapolis IN |
(317) 253-6461 |
Former Presbytery Moderator |
gbell@secondchurch.org |
| Elder Barry Sumner |
Zionsville PC |
(317) 840-5638 |
Organizer of Hispanic Ministry / Elder Zionsville |
bsumner@indy.rr.com |
| The Rev. Hal V. Thomas |
United Faith PC; Ft. Wayne IN |
(260) 424-5610 |
Mbr of Nominating Committee, frm mbr Personnel Com |
hvthomas106@aol.com | |
Position Description
A.
Major Responsibilities:
The Executive Presbyter will:
Serve as Head of Staff, responsible for creating a healthy working
environment and nurturing staff effectiveness.
Facilitate the work of the Presbytery by partnering with appropriate
staff to develop effective administrative systems and promoting staff
collegiality.
Ensure that all presbytery policies and procedures are followed.
Serve as staff resource to Presbytery Council, Committee on Ministry,
Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee, Committee on Preparation for
Ministry and the Finance Committee. Consult with Personnel Committee to
assign other staff members to serve these, and other, committees as
needed.
Provide general oversight of the Presbytery budget.
Collaborate with appropriate staff to provide oversight of all
Presbytery communications and publications – both electronic and written.
Act as the primary contact when conflicts surface in congregations or
between congregations and pastors and work with appropriate committees as
they seek to mediate and manage conflict.
Provide counsel, pastoral care, support, and guidance to pastors,
elders, and members of congregations.
Participate in the Executive Collegium of the Synod of Lincoln Trails.
Participate in appropriate gatherings at the General Assembly level of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Represent the Presbytery at ecumenical events and gatherings.
B. Characteristics and qualifications
needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
Vibrant commitment to Jesus Christ.
Minister of Word and Sacrament or an Elder in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)
Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent; an advanced degree, or its
equivalent, is preferred.
Knowledge of and leadership experience in the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS:
Someone who is…
Transformational and vision-casting.
Respectful of and sensitive to the diversity of theological
perspectives and cultures within our Presbytery.
A networker, community builder and collaborator.
Someone who will…
Empower diverse constituencies.
Ensure excellent management.
Maintain high standards of confidentiality.
Model professional, personal and spiritual balance and accountability.
Form, equip and release others for team ministry.
Bring a sense of humor and great supply of stamina.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS:
Clear and articulate communication
Public speaking and presentations
Written communications
Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial reports
Group Process and Facilitation
Conflict Management and Mediation
Ability to build and maintain relationships
Basic proficiency in 21st century technology
Effectiveness in personnel management
|
| Primary Skill Choices: |
Required:
Communication (Written /
Oral)
Conflict Management/Mediation Skills
Organizational
Leadership and Development
Strategic Planning
|
Desired:
Administrative
Leadership
Congregational Redevelopment / Revitalization
Cross
Cultural Collaboration/Cultural Proficiency
Financial
Management
New Church Development
Pastoral
Care
| |
Compensation and Housing: (Cost of Living Calculator)
Minimum Effective Salary: $65,000
Housing
Type: N/A |
| Geographic Choices: Unlimited |
Has the
presbytery's Committee on Ministry thus counseled with the Pastor
Nominating Committee regarding Equal Employment
Opportunity?
Yes |
Has the
Pastor Nominating Committee affirmed to the Presbytery Committee on
Ministry its intention to follow the Form Of Government in this
regard?
Yes |