Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality and Collaboration and Director for Evangelical Mission Lower Susquehanna Syn

Description

This posting will close September 4, 2026, at 11:00 pm central time.

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the position

Grounded in our purpose and priorities, the Christian Community and Leadership unit (CCL) helps the ELCA reach and engage new people reflecting the diversity of communities, welcoming them into the Christian faith. To this end, we will energize and engage our core membership and work with the whole of the ELCA to recruit, develop and deploy the leadership, both lay and rostered, that the church needs to fulfill its purpose of spreading the gospel and building the church. 

The Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality and Collaboration/Director for Evangelical Mission (A2B/DEM) represents the ELCA through the Christian Community and Leadership Unit (CCL) in the Lower Susquehanna Synod, as well as represents the Bishop’s Office throughout the synod. The A2B/DEM is responsible for cultivating and nurturing vitality and collaboration among congregations, agencies, and institutions within this synod. The position will collaborate and coordinate with churchwide, synod and congregational leaders to develop strategies designed to help congregations engage their communities so that more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love. 

The person in this position is expected to fully participate in the life and ministry of the synod on the synod staff with synod initiatives and is responsible for implementing and building upon ELCA commitments to ministries among diverse cultures and communities, people with disabilities, and the young-adult population, as well as people and communities experiencing poverty. The DEM participates in resourcing the synod mission strategy with an emphasis on congregational vitality, evangelism, and leadership. 

This position will be coterminous with the synod bishop and supervised by the Bishop of the Synod with consultation from CCL staff. Other assignments of responsibility will be made by the Synod Bishop. The position will be based in the Lower Susquehanna Synod.

This is a full-time, in-person, exempt position and is co-terminus with the synod bishop and will end 8/31/31), in-person, exempt position. The position has responsibilities that require them to live in the geographic territory of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and to be in the synod office at least 3 days a week including for weekly staff meetings and consultation with the bishop.

The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. 

1. Oversees the congregational vitality initiatives within the synod, including new and existing congregations, redevelopment congregations, synod outreach ministries, area strategies, and ethnic specific ministries. This includes annual review of the synod’s strategy and investments in congregational vitality and collaboration.

2. Responsible for the formation and coordination of at least one synod team that organizes the vitality of existing congregations and new mission development in the synod (including area ministry strategies, congregational mission plans, and congregational vitality, and congregational collaboration.) 

3. With the congregational vitality team and others, offers regular trainings in evangelism, collaboration (both Lutheran and ecumenical) and efforts to support and enhance the mission support investments of congregations.

4. Fosters congregational and synodical collaboration and partnerships, both intra Lutheran and ecumenically, encouraging shared mission and purpose.

5. Convenes and leads a cohort of those serving as mission developers, redevelopers or in ethnic specific ministries; offers pastoral care, training, and individualized attention and coaching to this cohort. 

6. Works with synod leaders to identify new mission opportunities and oversees the preparation of new mission profiles and grant applications. This includes administration of funds dedicated for new and established ministries and special appeals for congregational vitality and collaboration initiatives. 

7. Responsible for identifying, recruiting and training leaders for the work of the church including those who can serve as mission developers and rostered ministers. 

8. Responsible for establishing short- and long-term priorities and sharing learnings with the synod and across the ELCA. Provides a visible witness to the interdependent nature of the church and communicates this church’s shared mission, vision, and values. 

9. Assists the Bishop in providing pastoral care to rostered ministers and their families and to congregations. 

10. As an assistant member of the synod staff supports the mobility process especially as it relates to congregations under redevelopment, seeking collaboration or new partnerships, new congregations and ethnic specific ministries. 

11. Offers early intervention in times of conflict in a congregation, which may include the use of consultants

12. Works with the bishop and synod staff to build strong relationships among rostered ministers and congregations of this synod and to foster a positive regard for the role of and partnership with the larger church in the life of each ministry setting.

13. Serves as a member of the synod staff team by attending regularly staff and synod council meetings and retreats; participating in events for rostered and lay leaders; and supporting leaders, programs, and efforts that further the mission of all expressions of the church.

14. Assists as needed in the planning and carrying out arrangements for events that encourage collegiality among leaders and congregations in this synod, including conference assemblies, synod assembly, theological conferences, congregational leader events, and others as identified.

15. Represents the office of the bishop and the synod at installations, meetings of churchwide, regional, or synodical ministry partners and institutions when requested.

16. Serves as a resource person for congregations, institutions, and agencies in this synod, when requested.

17. Communicates and serves collegially with all on the synod staff to build up and accomplish the collective and connective ministry of the Lower Susquehanna Synod.

18. Provides on call pastoral and administrative coverage for the office of the bishop along with the bishop and other assistants to the bishop

19. Assist with synod assembly planning and assist with assembly implementation as requested by the bishop.

20. Provide worship leadership (preach and preside) at synod staff weekly worship services as part of the rotation with other staff members.

21. Submit an annual report to the bishop.

22. Other duties as assigned.

Synod Information

The Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Through the word and water of baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection we are free to love and serve the Triune God and our neighbor. Grounded in God’s love and forgiveness, we are equipped to faithfully witness and serve here and now, in the world, with all its complexities, tensions and ambiguities. 

In 2016, our synod became a Reconciling in Christ Synod. We welcome with full participation and inclusion all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, or anything that too often divides us. Our unity is in Jesus Christ.

To learn more about the Lower Susquehanna Synod visit our website: www.lss-elca.org

Requirements

It is expected that the Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Vitality and Collaboration and the Director for Evangelical Mission will possess the following personal qualities:

1. Faith in the Triune God.

2. Commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church.

3. Comprehension of the Holy Scriptures, the three ecumenical creeds, and the Lutheran Confessions.

4. Understanding of the mission and governance structure of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its congregational, synodical, regional, and churchwide expressions.

5. Alignment with the mission and values of the Lower Susquehanna Synod.

6. A cooperative, collegial, and collaborative style of working.

7. Exhibit the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)1. 5+ years of experience effectively leading an effort that helped bring people to faith. Grounding in Christian faith and familiarity with Lutheran theology, evangelism, discipleship and the theories and practice of mission development that responds to God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

Required Education/knowledge/experience/skills and abilities  

1. Ability to interact sensitively and caringly in interpersonal relationships.

2. Ability to organize persons effectively to perform tasks.

3. Participating style of team leadership along with an openness to sharing and receiving insights, input, and recommendations.

4. Spirit of mutual respect and collegiality with and for colleagues and fellow team members.

5. Effective leadership skills including leading with energy and integrity.

6. Rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament preferred. 

7. 5+ years of experience effectively leading an effort that helped bring people to faith. Grounding in Christian faith and familiarity with Lutheran theology, evangelism, discipleship and the theories and practice of mission development that responds to God’s grace in Jesus Christ. 

8. 5+ years of experience in helping congregations reimagine their ministry, including assisting congregations with collaboration and partnership.

9. Effective communicator in preaching, teaching, writing and evangelical outreach.  

10. Demonstrated ability working with leaders in agile, adaptive innovation and facilitating group processes as well as knowledge, experience and/or willingness to learn, listen and utilize the ELCA Coaching Ministry in growing leaders and building tables. 

11. Ability to utilize metrics, congregational trend reports and demographic data in the process of the development of congregational vitality for new and existing congregations. 

12. Proven effective time-management and administrative experience and ability to meet deadlines and attention to details. 

13. Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, analytical and communication skills and the ability to work in partnership with peers, other CCL staff, synod and regional staff. 

14. Demonstrated competency among communities of color; and well as with people and communities experiencing poverty. Ability to relate and communicate well in diverse cultural, ethnic and socio-economic situations and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. 

15. Active participation in a Christian congregation and God’s mission.

16. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

17. Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred. Ability to learn new software and systems.

It is expected that this position will participate annually in continuing education for professional and personal growth.

An assistant to the bishop/director for evangelical mission will be part of a staff and officer team consisting of the bishop, the vice president, the secretary, the treasurer, the assistants to the bishop, director for evangelical mission, the executive assistant for the bishop’s office, communications. 

Physical

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Travel

Position requires extensive travel by car within the synod and some overnight domestic travel by plane and/or car. Valid driver’s license is preferred.   Extensive travel – over 12 weeks within the synod.

Benefits

The Lower Susquehanna Synod offer a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 10 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please contact us at careers.HR@elca.org.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.