The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church seeks a full-time director of congregational development. This position is open due to the upcoming retirement of Rev. Martin Lee, the current director.

The person in this role will be responsible for developing strategies and resources for creating innovative, vital new faith communities and new church starts. The director will also be responsible for developing strategies for creating vibrant, vital existing congregations. The director of congregational development serves as a member of the appointive cabinet and will report directly to the bishop.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a conference wide strategy in consultation with the cabinet, Congregational Development Committee, and bishop.
• Support and facilitate the assessment of congregational readiness to launch new faith communities or innovate existing ministries.
• Conduct research and develop strategic plans for new faith opportunities. Create strategies for making new discipleship to move churches into becoming thriving, vital congregations.
• Design visionary systems of leadership identification, recruitment, and assessment.
• Foster a culture of church growth and vitality throughout the annual conference.
• Resource the recruitment and deployment of leaders of new congregations and leaders implementing strategies for increasing vitality in existing congregations.
• Recruit and train Pastors and emerging leaders, including Laity, with resources for starting new ministries.
• Lead the Conference in recognizing, supporting, and celebrating new congregations and existing congregations displaying increased vitality.
• Expand the development of ethic ministries in the Northern Illinois Conference.
• Oversee the administration of funds for new churches and congregational development in accordance with annual conference procedures.

Qualifications:

• Ordained member of The United Methodist Church with expressed support for its mission, tradition, and polity is required.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a significant annual cconference or General Church leadership role is required.
• Recent experience in strategic planting, nourishing, and leading the start of a new congregation is required.
• Knowledge of current models for new church starts and congregational vitality.
• Effectiveness in working consultatively with bishops, district superintendents, conference staff, clergy, and conference leadership committees.
• Ability to inspire and train other church leaders, and to create vital partnerships.
• Must be able to work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Self-starter with passion for innovation, drive for excellence. Attention to detail, and experience working effectively in a team setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal relations.
• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office and other forms of technology for presentations, preparing materials and communication.
• Support for the vision, mission, and core values of the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• Ability to relocate (before starting the position).

Compensation:

Pay: $90,000.00 to $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Location:

• Office address: 303 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
• Schedule: Monday to Friday
• Work Location: In person

Application process

Email resume and cover letter to: jobs@gcfa.org

Application Question(s):

• Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
• Do you now or will you in the future require sponsorship to legally work in the U.S.?

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Closing Date: April 19, 2024

Conference information:

The vision of the Northern Illinois Conference is to make and support vital Christians in vital congregations that engage with their communities and the world for peace, justice, and mercy. The Northern Illinois Conference is made up of more than 330 congregations and new faith communities spanning the upper one-third of the state of Illinois in five regional districts.

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.