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Assistant Director of Church Relations
The Director of Church Relations (DCR) provides leadership and direction and is responsible for assisting the President in carrying out the duties of his office in engagement and relationships with other church bodies. The Assistant to the Director of Church Relations works at the direction of the DCR, to support and carry out the vision and directions of the President.
The DCR and Assistant to the DCR works closely with Church bodies with whom the LCMS: (1) Is in altar-and-pulpit fellowship (partners), (2) Regularly cooperates in theological education, theological conversation, and/or mercy programming (friends), and (3) Has other relationships, with special attention to ecumenical dialog and conversations (others).
Reporting Relationships
- Reports to and is accountable to the Director of Church Relations (DCR).
Essential Job Functions
- Upon collaboration, analyze stakeholder and current and emerging church partner relationships, to discern, create, and propose strategies to address current issues and goals, to strengthen partnerships, move us closer in relationships, encourage each other, and conduct mutually beneficial activities.
- Integrate approved plans into operational level support with each stakeholder and church body partner.
- Based on the plans and strategies, plan and recommend prioritized LCMS President and Director of Church Relations (DCR) engagements (in person and virtual) with other church body presiding clergy and leaders to address issues and pursue goals for church body and stakeholder relationships.
- At all times, maintain professional and close working relationships with the Office of International Mission (OIM), OIM regional directors, and the Chief Mission Officer, and operate in a supportive and unified manner.
- Work closely with LCMS seminaries, as needed, with special attention to provision of theological education—well-coordinated with OIM strategic and operational plans—to address needs in church bodies in ecumenical relationship with the LCMS.
- Work closely with the Commission on Theology and Church Relations with special attention to church relations reports and ecumenical dialog planning.
- Serve as a liaison to the International Lutheran Council (ILC) with special attention to regional conferences and seminary gatherings.
- Responsible for conducting research, gathering data, collating information, and providing information/reports, as requested by DCR.
- Conduct analysis on church relations matters to better understand issues and develop strategies to achieve desired goals.
- Provide counsel and recommendation to DCR on church relations matters, as requested.
- Monitor and update lcms.org church relations website and social media.
- Monitor and brief DCR on world news impacting stakeholders and church body partners.
- Assist and coordinate with hosting international visitors, as requested.
- Responsible for Lutheran Annual updates to church relations information.
- May be assigned to lead team projects with multiple stakeholders, as requested.
Education and Experience
- Ordained LCMS clergyman, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
- An advanced degree in theology beyond the M.Div. is preferred, but a life-long commitment to theological study and growth is non-negotiable.
- At least five years pastoral experience.
- At least ten years experience in organizational leadership and/or international partnering, preferred.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
- Thorough familiarity with the doctrinal position of the Synod, with demonstrated ability to articulate this clearly and sensitively in cross cultural contexts.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the Synod’s history, structure, and governance.
- Strong skills demonstrated in critical thinking, creative thinking, organizational leadership, planning, and spoken and written communication.
- Able to translate data and strategy into intermediate level plans.
- Demonstrated ability to understand people, work harmoniously, and build the team.
- Able to travel internationally, as needed.