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Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for oversight of all program development for Family and Health Ministries as a part of the church’s mercy outreach in proximity, and in conjunction with, the church’s work of witness—internationally and domestically.
• Provides leadership for the development, growth, and support of health ministries among international partners, districts, congregations, educational institutions, and other recognized entities of the LCMS
• Responsible for developing the public witness and voice of the LCMS regarding the sanctity of divine design of human families.
• Responsible for developing the public witness and voice of the LCMS regarding the health of church workers and church members in LCMS congregations.
• Formulates strategic goals, directs programs, and oversees projects that engage and inform the church to influence the public square about issues of human need, ethical awareness, and biblical teaching regarding family and health.
• Work cooperatively with other ONM directors in creating resources, especially in areas of programmatic overlap and maintain and grow competencies as the LCMS Family and Health Ministry subject matter expert.
• Be a resource for and maintain a cooperative dialog with LCMS Districts and congregations.

Duties:

• With the concurrence of the OIM Unit Executive and staff and with church partners to develop and evaluate strategic global health and family initiatives and programs.
• Provide programmatic assessment, monitoring, and evaluation for global health and family initiatives in conjunction with and alongside OIM regional directors, as part of the programmatic strategy building and budgeting process.
• Advises and supervises pro-family and health-oriented project grants to partner organizations and church bodies.
• Engage and inform the church and society in all areas regarding the sanctity of family and health issues, including the areas of the Divine institution of family, healthy godly sexuality, gender and identity issues, adoption and foster care, child protection, domestic abuse, mental health issues, disability advocacy and resources, and worker-wellness.
• Provide consultation as requested by Districts and the ONM UE on public advocacy in government and secular society.
• Network with LCMS and outside family and health organizations and contacts. Identify opportunities in relationships with other organizations where the LCMS can serve in a leadership role.
• Establish Life Ministry web pages and Making Disciples for Life resources in conjunction with the LCMS Communications directors, which will provide timely and useful information and links for lay people and clergy.
• Respond to invitations to public speaking events and provide exhibition events on behalf of the Synod’s mercy, family, healing, and advocacy work.
• Author regular articles on life issues to be disseminated through Synod communications, Lutheran periodicals, and other national publications.
• Establish and advocate the LCMS efforts to assist and support organizations that provide pro-family guidance and/or physical and spiritual help to people's increases—both domestic and international.
• Ensure production of various pro-family resources that are self-published or in partnership with CPH for emphasis on specific life, health, and public advocacy topics.
• Ensure, under the supervision of the ONM executive director and the chief mission officer, that Board for National Mission ends policies about Life Ministry are effectively accomplished.
• Establish and maintain annual program budgets.
• Collaborate with Mission Advancement to identify resources for long-term funding of Family and Health-related projects worldwide.

Education and Experience

• A member of the LCMS, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
• A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent; or 5 years of experience and/or training in this area.
• A background and training in the applicable sciences
• Experience in the areas of communication, including writing, public speaking, and working with printed visual media.
• A comprehensive knowledge of Biblical Confessional Lutheran theology, family, and public health issues.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skill,s and Abilities)

• A visionary and proactive leader in Family and Health ministry.
• A self-starter with the ability to develop a vision for the future.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and coordinate with persons and groups in a variety of related ministries and services in the synod, in other church bodies, and outside the church.
• Ability to function as a member of both the national and international team and in supportive relationships with district leaders.
• Clearly and concisely articulate the strong position of the LCMS regarding Family and Health issues and our theology of mercy based upon Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
• Understanding of the church’s proper role within the left-hand kingdom and an understanding of diverse platforms for public advocacy.
• Keen interest in, and the ability to keep current with scientific arguments, ethical issues, and legislation concerning family and health issues.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

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