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Full Job Description
Organization Profile
The Office of National Mission (ONM) coordinates and supports domestic ministries that serve congregations and schools through the districts of the Synod (Bylaw 3.8.2.3). The Life Together Initiative (LTI) is a mercy-based effort of the Office of National Mission (Mission Field, USA program), which seeks to enhance communications and create a network of key stakeholders and resource providers within the LCMS.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to the Office of National Mission Unit Executive.
Working Relationships
Collaborate project and program operations with other program directors in the Office of National Mission.
Collaborate project and program operations concur with Office of International Mission Regional Directors, Area Directors, and the Associate Executive Director(s) of Regional Operations.
Essential Job Functions
Responsible for oversight of all program development for LTI, identifying and bringing together Synodical stakeholders for improved communication, training, leadership development, and mission growth.
Provide for developing, growing, and supporting programs that respond to culture's destructive and anti-Christian elements.
Responsible for outreach to ethnic groups, interest groups, and others that open lines of communication between these groups and the ONM.
Formulate strategic goals, direct programs, and oversee projects that engage and inform the LCMS about human needs, ethics, cultural threats, opportunities, and how the church may respond in a God-pleasing manner.
Work cooperatively with other ONM directors in creating resources, especially in areas of programmatic overlap.
Maintain and grow competencies as the theological and philosophical subject matter expert regarding building a Lutheran Culture that is sensitive to yet does not conform to non-Christian elements of cultures domestically and internationally.
Be a resource for and maintain a cooperative dialog with organizations inside and outside the LCMS.
Create, develop, and maintain a network of Synodical stakeholders. The LCMS Life Together Initiative (LTI) aims to contribute to joint mission awareness and create alignments between the ONM and those who can provide intellectual, theological, and physical aid to the mission of the Synod.
Establish a network and maintain regular communications with LCMS and outside organizations and contacts related to the goals and objectives of the LTI. Identify opportunities in relationships with other organizations where the LCMS can serve in a leadership role. Share these network resources within the LCMS Mission Offices.
Develop programmatic strategy and provide the ONM Unit executive programmatic assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of LTI.
Engage and inform the church regarding matters of societal change and threats and aid in responding to these changes and threats.
Develop public-facing apologetics and training resources to help LCMS stakeholders to give an answer to all people for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15).
Establish and advocate for the LCMS efforts to develop a Confessional Lutheran Christian culture within our domestic and international churches.
Create LTI web pages and Making Disciples for Life (triennial theme) resources with the LCMS Communications unit to provide timely and helpful information and links for laypeople and clergy.
Respond to invitations to public speaking events and provide exhibition events on behalf of the Synod.
Author regular articles on LTI issues, especially those related to apologetics and culture, to be disseminated through Synod communications, Lutheran periodicals, and other national publications.
Under the supervision of the ONM executive director and the chief mission officer, accomplish Board for National Mission ends policies about LTI.
Establish and maintain annual program budgets.
Collaborate with Mission Advancement to identify resources for long-term funding of LTI-related projects worldwide.
Create and adhere to an approved annual budget.
Faithfully carry out other projects, priorities, and assignments as given by the Executive Director of the Office of National Mission.
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 Master's degree or equivalent, or five years of experience and training in this area.
A background and training in the applied sciences and philosophy
Experience in communication, including writing, public speaking, and working with printed visual media.
Comprehensive knowledge of Biblical Confessional Lutheran theology and issues of philosophy and culture.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
A visionary and proactive leader able to work within the strategic framework of the Office of National Mission.
A self-starter with the ability to develop a vision for the future.
You have demonstrated the ability to work with and coordinate with persons and groups in various ministries and services in the Synod, other church bodies, and outside the church.
Ability to function as a national and international team member and in supportive relationships with district leaders.
Able to clearly and concisely articulate and teach ways to defend the Lutheran/Christian faith 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 a sense of diverse platforms for public advocacy.
Keen interest in and the ability to keep current with scientific arguments, apologetics, ethical issues, and legislation concerning the mercy work and public confession of the LCMS.
Supervisory Responsibility
None