About Real Resources helping youth find and follow Jesus Launched in 2012, Real Resources is the name behind some of today s best-known ministries, which have been serving churches for more than 40 years. It is home to YouthWorks, Youth Specialties and E625. Founded upon the belief that teens are a vital part of the church today, and God has uniquely equipped them to live out His love in the world, Real Resources ministries draw teens, their families and church leaders into deeper encounters with God and each other through community service, leadership development and worship. Real Resources core purpose is to serve churches by providing Christ-centered resources and experiences for ministry. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Real Resources is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Real Resources believes in giving back to the communities and churches we serve. Real Resources serves as the benevolent arm of its ministries by providing grants to YouthWorks community partners and summer staff and by providing event scholarships to participants of all three of its ministries. Twenty years ago, I never could have imagined what God would do with our fledgling little ministry called YouthWorks. Now as Real Resources we accept the privilege and responsibility of helping thousands of teens experience Christ through our ministries. The best is yet to come! Paul Bertelson, Founder of Real Resources 2
YouthWorks life-changing, Christ-centered mission trips YouthWorks exists to connect teenagers to God, each other, and communities through lifechanging, Christ-centered mission trips. YouthWorks is founded in the belief that every teenager should experience a mission trip that values relationships, respects communities and connects the hands of service with the heart of Jesus. While providing lots of affordable options, YouthWorks maintains high quality experiences that broaden perspectives, ignite passions, expose possibilities and inspire pursuits. The staff was incredible! From the time we stepped out of the van, they welcomed us with open arms; we were treated as valued and unique with amazing gifts and talents to share. Kayla K., YouthWorks participant 3
Values of YouthWorks As the YouthWorks team lives out its purpose and vision, these principles guide the way they work and serve those they work alongside. These core values hinge on their aspirations to love teenagers, work alongside communities and serve God s church. Youth The energy and passion, vision and potential of teenagers is not just the future of the church it is a vibrant part of the church today. In the process of inviting students to love and be loved by Christ, we will unapologetically laugh, play, serve and engage alongside them. Recognizing the incredible value of teenagers, we see these years as both formative for the future and vital for God s work today. Communities Our passions are wrapped up in the places we serve. Communities are our partners, our friends and our contexts for ministry. We value the privilege of entering, working alongside and learning from these places filled with heritage and history, strengths and struggles. We are continually pursuing ways to better listen to, respond to and love communities. Respectful Service It is our honor to serve people that God calls sons and daughters. Recognizing that effective service does not always seem efficient, we strive to listen closely, speak carefully, serve humbly and participate gratefully in what God is already doing in individuals, churches and communities. In our efforts to meet the unique needs of each person and place, we desire to follow Jesus example of servantleadership. Relationships We prioritize people. It s why we pursue intentional interactions, restored relationships and ongoing friendships because meaningful service stems from seeking each other out. Just as Jesus ministry underscores the importance of presence, we desire that programs, projects and plans would never trump people. Rather, we will continue to create experiences that encourage authentic connections with others and with Christ. Diversity We desire to continually deepen our understanding and appreciation for the incredible creativity of Christ s Church. As we value different styles of worship, stories of faith, stages of life, sets of resources, tones of skin and expressions of culture, we invite others to do the same. Through leaving comfort zones to listen and learn from each other, we can more deeply include, interact with and express the diverse beauty of God s Kingdom. Development We have seen God s life-changing work in people s stories and recognize our invitation to participate. That is why we seek to grow alongside others in deepening understanding, determining direction, restoring relationships and strengthening faith. As we encounter all kinds of people, we will continue to work together, challenge comfort zones, see potential, be inspired and eagerly ask, What s next?! 4
Youth Specialties equipping and encouraging youth workers Youth Specialties is a ministry that equips youth workers and youth with relevant tools and training so today s teens can find and follow Jesus. Youth Specialties events, services and resources provide opportunities for youth workers and youth to learn and connect with God and one another. For more than 40 years, Youth Specialties (YS) has served as an international thought leader in Christian youth ministry. They just spoke to my heart. They didn t beat around the bush they got straight to the point and it was truly amazing. Student, PlanetWisdom 5
Events National Youth Workers Convention: For more than 45 years, this annual four-day training event equips, connects and refreshes youth workers through seminars, worship, soul care, resources and community. PlanetWisdom: This two-day, regional student conference is designed to challenge teens to learn and grow in their faith. PW is held annually in multiple cities across the United States between December and April. Biblical teaching, drama and worship make up the weekend program. Resources YS Job Bank is a web database through which employers and job seekers connect by listing open positions, posting resumes and searching for opportunities. YS Search partners with churches and youth workers in transition to fill open positions with candidates who are assessed to be the right fit. YS Networks exists to identify and connect local youth ministry networks. YS Coaching happens through one-on-one motivational assessment. Trained YS coaches meet with a participant to better discern how they fit in ministry. YS Store is an online bookstore that offers resources and curriculum relevant to youth pastors and youth ministry. YS Directory offers one-stop shopping for youth ministry leaders to find resources meeting all their ministry needs. 6
e625 equipping and encouraging Spanish-speaking youth and youth workers e625 is a Spanish ministry that exists to equip the church in resourcing and empowering leaders and families in the spiritual formation of the next generation. Through an incredible array of events, formal training and online and print publications, e625 provides relevant tools and training so that Spanish-speaking 6- to 25-year-olds around the world can become mature believers in Christ. I attended a summit in Argentina and left inspired to start my own blog to encourage my generation. That helped me raise my voice for others. I took on bigger challenges. Every time I think of e625, I challenge myself to do more for my generation. Argentinian youth worker 7
Events Forums are gatherings for senior pastors and academics to discuss and mobilize the development of the next generation of Hispanic leaders (biennial event in 14 countries). The International Retreat is a 4-day convention offering personalized tracks to educate and network children s, tweens, teens and young adult ministry leaders (biennial event). National Summits are modelled after the international retreat but personalized to the hosting country s context (biennial event in 14 countries). e625 partners with local churches to conduct on-site, day-long seminars for youth, parents and leaders. Current seminars include Campaña Diferente, El Mejor Líder de la Historia la Gira, Liderazgo Generacional, Padres Extraordinarios and Planeta Girl. Resources e625 Institute is set to become the largest accredited online program for family ministries in the Spanish-speaking world, offering accessible and practical teaching to Christian parents and leaders. e625 also operates a school of Generational Leadership and Coaching in Argentina. e625.com s Online Subscription Service provides children s and youth ministry-focused bi-monthly magazine issues, e-books, audio and video recordings, research papers and Bible study guides. e625 Publishing creates and translates books and Bibles by Hispanic youth workers, for Hispanic youth and youth workers and is publishing 10 books and two Bibles in 2017. 8
The Position Overview The next CEO will bring Real Resources (RR) into a critical phase of vision development and directional clarity. He/she will join the organization after a three-year financial, operational and structural rebuild. Although challenges remain, Real Resources ministries are on a strong foundation from which they can impact and empower youth, youth ministers and the Church. Critical Needs/Responsibilities ü Promote and build upon a positive culture. ü Have clear vision, mission and strategy development. ü Build collaborative relationships across the organization and externally. ü Resource and ensure that fundraising strategies and results are achieved. ü Integrate cross-cultural experience and understanding. ü Build on efficiencies and recent operational improvements. ü Make timely and effective decisions, communicating those decisions across the organization. ü Have strong leadership skills and team development abilities. Key Working Relationships The CEO will report to the Board of Directors: He/she will engage in a process that leads to a clarified vision, which will set the destination for Real Resources and bring directional strategy and definition to each specific ministry in the RR family. The new CEO will work with the Board as a key resource in analyzing, evaluating and clarifying the existing challenges and opportunities that are present today and emerging tomorrow for Real Resources and youth ministry overall. The CEO will work in the spirit of good governance, leading by example and providing transparency and evidence which demonstrate that they are overseeing and operating the ministries effectively. 9
Internal work with Real Resources Ministry Leaders and Shared Service Leaders: The CEO will oversee operational leadership of Real Resources, attracting, hiring and retaining high-caliber leaders who are exceptional in their respective domains or expertise and are inspired by the vision, mission and work of Real Resources. The CEO will work with ministry leaders as a directional and inspirational leader. He/she will provide clarity as to how each leader s role and entity align and contribute to the overall vision, mission and success of Real Resources. The right leader will build and align the team by bringing them together with a common and greater purpose and will model and build a culture where there is respect, reliance and synergistic thinking and behavior. The CEO will set the strategy, with the input of the individual ministry leaders, work to establish realistic and measureable goals, solve problems, resource possibilities and provide feedback and affirmation along the way. He/she will operate as a relational leader, coaching and encouraging each member with a pastoral presence and Spirit-led awareness. External work with Churches and the Community: The next CEO will operate as the face of Real Resources. He/she will tirelessly tell the story of how Real Resources has and will continue to transform the lives of students, families, communities, churches and the Kingdom. He/she will work with pastors and parachurch leaders in order to identify opportunities and possibilities where RR can be a resource and ministry partner. The CEO will be an ambassador of Real Resources and her individual ministries and serve as a resource to the larger community, identifying potential synergy and partnerships with businesses, ministries, government and other organizations. Desired Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate Strong passion for youth ministry Demonstrated passion for youth, family, church and the gospel A deep understanding and experience concerning the complexity that makes up the church Missions experience and a missional outlook Lives out and knows the world of diversity and inclusion; intercultural awareness A heart for discipleship and evangelism experience Gifted in leadership, with experience in a large and multi-faceted organization 10
Business sense, sensibilities and stewardship Innovative and entrepreneurial instincts and experience Education, training and experience in youth ministry is preferred, but may not be necessary with the right track record Branding and marketing experience and knowledge Experience in and/or exposure to development Strengths, Gifts and Personal Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate Inspirational and passionate Innovator and door-opener Visionary and directional leader Decisive and discerning Holds high standards and brings accountability Strategic systems-thinker, organizer, integrator Relationship leader Relational and emotionally intelligent Collaborator and connector Humble servant leader Communicator and clarifier Brave, fearless, faithful, transparent and authentic Culturally competent, a cultural integrator and inclusive Has leadership development skills and sees potential in others Spiritual depth, Spirit-led and anointed Pastoral heart, affirmation-giver and empathetic Enthusiastic and high-energy 11
PROCESS OF CANDIDACY After reading this Opportunity Profile, if you sense the gifts and experiences God has given you are a good fit for the position of CEO, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. All candidate information and conversations are handled confidentially. Please provide the following documents and responses for review. RESUME SUBMISSION When formulating your resume for this position, please include the following information for each position you have held in the past 15 years: - Employer - Your title(s), time of employment there (e.g., 2001-2006) and details concerning transitions - Budget, scope and size of the organization and your department - Three specific achievements or accomplishments that were most meaningful to you while in these positions in particular as it pertains to marketing, business development and brand growth - Please also include any meaningful assessments or inventories that help us know more about you: e.g. DISC, MBTI, StrengthsFinder, IDAQ, and EQI REFERENCES (They will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.) - The person who knows your spiritual journey best or has had the most significant impact on your life. - Three references from your professional life preferably a significant manager, a peer and a subordinate. - Two personal references that can speak to your character and personal faith. 12
NARRATIVE QUESTIONS In order to give us a more complete picture of you and your interest in the Chief Executive Officer position, please provide thoughtful responses to each of the following questions, submitted in writing. 1. What is it about Real Resources that attracts you to this position? 2. Tell us about a significant experience in your own leadership development, ministry/service involvement and business experience that would translate to success in this role. 3. Describe your Christian faith journey and your practice of spiritual disciplines. 4. Describe a challenge or difficulty in your career or calling that has strengthened your ability to lead. 5. Using this document as your guide, look back over your career and describe how your experiences have prepared you for this position. 6. Describe how your background, strengths and experiences fit with the roles and responsibilities of the Real Resources CEO. 7. Share a bit about your passion for, commitment to and/or your development and journey through or toward youth ministry. 8. Describe what you think might be both the positive possibilities, as well as the challenges, associated with multiple ministries residing under an umbrella entity. Submit these responses (in WORD or.doc format) along with your resume/cv to: Tony Kroening Managing Partner tkroening@simapartners.com 612-801-4136 Thank you for your interest in Real Resources and for considering this opportunity! 13