West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE POSITION The primary focus of this position will be planting, nurturing, and developing new United Methodist congregations and faith communities. The second focus will be to assist congregations in the West Michigan Annual Conference, in their mission to become more vital and effective in helping people meet, know, and serve Jesus Christ. This includes but is not limited to the Vital Church Initiative (VCI). STYLE OF LEADERSHIP The Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation will serve as a member of the Connectional Ministries Program Staff and the Conference New Church Development Committee. The West Michigan Cabinet and Conference Leadership Team are charged with the responsibility of providing a comprehensive, systematic approach to aligning all the areas of the conference with the vision, mission, and current four focus areas of the United Methodist Church. It is expected that the director will work with the Extended Cabinet and Conference New Church Committee in collaborative, collegial ways for the good and well being of the entire conference. ACCOUNTABLILITY Immediate Supervisor: Director of Connectional Ministries Position is accountable to: the Bishop, Director of Connectional Ministries, Cabinet, New Church Development Committee, Conference Leadership Team, and Conference Personnel Committee. OVERALL TASKS 1. Serve in a dual role on behalf of the of cabinet and conference leadership championing the planting of new congregations and transformation of existing ones. Anticipated Results: Director will model the mission field driven culture of connection and teamwork expected to be seen among our local congregations as she/he works with the Extended Cabinet and the Conference New Church Committee. 2. Oversee the use and administration of the MissionInsite demographics service (or other appropriate resources) and motivate conference leadership and local congregations to regularly utilize demographics to understand how to effectively engage the various mission fields of the West Michigan annual conference. Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 1 of 6
Anticipated Results: By December 31, 2013, all members of the Extended Cabinet and 90% of the local churches will have been trained in MissionInsite. By Annual Conference 2014, 75% of our churches will have accessed MissionInsite demographics service for strategic purposes. New Church Development (Approximately ½ of the time) 1. Design and implement the planting of vibrant, viable, new congregations and faith communities as part of a culture of "churches planting churches". Anticipated Results: Identify specific locations for 2 to 5 new church plants each year, based on solid demographic analysis, done in collaboration with district superintendents, the New Church Development Committee, participating congregations, and the necessary funding support. 2. Provide direct monthly input in person and/or in writing to the Bishop and Appointive Cabinet on all current and emerging "new church" pastoral appointments. Anticipated Results: Improve the likelihood of successful appointments to new congregations through thorough assessment of potential new church start pastors, and their affinities for specific demographics. 3. Become knowledgeable about innovative models for launching new congregations and missions and encourage the Cabinet and New Church Development Committee to utilize a variety of launch methods. Anticipated Results: Develop a network with other directors of new church development and congregational transformation throughout our United Methodist connection, and attend appropriate regional and national events, such as, but not limited to, the United Methodist School for Congregational Development. 4. Consult with different ethnic population leaders to glean insights into ways of starting ethnic churches and missions. Anticipated Results: Create a working relationship with other Michigan Area and national United Methodist ethnic leaders to help identify various models for launching new ethnic ministries as well as identifying potential ethnic new church start pastors. 5. Identify, recruit, and establish a training process for potential new church planters. Anticipated Results: Improve the system in place for increasing the pool of talent for starting new congregations by periodically contacting: Seminaries; Church planter recruiting events and initiatives aimed to recruit at least 5 new candidates each year; the New Church Leadership Institute; Selecting and sending appropriate candidates to the School of Congregational Development for advance systems training. Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 2 of 6
6. Provide training and support processes for new church planters under appointment. Anticipated Results: Develop and oversee a process by which each new planter is provided a professionally trained coach and provided ongoing continuing education opportunities. 7. Identify, recruit, and establish a training process for potential mother/supporting congregations pastors and laity. Anticipated Results: Implement a process for the necessary visits to potential pastors and key laity, providing demographics, and/or assessment processes at District events as requested by a District Superintendent; 8. Provide a process for monitoring and assessing the health and vitality of new church starts as evidenced by established benchmarks. Anticipated Results: Review quarterly with the district superintendent and the New Church Development Committee the benchmarks set for each new start pastor/congregation. Congregational Transformation & Vital Church Initiative (VCI) (Approximately ½ of the time) 1. Help create a culture of church growth, health, and vitality within the Conference including, but not limited to, providing leadership and coordination of the Vital Church Initiative (VCI). Anticipated Results: By Annual Conference 2015, the statisticians report will begin to show positive progress in the key measurable categories including worship attendance, small groups, service teams, and professions of faith. 2. Specific VCI Responsibilities a. General Oversight of the VCI b. Overall recruitment, training, supervision of VCI related leaders. c. Coordination of the VCI related process and timelines. Anticipated Results: By July of 2014 there will be at least a Small and/or Large Church Path VCI underway on every district. 3. Advocate and encourage adequate resourcing for congregational transformation. Anticipated Results: Explore approaches and resourcing methods utilized for congregational transformation in conferences across the denomination for possible use in the West Michigan Conference. 4. Work in collaboration with the Area Leadership Excellence Task Force in the formation of an ongoing leadership development academy. Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 3 of 6
Anticipated Results: Design and implement with the task force an intentional program for the development of Holistic Generosity; Leadership Excellence; Accountability with Support; Congregational Development; and New Church Start Support. Property and Real Estate Issues 1. Work with the Conference Board of Trustees to implement policies related to receiving of gifts of real estate or property as well as purchasing real estate or property. Anticipated Results: Develop and implement policies, as necessary, to keep real estate and property matters missionally related to our priority of launching of new faith communities and enhancing the vitality of existing congregations. 2. Identify and encourage gifts (and other sources of income such as the sale of existing church properties) that are intended for the starting of new churches, and ensure that such gifts are received and properly recorded. Anticipated Results: The director will have worked with the Conference Leadership Team, CF & A, the New Church Development Committee and the UM Foundation of Michigan to establish a strong revenue stream to ensure adequate funding for our goal of starting at least 2 to 5 new churches each year. Leadership Qualities and Characteristics A healthy relationship with God: Understands, knows and celebrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bring healing and wholeness, forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and peace to the lives of individuals, congregations and their respective communities. A maturing spirituality: Maintains a disciplined spiritual life, desires to be a lifelong learner, maintains healthy boundaries and is accountable for one s work and actions. Integrity: Aligns external behavior with internal Christian beliefs and healthy relationship with God. A caring heart: Exemplifies servant leadership which cultivates the gifts of the Spirit and empowers others. A teachable spirit: Is passionate about acquiring new insights and cutting edge practices related to congregational transformation and new church development. Willing to accept counsel from those in shared leadership positions. A positive attitude: Serves as a highly motivated individual and is a good motivator of others with a can do belief in the mission of the UMC. Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 4 of 6
A sense of organizational culture and teamwork: Possesses an understanding of and appreciation for the role of culture change and has the perspective that the modeling of a healthy ministry culture is essential. A sense of societal cultures and diversity: Has a heart for, and history of, relating positively to diverse persons, cultures, languages and economic groups. A flexible work style: Implements changes in personal job description and work patterns, the work of staff or in staff personnel as the needs of the local churches, districts, and/or conference change. Skills and Competencies Leadership skills: Demonstrates the ability to identify and articulate the vision, plus the assessment and administrative skills to make the vision become reality must cross easily between big picture and little picture ; not risk adverse but driven by kingdom building, rather than turf building. Analytical skills: Has the ability to grasp demographics, learn and teach MissionInsite or other demographic/market research materials so that their use will be essential to Conference leaders, district superintendents, and local congregations in reaching the mission field of the WMC. Proclamation skills: Possesses and articulates a working knowledge of biblical faith; demonstrates the ability to communicate and apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in passionate and culturally relevant ways to the diverse populations groups of the WMC. Relational skills: Actively listens, affirms and encourages; develops working teams, equips/teaches persons for ministry and manages conflict in ways that lead to healthy resolution. Self Care skills: Possesses the time management skills that lead to a healthy balance between work, relationships and self care responsibilities. Management skills: Demonstrates administrative, management, and supervisory skills in a multi layered strategic and organizational structure as is evidenced in the West Michigan Conference. Computer skills: Is proficient in Word, Excel, Power Point and electronic forms of communication. Compensation Package A. Salary: 90% of a Cabinet Level position B. Health Insurance in accordance with conference policies. C. Pension D. Housing Allowance or Parsonage in accordance with conference policies. E. Continuing education and travel F. Administrative staff support Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 5 of 6
POSITION AVAILABLE, (July 1, 2011): Director of New Church and Congregational Development, the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. The primary focus of this position will be planting, nurturing, and developing new United Methodist congregations and faith communities. The second focus will be to assist existing congregations in their mission to become more vital and effective. Send resume and cover letter by December 12, 2011 to Rev. Benton R. Heisler, Director of Connectional Ministries at Benton@wmcumc.org. Version 11/1/2011 Benton Heisler, DCM Page 6 of 6