Manager for Preparation for Ministry and Exams (Term Contract)

Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God's love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of several national entities: the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Corporation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group.

Basic Commitment: This position calls for a person with mature faith in Jesus Christ as well as a basic commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.

During the budget cycle, the organization will be guided by the following values:

Led by the Spirit, we will be
• Open to discerning and embracing new ways of embodying our work
• Courageous, willing to risk failure as we pursue new possibilities
• Centered in equity and justice, and
• Trustworthy colleagues and partners in the ministry

as we are sent outward in service to the church and the world.

The Manager for Preparation for Ministry and Exams demonstrates a commitment to continue to dismantle white supremacy, sexism, and racism in the PC(USA). The position fosters collaboration, innovation, and openness with colleagues, constituents, and the wider church.

Purpose of the Position: The Manager for Preparation for Ministry and Exams will lead national guidance and support of the preparation of leaders for the PC(USA) with primary attention to the process of preparation for service as minister of Word and Sacrament, but also including commissioned ruling elders/commissioned pastors. Guidance and support will include oversight of assessment and examination processes and education of presbytery committees/commissions.

Reports to: Director of Mid Council Ministries

Responsibilities (in order of importance, the essential responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to):

1. Continue the support of PC(USA) ministry preparation through work with related church partners (Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates PCC , CPMs, seminaries). The Manager will engage staff and partners in strategic planning regarding the spiritual, theological, and practical preparation of persons called to service as ministers of Word and Sacrament and ruling elders commissioned to pastoral service

(CRE/CPs).

2. Provide educational resources, training, consultation. and guidance for presbytery committees, inquirers and candidates, and others related to preparation for ministry. Methods to include online learning technology and on-

site education with presbyteries and synods.

3. With the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCC), plan and manage the administration of ordination examinations.

4. With the Ministry Education and Support Manager, provide support, resources, education, and guidance for presbyteries in the education and deployment of commissioned ruling elders/ commissioned pastors (CRE/CPs).

5. Provide resourcing to General Assembly committees and any task groups related to preparation for ministry, exams, and CRE/CP concerns.

6. Participate fully as a Mid Council Ministries team member, OGA staff, and the newly unifying organization.

7. Other duties as assigned by the organization.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master of Divinity or graduate theological degree (from a Presbyterian seminary preferred)

Skills, experience, and competencies: This position requires a person who is/has
• Ordination as a ruling or teaching elder in the PC(USA)
• Experience with the PC(USA) preparation for the ministry process as CPM Moderator or CPM staff and experience with the ordination exam process
• Effective communication through teaching, public speaking, preparing resources, and leading workshops
• Strong technology skills, especially web applications
• Highly collaborative, with an understanding of cross-cultural proficiency and skills
• Effective coaching and consulting, facilitation, and team-building skills.

Desired Qualifications:
• Fluency in Spanish, Korean, or another language
• Ability to use emerging forms of technology for distance education, networking, and other types of resourcing.

Helpful Skills:

• Have a deep understanding and commitment to cultural and racial ethnic inclusiveness. Values diverse groups, ethnicities, genders, communities, cultural constituencies and points of view. Able to relate well to people from all walks of life and of varying theological perspectives.
• Ability to speak one or more languages other than English very helpful

Sensory or Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Travel domestically to meetings, conferences, and the biennial General Assembly. Ability to transport and use computers and other technological equipment. Ability to use emerging forms of technology for distance education, networking, and other types of resourcing.

Additional Information/Benefits:

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues at the Presbyterian Center.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.

A Corp Commitment:

Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being not only an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government, but with the inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation as well.

Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color, preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.