Pacific Northwest Annual Conference
Director of New Ministry Development

Application period extended to March 10, 2008 at noon.

Description:

Goal:

The goal of this position is to lead in the accomplishment of the strategic initiatives of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Comprehensive Plan for New Faith Community Development and Congregational Renewal. The ministry of this position will also work to ensure that the United Methodist Church in this conference more clearly reflects the population of the region in regard to ethnicity, culture and race.

Requirements:

1. Experience in successfully developing and growing a new church start or redeveloping an existing congregation;
2. Well-grounded in the history and tradition of the United Methodist Church and committed to its doctrine and polity;
3. Experience working in a team setting and be a self-starter;
4. Trained in processes and models of new church starts and development in today¹s world;
5. Willingness to consult with others in this field who may provide guidance and information;
6. Ability to work consultatively with the Bishop, District Superintendents, and conference staff;
7. Ability to work with people of diverse cultural, theological, generational, and ethnic background;
8. Be an innovator with passion toward fulfilling the shared vision of an inclusive conference;
9. Experience in the field of ethnic/multicultural ministry; and
10. Strong sense of call to this ministry.

Responsibilities:

1. Plant new ministries
   
   1. Consult with the bishop, district superintendents, Board of Congregational Development and conference staff to identify new ministry opportunities.
   2. Accumulate and assess demographic and sociological data from the PNW Conference regarding changes in population, areas of transition, changes in age-sex distribution, fluctuations in economics and other factors that might impact congregations and the development and implementation of ministry.
   3. In consultation with appropriate ethnic, generational and cultural stakeholders identify models of and strategies for new ministry development;
   4. Develop funding and other resources as appropriate;
   5. Evaluate success and recommend appropriate action; and
   6. Celebrate effective new ministry.
2. Identify and train apostolic leaders
   1. Recruit potential new ministry planters;
   2. Oversee the discernment process for new church planters; and
   3. Support and resource new ministry planters.
3. Develop financial resources
   1. Develop and implement strategies for expanding financial resources for new ministry development; and
   2. Give leadership to fundraising for new ministry development.
4. Seek increased competence through continuing education, consultation with acknowledged experts, and participation in church professional organizations related to the goals and responsibilities of this ministry position.
5. Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Accountability:

The person holding this ministry position is accountable to the Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, the Bishop of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference in consultation with the Board of Congregational Development.

Supervision:

This position reports to the Director of Connectional Ministries.

Evaluation:

The Conference Director of Connectional Ministries in consultation with the Board of Congregational Development will evaluate the Pacific Northwest Conference Director of New Ministry Development annually.

Interested applicants should send a letter of application, current resume, and contact information for three professional references to the Rev. David Valera, Director of Connectional Ministries at PO Box 13650, Des Moines WA 98198 or at dvalera@pnwumc.org. Interested applicants should note that the application period is relatively brief and applications must be received by 12:00 noon PST, March 10, 2008.
This is an extended application period to broaden the applicant pool.