Church Relations Area Representative for Europe and North America

The LCMS Mission

"In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world."

Department Profile

The President shall be the chief ecumenical officer of the Synod.

· He shall represent the Synod, in consultation with the appropriate board or commission, in official contacts with all partner churches by aiding, counseling, and advising them and by strengthening the relations with and among them (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.2 [a]).

· He or his representative, as requested, shall represent the Synod in official contacts with other church bodies (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.2 [b]).

The Director of Church Relations (DCR) provides leadership and direction and is responsible for assisting the President in carrying out the duties of his office in engagement with, and support to, other church bodies. The Assistant to the Director of Church Relations (ADCR) works at the direction of the DCR, to support and carry out the vision and directions of the President. The Church Relations Area Representative works at the direction of the ADCR to implement plans and tactics in the assigned world area.

All staff of the Church Relation’s unit work closely with church bodies with whom the LCMS: (1) Is in altar-and-pulpit fellowship (sister church bodies), (2) Is working toward recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship through visitation, theological dialogue, theological education, and mercy ministry (associate church bodies), and (3) Is pursuing faithful ecumenism through honest conversations on theological agreements and disagreements (other churches).

The Church Relations unit divides their worldwide responsibilities into five areas: Europe, North America, Latin/ Caribbean/South America, Asia, and Africa.

Reporting Relationships

· The Area Representative is ultimately accountable to the Director of Church Relations, but on a day-to-day basis, reports to and is supervised by the Deputy Director of Church Relations.

Essential Job Functions

· Serve as Church Relations Area Representative for the areas of Europe and North America to sustain, develop, and strengthen theological relations with church bodies (sisters, associates, others).

· Within assigned areas of responsibility, assess LCMS matters of concern (including emerging ecclesiastical relations with church bodies and leaders), provide council and recommendations to the ADCR, determine appropriate follow up, develop strategic paths forward, and engage appropriately.

· Work to promote transparency in planning and communication through regular coordination and collaboration, as appropriate, with: Office of International Mission regional directors/staff, CTCR staff, and LCMS seminaries, and LCMS districts and congregations.

· Plan and execute a 4- or 5-day biennial (Europe and North America) International Church Relations Forum (ICRF), including all sister churches and select associate churches with close ties, to strengthen unity in Christ and His Word by working together as an area in confessional Lutheranism through theological presentations, substantive discussion, edifying worship, invigorated friendship, mutual support, and church planting initiatives.

· Support and help coordinate a 5-day annual International Church Relations Conference (ICRC), convening approximately 100 church leaders from 60 church bodies, primarily sister churches in fellowship with the LCMS, but also associate churches with close ties.

· Regularly consult with ADCR and DCR to report on status of ecclesiastical relations, provide situational awareness, and offer historical information regarding church partners and others in world areas of responsibility.

· Responsible to determine timing and methodology to personally engage (call, travel, onsite visit, video, email, written letter) with church sisters, associates, or others in world areas of responsibility

· Assist in the development, planning, and execution of all meetings held in world areas of responsibility, to include the LCMS ICRC (typically held in Wittenberg, Germany), and conduct after-action reviews to evaluate outcomes and improve future efforts.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date contact information, as well as proper records and notes on interactions, meetings, and correspondence, etc. with church body leaders in world areas of responsibility.

· Implement actions across assigned world areas of responsibility and various church bodies, as directed by the ADCR or DCR.

· Draft, edit, and prepare CR documents for worldwide distribution, as assigned.

· Develop annual budget for assigned areas of responsibility and assist in CR budget management and execution.

Education and Experience

· An ordained minister of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

· A member in good-standing of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation.

· Proven commitment to LCMS doctrine and teachings.

· Thorough understanding of the LCMS structure, Constitution, Bylaws, and congregations.

· A minimum of 5 - 10 years of parish experience or other ordained ministry.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

· Advanced understanding of the LCMS doctrine and teaching with ability to clearly articulate such doctrine and teachings to others.

· Demonstrated successful leadership and working in team settings.

· Demonstrated graduate-level theological writing and editing capability.

· Demonstrated liturgical skills and leadership.

· Demonstrated skills in international relationships or diplomacy.

· Ability to speak English fluently and another European language with intermediate proficiency.

· Ability to initiate action through project development and systematic planning, yet able take direction and seek clarification when needed.

· Above average ability to maintain organized records of work.

Supervisory Responsibility

· None