Oct 17, 2023

The Eastern PA Conference is seeking to hire an Associate Superintendent
Emphasis on Leadership Development

The Associate Superintendent leads and inspires biblical and theological understanding of ministry and mission and grows leadership, vitality, and sustainability of congregations. This position serves with a regional team to ensure EPA is recruiting and equipping transformational leaders so that we make disciples and grow vital congregations for the transformation of the world.

Essential Functions

  • In collaboration with laity and clergy and flowing out from EPA strategic ministry plan and goals, plan, organize and implement with assigned congregations a congregational development plan in any one or more of the following areas – sustainability, vitality or one of the specific markers of vitality, community engagement, ending the sin of racism, ending the sin of sexism and organizing the congregation for effective ministry so that congregations are growing in vitality, and sustainability and working to end the sin of racism and sexism.
  • Assist congregations assigned by the regional team leader to set and meet vitality, sustainability and ending the sin of racism and sexism goals.  This is the director’s first responsibility and will be up to 75% of the director’s time.
  • Assist as assigned by the regional team leader with the development of Leadership Academy workshops and facilitate learning and application groups so that EPA clergy and congregational leaders are equipped to carry out their A Journey of Hope plan.
  • Champion one or more areas of planning (sustainability, vitality, or markers of vitality, ending the sin of racism and sexism and community engagement and other projects, initiatives and priorities as assigned by the regional team leader.  A champion reviews and evaluates resources in their champion area, identifies new resources to be developed and briefs the resource team on the resources in the champion’s area(s). 
  • Assist in the development of new resources as assigned by the regional team leader.
  • Champion for EPA Leadership Development.

Organization Responsibilities

  • Participate in regional team meetings for planning, reporting on progress and results and strategizing about how to grow leadership, sustainability and vitality and end the sin of racism and sexism.
  • Participate in resource team meetings to grow skills in consultation, coaching, group facilitation and planning, and receive updates on new or modified resources.  The resource team is also the collaboration team for developing resources or for assignment to work with a team to develop a resource.
  • Participate in extended leadership team meetings to understand the full scope of the priorities, work, and goals of EPA.  Meets once a month. 
  • Engage in leading and facilitating leadership formation through coaching leaders.  Associate Superintendents should coach 7-10 clergy a quarter.  Write a NEWSpirit article and Digest resource promotion at least once a quarter.
  • Provide staff support to EPA agencies as assigned.
  • Serve as a participant or as a project leader for projects as assigned.
  • Assist in EPA meetings and events as assigned.

Focus and Priorities of an Associate Superintendent

(Each associate superintendent will be assigned a group of churches by the regional team leader.)

  • Champion for EPA Leadership Development/Pathways
  • With assigned churches, coach the clergy person and other leaders as may be identified by the pastor or congregation for coaching
  • Lead/facilitate planning sessions with the assigned congregations.
  • Follow up with each congregation who have completed plans 1-2 times a month for 18 months with consultation, problem solving, plan evaluations, and plan modifications.
  • Work with and/or lead a resource planning team as assigned by the regional team leader to participate in the development of Leadership Academy classes and resources.  An associate superintendent may participate in 2-4 planning team a year.

Core Competencies

  • Committed to continuously grow in intercultural competence
  • Build and maintain relationships that are rooted in honesty, integrity, and honor confidentiality
  • Work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions
  • Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and orally, with unifying messages that motivates people to action
  • Attend to details and deadlines

Qualification

  • Successful leadership in a local United Methodist Church and EPA elected leadership position
  • Five or more years of an effective track record in mission, mercy and justice ministry planning and organizing
  • Successfully coordinated large projects, developed and managed a budget
  • Knowledge of and skill in leadership development, evaluation, organization, and human resources
  • Working with a variety of cultures

Education

  • Master of Divinity Degree or equivalent experience
  • Professional/ Ministry Coaching training preferred

Travel

The position requires occasional evening and regular weekend responsibilities, extensive travel within Eastern Pennsylvania, and some travel outside the region.

Please submit resumes to Jay Kim, Director, EPA & GNJ Human Resources at jkim@gnjumc.org
All resumes are due by Friday, 11/10/2023.