Assistant for mission
PDF of position description
ASSISTANT FOR MISSION
October 2008
The Assistant for Mission is a two-year position on the Bishop's staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, which will provide diocesan leadership to help move us more clearly into the Gospel mission of Christ Jesus. The Diocese of Connecticut believes that mission is the key to parish vitality, development and growth. The intent is to enable us as Episcopalians to turn from inward focus to the joy of orientation outward to the world. We understand Christ's mission to be both local and international.
The Assistant for Mission will initiate appropriate conversations and programs for mission, including evangelism and outreach, for the diocese as a whole, and for parishes that are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas, and those joined in shared and regional ministry.
The Assistant for Mission must understand, and find joy and see opportunity in, Episcopal parishes of various sizes - small to large. The Assistant for Mission must be able to serve and work with persons of the various languages and cultures of this Diocese and the State of Connecticut. And the person must work collaboratively with the Bishops and Diocesan staff.
Various tasks of the Assistant for Mission will include:
- Developing and teaching standards for parish health and growth
- Creating and otherwise offering models for recasting parish life, structures, and clergy and lay leadership for mission for small , medium-sized and large parishes
- Convening groups of parish leaders, clergy and lay, for companionship in mission and for learning tools, skills and models for mission;
- Raising up Mission Consultants and training them and coordinating their work;
- Teaching Gospel mission publicly within the diocese in engaging and creative ways;
- Contracting relationships with specific parishes seeking renewal for mission;
- Identifying and initiating programs for mission renewal in parishes that are in severe decline;
- Guiding the Diocese in the development of policies and practices that encourage Mission locally and in mission partnerships elsewhere within the Anglican Communion.
One way in which the we envision the mission of the Assistant for Mission is as a triangle of responsibilities: Coach, Coordinator, and Crisis Intervener, with Christ in the center.
The Assistant for Mission must be a person of deep personal commitment to Jesus Christ and the Gospel, with a readiness to share his/her own faith and theology with others. Therefore, the Assistant must be a person who understands Christian community in The Episcopal Church as a centerpiece and springboard for mission. The Assistant can be lay or ordained. He/she must be a good communicator and motivator, be a visionary, have significant and vital parish experience, understand and be able to address parish systems, and be a good team player. We would expect the Assistant for Mission to be a person who prays and tithes, knows the best practices of parish mission and congregational development, and who has competent professional boundaries.
The position of Assistant for Mission will be funded "off-budget" for two years through funds authorized by the Diocesan Executive Council. Administrative/Secretarial Assistance, office, furniture, computer terminal, printer, and other office equipment will be provided. Attendance at staff meetings is required on a regularly scheduled basis. Meetings with other staff groups will be required only as necessary. Reimbursement will be made for travel and for approved professional expenses related to the job.
The Assistant for Mission is to be a staff position compensated on a level commensurate with those of the Canon for Transition Ministries and the Pastoral Response Coordinator, and will report directly to the Bishop.
The position is open immediately. Persons who wish to apply should write to:
The Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith
c/o Julie Burnep, Executive Secretary to the Bishop,
The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
1335 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
860-233-4481; jburnep@ctdiocese.org
