Mission Coordinator Job Description


Christian Mission Coordinator Clarendon Presbyterian Church

1305 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201

 

We seek an energetic Christian mission programs coordinator with a demonstrated ability to connect a multi-generational, service-oriented congregation with meaningful opportunities to serve vulnerable populations in our local community and beyond. We seek, through an action-and-reflection, service learning model of engagement to deepen our faith and our capacity to serve. Members of the congregation have strong interest in further developing programs that serve immigrant groups, individuals with food and housing insecurities, and the LGBTQIA+ community, especially LGBTQIA+ youth. The position requires up to 20 hours a week.


The formal mission statement of Clarendon Presbyterian Church:

Following the Spirit’s call to go into the world with love, joy, and creativity, we are a community of faith following the way of Jesus in solidarity with marginalized and disenfranchised people doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. We seek companions on the journey from all* walks of life.


*All means all: all races, ages, abilities, genders, orientations, classes, questions, and doubts.


We currently live out this mission in various ways including hands-on direct service with local non-profits such as the Arlington Street Peoples Assistance Network and the Arlington Food Assistance Center, with national organizations such as Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and through cooperative efforts with congregations of National Capital Presbytery. Those efforts include such direct service as meal preparation, client service at the food bank, and cleanup and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters. We also engage in work for justice in the church and the public square through More Light Presbyterians, People of Faith for Equality in Virginia, and other mission partners. Those efforts include contacting elected officials, supporting direct actions, and working through ecclesiastical governance for change in the church. We also host and help staff workshops to help documented immigrants gain U.S. citizenship. We have also participated in Rebuilding Together, a hands-on housing repair program that serves low-income residents.


Members of the congregation have strong interest in further developing programs that serve immigrant groups, individuals with food and housing insecurities, and the LGBTQIA+ community, especially LGBTQIA+ youth. Applicants should be committed to opposing and challenging oppression from a perspective of Christian teachings. The position requires up to 20 hours a week.


Job Description

  • Work with CPC members to keep abreast of changing needs in the local community and to help us continually discern where our gifts can best be used in meeting those needs.
  • Maintain a calendar of key community service meetings and coordinate with CPC members to ensure CPC is represented.
  • Seek, develop and manage new mission opportunities for children, youth, and adults in conjunction with the pastor and CPC members.
  • Develop hands-on mission opportunities expressed in and through worship either on Sunday morning or at other times.
  • Develop and implement strategies for engaging nonmembers in our immediate neighborhood, especially young adults, in meaningful community service work through CPC.
  • Perform duties under supervision by the pastor and in consultation with the mission committee and session (governing body of the church).
  • Be present for worship at least one Sunday morning each month, participate in twice monthly staff meetings (in person or via video conference), be present as needed for congregational mission projects (not more than one per week).

Major Responsibilities

  • Plan regular, brief and focused mission activities that can be accomplished on Sunday mornings (for example, making bag meals for the evening meal at the local shelter).
  • Provide leadership and vision to the mission and justice ministry and oversee program development.
  • Develop partnerships with local nonprofits engaged in work that is congruent with the stated values and goals of Clarendon Presbyterian Church to provide opportunities for multigeneration, hands-on mission work. Also, develop and nurture partnerships with sister Presbyterian congregations in Arlington.
  • Recruit and equip ministry volunteers as they plan and carry out mission programs
  • With the pastor, support the participation of children in worship, and plan for multi-generational worship experiences centered on mission and justice.
  • Help develop and coordinate service-learning based Christian formation programs for children and youth.

Characteristics and qualifications

  • Collaborative work orientation with ability to coordinate programs with input from a variety of ministry teams and volunteers.
  • Demonstrated experience developing successful hands-on mission and community service programs.
  • Experience in service-learning environments desired.
  • Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
  • Strong knowledge of mission program development with children, youth, and adults.
  • Creative and self-directed problem solver.
  • Congenial, flexible, and willing to adapt to changing priorities and opportunities.

Send cover letter, resume and three references to the attention of Elder for Mission, Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 N. Jackson St., Arlington, VA 22201.