Connect Project Director

The Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (a partnership involving Gettysburg, Philadelphia and Southern seminaries) is in search of a full-time project director for a major effort whose aim is nurturing Christian vocation among college-age persons, with the specific goal of increasing the numbers entering seminary to prepare for ordained or other rostered ministry. The overarching purpose of Connect: Calling Leaders for a Changing World is to help young adults connect with the call to service they may sense being issued by God and the Church.

In addition to the three Cluster seminaries, the project will involve several dozen congregations selected for their track records in nurturing Christian vocations. At least a dozen other partners colleges, campus ministries, camps and outdoor ministries, and social ministry organizations plus the 22 synods of the ELCAs regions 7, 8 and 9 will be involved.

Funded by a major grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., under its Making Connections initiative, the Connect project will involve a wide range of activities designed to identify and cultivate persons who might serve as future leaders in various forms of ministry, with a primary focus on ordained ministry for congregational service. The Project Director will have overall responsibility for carrying out programs outlined in the proposal developed by the Eastern Cluster and submitted to the Lilly Endowment. S/he will supervise a network of volunteer and stipended individuals who will carry out the various aspects of the project.

The successful candidate will meet qualifications outlined in the attached position description, demonstrating gifts and exhibiting a proven track record as a committed Christian leader, able administrator, inspiring speaker and engaging conversation partner. S/he will have a strong reputation as a team-player capable of working with multiple partners. It is anticipated that a five-year term letter of call would be extended to a person rostered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A competitive salary with full benefits will be provided. Inasmuch as the scope of the work encompasses a broad eastern geographical area, office location is negotiable.

The Search Committee for this position will begin reviewing applications on February 1, 2005. It is anticipated the selected individual will begin on or about April 1st.

Nominations, applications (including a resume and cover letter stating qualifications for the position) and inquiries may be submitted to the current Executive Director of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries: Rev. Michael Cooper-White, President; Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (email: mcooper@ltsg.edu) Telephone: 717/334-6286.

Connect Project Director Job Description