Peace and Justice Minister, Kansas City, Missouri

Posted 8 April 2024

Open until filled

Employer

Midlands USA Mission Center

Required Language

English

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with additional training in social work, peace and/or conflict resolution, and social justice. Master of Arts degree in Peace and/or Social Transformation preferred.

Experience Required/Desired

Preferred candidate should have at least two years of experience creating and implementing programs to address local social justice and/or peacebuilding needs. This may include social work, conflict mediation, and community organizing. Should be familiar with local and national organizations focused on social justice and peace initiatives. Should be passionate about creating intergroup dialogue, social justice, and building inclusive community through intentional conversations. Priest or member of the Melchisedec priesthood in Community of Christ required.

Immediate Supervisor

Mission Center Presidents Team Designee

Employment Status

40+ hours/week

Summary of Position

The Peace and Justice Minister will work with individuals, small groups, existing congregations, and new expressions of ministry to support diversity and inclusion of all persons. This includes helping mission center stakeholders cultivate a culture of acceptance of all people and understanding of social injustices. They will be able to initiate actions to inform, encourage, and facilitate spiritual growth through an awareness of all of God’s creation.

Essential Functions

• Consult with congregations, groups, and individuals to assess and support local justice and peace initiatives. This may include development of resources for use in worship and education.
• Create and disseminate information about equity, peace, and justice. This may include updating best practices for use in creating inclusive content for social media, websites, and formal correspondence.
• Develop relationships within the mission center to effectively inspire engagement in peace and justice initiatives. These may include community events that uphold the worth of all persons and promote peace through inclusion.
• Promote inclusion strategies within the mission center, including worship, family camps, youth camps, conferences, and in planning teams and leadership.
• Understand and be able to effectively share the Mission Initiatives and Enduring Principles of Community of Christ.
• Network with other mission centers, community, and national organizations which advocate for the worth of all persons. Engage with these organizations to build partnerships and leverage assets to increase outreach.
• Provide frequent preaching and teaching ministry in alignment with Community of Christ Identity, Message, Mission, and Beliefs.
• Collaborate frequently with mission center Youth and Young Adult Ministers, Justice and Peace Action Team, and Advisory Council to ensure consistent messaging and activity supporting the mission center.
• Partner with World Church teams in developing or sharing resources and advocating for just peace on and for the Earth.
• Collaborate with Mission Center Leadership Teams Support and train congregations and mission centers for public facing events.
• Support resource development
• Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned when necessary.

Required Competencies/Skills

As an independent minister, this position will require

1. Strong ability to balance priorities, remain organized, and manage and measure work activities as well as meet mutually agreed upon short and long term goals. The majority of these goals will center around speaking opportunities, planning events, and encouraging others to develop peace building skills.
2. Communicating, both written and oral, is essential to building strong relationships to further the mission of creating equitable communities.
3. Ability to drive locally, with occasional overnight stays, is mandatory to interact with congregations and partners.
4. Employee is required to be a registered youth worker with Community of Christ or be able to register within 30 days of hire date. Anti-harassment training will also be required before the first day of work and annually.

Desired Competencies/Skills

• As a minister, a strong scriptural and theological understanding of social issues is desired.
• Participation in continuing education will be expected.
• Building an effective support network, working with a mentor, and developing future peace advocates to support efforts will be encouraged. This may entail possessing or developing leadership skills and the ability to delegate tasks.

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Other Duties

Please note that this job description in not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned when necessary.

Required Trainings

Registered Youth Worker/Anti-harassment Training: New employees are required to be a registered youth worker with Community of Christ or be able to register within 30 days of hire date. Anti-harassment training is also required within 30 days of hire and then required annually.

Ministerial Status

Yes

Overtime Status

Exempt

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and application to Kristine Shipley.