The purpose of this page is twofold: 1) to show the variety of opportunities for stipendiary ministry which are available in the Episcopal Church, and 2) to act as a simple tool in vocational discernment. Perhaps there will be a position on this list that someone has not thought of seeking. Or, on the other hand, there may be a position on this list which does not yet currently exist in a given context. Perhaps the position can be created in response to a present need. This list also, does not pretend to come even close to being exhaustive. However, it is a start. While the list uses the term, “Congregational Positions”, they have their counterparts on the diocesan and national Church level, as well as in institutional contexts. The list will be updated from time to time, so if there are other titles or positions which don’t appear, that you feel will be helpful to people, please send the to us at Info@nnece.org.
CONGREGATIONAL POSITIONS
Director of Administrative Services / Congregational Business Manager / Business Administrator
Responsible for the overall financial and resource management for the congregational. Administers the budget process in collaboration with Rector and Finance Committee. Oversees financial record keeping and computer operations. Collaborates with Rector and Personnel Committee in developing and implementing policies for congregational employees. Coordinates maintenance and security of buildings and grounds.
Qualifications: Bachelor degree; major in administration, accounting or finance preferred; ministry formation or certificate in church administration helpful.
Director of Religious Education / Director of Christian Formation
Provides leadership in the design, implementation and evaluation of the congregational's Christian formation programs. Develops a comprehensive plan of religious education/formation for congregationalioners, preschool throgh adult. Oversees sacramental preparation programs. Recruits and trains catechetical staff; selects appropriate materials; prepares a budget; and collaborates with rector and staff in promoting the total educational mission of the congregational.
Qualifications: Bachelor degree in religious education or equivalent, appropriate certification; Masters degree sometimes preferred.
Adult and Family Minister
Designs and implements educational experiences for adults, and provides leadership in fostering the development of mature Christian faith within the congregational community. Provides for the education and spiritual enrichment of adults. Directs activities and programs for people in all stages of family life. May include marriage preparation; parent education and family enrichment; support for the separated, divorced, widowed, remarried; ministry with young adults; and assistance in the religious formation of those with disabilities.
Youth Minister / Director of Youth Ministry
Oversees the development of a comprehensive youth program including catechesis, prayer and worship, service, community-building, guidance, and leadership development. Enables youth to become involved in all aspects of congregational life. Recruits and trains catechists and adult volunteers.
Qualifications: Bachelor degree in religious education, certificate in youth ministry, or similar training.
Human Concerns Minister / Social Justice Minister / Outreach Coordinator
Provides leadership in the congregational's response to the human needs of congregationalioners and of the surrounding community. Works with the congregational's outreach or social concerns committee to foster congregationalioner involvement direct service, advocacy, and justice education. Serves as a liaison between diocesan programs, social agencies, community organizations, and the congregational.
Pastoral Musician / Music Minister / Director of Music Ministry
Responsible for planning, coordinating and leading music within liturgical celebrations, in many cases serving as organist. Directs and trains the choirs, cantors, and instrumental groups of the congregational. Schedules musicians, prepares worship aids, arranges copyright permission. Collaborates with the liturgy committee and congregational staff in planning weekly liturgies and other sacramental celebrations. Assists congregationalioners in preparing music for funerals and weddings.
Liturgist / liturgy director/ liturgy coordinator
Directs the worship life of the congregational, including preparation for weekly and seasonal liturgies, planning of sacramental celebrations, and formation of the annual liturgical calendar. Collaborates with priests, music ministers, and liturgy committee in preparing for celebrations. Recruits, trains, schedules and supports the various liturgical ministers. Prepares materials for worship - sacred vessels, vestments, liturgical books. May be responsible for designing worship aids, providing leadership to art and environment committee, participating in catechetical programs.
Pastoral Associate
Shares in the overall care of the congregation, assisting the rector or congregational director, and collaborating with other staff in a generalist fashion. May have designated responsibility for one or more specific ministries, e.g. sacramental preparation, faith formation, administration, and/or pastoral care. Particular responsibilities depend on the needs of the congregational and the gifts of the pastoral associate.
Qualifications: Masters degree in pastoral studies or equivalent, broad congregational experience.
Congregational Director / Congregational Life Coordinator
Entrusted by the diocesan bishop with the overall pastoral care of a congregation without a rector. Provides spiritual leadership and oversees the daily operation of the congregation. Coordinates ministries of worship, education and faith formation, social concerns, and administration. Collaborates with and assists priest assigned to assist in the pastoral care of the congregation, and is usually accountable to a priest-supervisor.
Qualifications: Masters degree, extensive congregational experience; appointment by the diocesan bishop.
Congregational Secretary / Administrative Assistant
Provides clerical support and performs administrative services for the congregation, including record keeping and preparation of the congregational bulletin. May involve responsibilities as receptionist, computer operator, or bookkeeper.
Congregational Nurse / Minister of Health
Functions on behalf of the church as health educator, personal health counselor, referral agent, and liaison/advocate within the local health care system. Helps congregational members appreciate the relationship between faith and health. Promotes wellness and prevention within the congregation and neighborhood, provides health monitoring and screening. Trains lay people to serve as visitors and program volunteers. Facilitates use of available resources of the community and church.
Qualifications: Registered Nurse, nursing experience; congregational nurse training, or other pastoral education.
OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND SETTINGS
Campus Minister
Serves the Christian community at a university or college by gathering students, faculty and staff for prayer, worship, support and learning. May coordinate or lead worship services, offer counseling or spiritual direction, promote social justice efforts, direct retreats, facilitate spiritual development programs. Campus ministers work in a variety of settings: on public, Episcopal or private campuses; as part of a ministry team; or serving a number of area colleges.
Chaplain / Director of Pastoral Care
Serves the faith community in a health care institution (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Visits and counsels patients and families, acts as support and resource to staff, collaborates with clergy and lay ministers from area churches. May coordinate or lead worship services, support groups or educational programs.
Qualifications: Clinical Pastoral Education, certification by a chaplains association.
Retreat Director
Plans and coordinates group or individual retreats, gives presentations and offers individual direction during retreats. May administer the overall program of a retreat center; responsible for planning and scheduling use of facilities. Collaborates with presenters, group leaders and other retreat directors.
Spiritual Director
Provides confidential spiritual guidance and counseling to individuals. Spiritual directors often serve in ministries such as retreat work, adult and family ministry, education, formation, or campus ministry.
Missionary
Serves a Christian community in a location or culture different from one's origin. Lay missionaries are generally sponsored by the National Church in collaboration with the local diocese and congregation.
Episcopal Elementary or High School Teacher
Teaches assigned subjects. Supervises students in classroom and other school settings. Responsible for lesson planning, record keeping, and learning environment. Communicates with parents, collaborates with other teachers and staff.
School Principal
Oversees the academic and religious program for children in a Episcopal school. Responsible for overall administration; hiring, training and supervision of school teachers and staff. Provides leadership in fostering the Episcopal identity of the school.
