Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church

Connectional Liaison

Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church

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Job Summary

Overview

The Connectional Liaison position will report to the Connectional Ministries Officer and be accountable to the Thriving Congregations sub-committee of the Faith and Innovation Team of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. This position will work directly with congregations across the Conference who are looking for support during this complex time of change in life and ministry. The objectives of this position are to 1) help congregations feel seen, heard and valued, 2) connect congregations to resources that may meet their specific needs, and 3) leverage the TWK UMC Connections Map as a tool for strengthening our Connection and helping congregations thrive.

Job Responsibilities

Congregational accompaniment

  • Ensure that congregations are aware of this position as a resource, especially for small-membership churches.
  • Meet with individual pastors and laity to listen and learn about their context, share about available resources and support them as individuals in ministry leadership.
  • Connect congregations with available resources in a timely manner.
  • Identify trending needs and assist the Thriving Congregations team in building the congregational toolbox.
  • Receive, track, and respond to requests for support directly from clergy and laity in leadership.
  • Work with District Superintendents, Thriving Congregations and Conference staff to identify congregations who need proactive support.

TWK UMC Connections Map Ambassador

  • Promote the map and help socialize its use throughout the Conference
  • Use the Map to help bring people together, foster exchanges of support and resources, and build relationships.
  • Track feedback related to the survey and/or map content & language
  • Encouraging people (and eventually churches) to keep their profiles and connections updated
  • Encouraging and support individuals to use the Map
  • Assist the Conference to incorporate insights from the Map into activities, events and resources.
  • Track and share stories of the Maps use and impact at the personal, congregational, community and Conference level

Thriving Congregations Team support

  • Assist committee leaders to set agendas
  • Invite and support TC members to engage directly with congregations
  • Support TC to make decisions about changes to the Connections Map
  • Support TC sensemaking and strategic decision making with the Connections Map
  • Ability to travel throughout the conference is required, with overnight stays as needed.Participates in ongoing professional development and integrates emerging new learning tools and processes.
  • Be financially accountable for the ministries for which you are responsible in collaboration with the Connectional Ministries Officer and the Thriving Congregations Sub-team.
  • Embrace the diversity and inclusion goals of the Conference

Qualifications

Competencies/Skills:

Collaborative learner: Enjoys working with others to learn on the job

Comfortable with uncertainty and experimentation:  Comfortable taking small wise steps and experimenting with new ideas as a way to navigate the complexity of our times.

Proficient with technology:  Highly comfortable using technology and can master the use of new technology quickly.

Connections weaver:  Proactively looks for opportunities to connect people across the conference to help share strengths and resources and build relationships.

Facilitative leader:  Trusts in the knowledge, skills and gifts of the people of the Conference and looks for ways to invite the use of these gifts.

Excellent communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills and is an exceptional active listener.

Spirit-led: Must have a strong personal relationship with Jesus, uphold a personal practice of discipleship and listening, and value the local church and its leadership.

Education/Experience 

Master’s Degree (e.g. Divinity, Social Work, Social Services, Education) preferred and/or years of experience in related fields will be considered.   Experience in Asset-based community development practices is preferred.

Additional Information

Benefits

  • Eligibility for benefits including medical, vision, dental, and generous retirement plan.
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel throughout the conference.
  • Team working environment and mission-driven work.
  • A background check, reference check and Safe Gatherings online training is required.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest and resume’ to careers@twkumc.org and specify that you are applying for a Connectional Liaison position.

Details

  • Date Posted: April 1, 2025
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Executive Leadership
  • Service Area: Religious
  • Start Date: 07/01/2025
  • Salary Range: 70,000 - 80,00 range/doe
  • Working Hours: fulltime