Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership Director

Company: United Methodist Church
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 12, 2025

Job Description:

Director, Lewis Center for Church LeadershipThe Director is responsible for bringing the mission and vision to life:Mission: The Lewis Center provides the knowledge and skills for clergy and laity to achieve the church's mission creatively and faithfully in a fast-changing world.Vision: The Lewis Center equips clergy and laity to lead with excellence.Because of the critical need for leadership in the church, the Director is the primary face of the Lewis Center to its various external constituencies, working with the President to build relationships with external partners (i.e., denominational leaders, pastors, key lay leaders, non-profit leaders, foundations, funders, etc.) and internal partners at the seminary. The Director needs to bring national prominence in the field of church leadership and have strong ecumenical and Pan-Methodist connections. As an Administrative Faculty member, the candidate should possess a terminal degree and/or equivalent standing as a recognized thought-leader who understands the challenges and opportunities of congregational life.The Director works closely with the President, Dean, and the Lewis Center Steering Committee to set the strategic direction of the Lewis Center's work with a focus on innovation that leads to a sustainable business model for the Lewis Center and the Seminary. The Director is responsible for managing and working collaboratively with a staff of six full-time and three part-time individuals in the development of Lewis Center projects and programs. These include:

• The Lewis Fellows leadership development program for outstanding young clergy
• The Church Leadership Doctor of Ministry tracks
• Ongoing research initiatives on changes in the religious workforce
• The Seminary's Practice in Ministry and Mission field education program
• A growing array of online learning programs to prepare clergy and laity for effective ministry
• Online resources including the Lewis Center's website (churchleadership.com), its weekly e-newsletter, Leading Ideas, biweekly Leading Ideas Talks podcasts, and an ever-growing presence on various social media platformsThe Director works with the Center staff and the Seminary Admissions Office to recruit students for Lewis Center programs. The Director is responsible for securing and managing program and project grants and works with the President and the Development Office to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift donors.The following skills and abilities are essential for a successful candidate:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Stays informed of current church and secular leadership trends
• Creatively develops church resources and presentations
• Able to keep multiple initiatives moving forward simultaneously
• Responsive to customer needs related to current and new products and resources, skilled at cultivating writers and podcast guests.Organization: Wesley Theological Seminary - Washington, DC
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Keywords: United Methodist Church, Bethesda , Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership Director, Executive , Washington, Maryland