The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey is comprised of 136 congregations in the southern 2/3 of the state of New Jersey. Both the state and the diocese are diverse, with a number of multicultural ministries and congregations, in a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings. The diocese includes congregations in commuter towns for both Philadelphia and New York City, as well as rural farming communities, the Jersey Shore, Princeton University, and more. While some congregations face challenges, others are growing. We are seeking a Canon to the Ordinary for Mission to support the work of the Bishop and people of the Diocese of New Jersey.
The Canon to the Ordinary for Mission is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves in partnership with the Bishop. Areas of oversight include work to implement and advance mission, support for congregations and clergy in transition, and the development and strengthening of diocesan offerings that enable churches and leaders to flourish.
Responsibilities
- Working with the Bishop and staff, provides support to congregations, clergy, and lay leaders in response to diverse needs, concerns, and opportunities
- Represents the Bishop in a variety of areas of diocesan and congregational life
- Takes a key role in diocesan leadership, serving as a member of the executive staff, assisting in strategic planning and in support for the work of the Bishop of New Jersey
- Serves as transition officer, managing congregational vacancies and searches, assisting clergy seeking new calls, facilitating clergy recruitment and other tasks related to the deployment of clergy
- Supervises missional staff in the areas of congregational support, formation and evangelism
Qualifications
- A priest in good standing, eligible to work in The Episcopal Church and in New Jersey
- 10+ years ordained ministry experience in a variety of settings
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including leadership experience at the diocesan level
- Clarity of vocation and purpose, an established prayer life, and the ability to experience and share joy and hope in ministry
- Gifts for facilitation and connection, and for building relationships with diverse groups
- Proven abilities in project management and the capacity to advance processes and achieve results; openness to innovation and creative approaches to ministry
- Comfort with, and preference for, a diverse and dynamic environment where differences are valued as strengths and collaboration is prioritized
- Language ability in Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole is desirable but not required
