Alumni News
Settled Pastor, Full-Time, Congregational: Stony Creek, CT
Stony Creek Congregational Church a/k/a Church of Christ Congregational
Settled Pastor, opening now. Compensation commensurate with experience. Parsonage. Church located near New Haven, CT, on Long Island Sound, halfway between New York City & Boston. Position includes but is not limited to conducting Sunday service & other special services, in home & other visits, participation in church & community events.
See Church job posting at naccc.org and Church website www.stonycreekchurchct.org
Senior Youth Director, Full-Time, UCC: New Canaan, CT
Title: Senior Youth Director, Congregational Church of New Canaan
Compensation: $58-$64k plus housing and benefits
Application Dates: January 12-March 1, 2024
Contact Information: Submit all resumes to hr@godsacre.org
Summary
The Congregational Church of New Canaan is a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate church community where difference and diversity are valued. We gather to promote the love and knowledge of the God revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Redeemer and Friend, and welcome all to participate in the life of our church regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
We foster a large, vibrant, and enthusiastic youth community in which our 200+ K-12 participants may experience and share the love of God. To learn more about our youth programs, please see our Youth Ministry Brochure at this link: https://godsacre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CCNC-Print-Youth-Ministries-Booklet-2023-10052023-FINAL-web.pdf
The Senior Youth Director works with the Senior Minister and other ministerial and lay staff to envision, develop, and implement excellent Youth Ministry programming and to create a vision for engagement and spiritual nurture for youth in grades K-12. The Senior Youth Director will help create, plan, and execute a ministry program for youth, including curriculum development/selection, enrollment, space usage, record keeping, budget management, supplies, and schedules. The Senior Youth Director will lead an established team that includes a Youth Director, Program Coordinator, and 6-8 Youth Advisors. The Senior Youth Director’s role is full-time. The nature of the role lends itself to non-standard work hours and a flexible work schedule. Travel for retreats, off-sites, and mission trips is required.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Create relational and transformative ministry opportunities for the youth of the community.
- Organize, develop and execute the yearly calendar and curriculum for high school participants.
- Organize, develop and execute periodic programming for elementary school participants.
- Assist the Youth Director with the organization, development and execution of the yearly calendar and curriculum for middle school students.
- Maintain a regular presence in the community and be a faithful presence in the church.
- Periodically assist in religious services held by or at the Church as directed by the Senior Minister.
- Manage and coordinate a staff of 6-10 full and part-time individuals
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in teaching, working with youth, or related discipline.
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university (or a high school diploma/GED with a minimum of 8 years of related experience.)
- Prior experience with direct or indirect team leadership
Desired Characteristics
- Excellent leadership skills including the ability to delegate.
- An understanding of the needs of individuals at various levels of intellectual, theological, social and emotional development.
- Effective self-management skills including but not limited to meeting deadlines, effective prioritization of tasks, self-organization, managing up and down, and efficient time and task management.
- Ability to adapt, problem solve and remain flexible to a changing environment.
- Tact and sensitivity, including but not limited to adhering to confidentiality obligations such as mandated reporting as part of child protection.
- Ability to build strong and effective collegial relationships with parents, participants and staff.
- Ability to deal with conflict and resolve situations in an emotionally mature manner.
- Ability to communicate and build relationships effectively and appropriately with diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to children and families, colleagues, and external partners.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
- Strong faith-based ethical standards and personal integrity
Benefits
Benefits offered to full-time employees include but are not limited to health insurance coverage with generous employer contributions; FSA plan; retirement; housing; long-term disability insurance and life insurance; flexible work schedule.
Bi-Vocational Ministers, Part-Time, Protestant
We are looking for men or women who are willing to be bi-vocational ministers. Bi-vocational is defined as having a "tent-making" job that is done in conjunction with your life as a minister. You will be required to serve the communities in your circuit in weekly or monthly services. This service may also include visiting the sick, helping the needy, organizing churches, and preaching the gospel wherever you find yourself. Weekly check-in through Zoom with the Society and oversight from a diocese or denomination is required. Records will also need to be kept for diocese/denomination and for the Society.
The Barnabas Conference is not a Denomination but does require the circuit rider to be a part of an orthodox Protestant denomination preferably in the Wesleyan tradition.
There are currently a number of open circuits across the Midwest and the Rocky Mountain regions
Additional Information: https://www.barnabasconference.com/
Prof. Nimi Wariboko interviewed in The Conversation
The following is an excerpt from The Conversation US’s article “TB Joshua scandal: the forces that shaped Nigeria’s mega pastor and made him untouchable” by Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics Nimi Wariboko. Click here to read the full article.
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Why do people believe in prophecies and miracles?
First of all, Pentecostals believe in a two-tier world: physical and spiritual. They believe the spiritual controls the physical and that those with charismatic gifts can access the spiritual world to extract information to explain, predict and control outcomes in the physical world. So, there’s a quest for information from the invisible realm. I called this “the spell of the invisible” in my book Nigerian Pentecostalism.
Second, we have to look at Pentecostal epistemology – its philosophy. Nigerian Pentecostals beautifully render it as, “It does not make sense, but it makes spirit.” This means their decisions might seem irrational, but they are all good, reasonable and ethical through a spiritual lens. I address this issue in another book, The Pentecostal Hypothesis.
Finally, there is a deep belief in what I’ve named “the Pentecostal principle”: that the new can emerge amid ongoing social processes. The idea of the coming of the new, miracles that can transform the present situation of believers. We can’t ignore the role of economic hardship and poverty in heightening the vulnerability of citizens to religious charlatanism and authoritarianism.
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Dean Robert A. Hill Opinion Article published on MSNBC.com
The following is an excerpt from Dean of Marsh Chapel and School of Theology Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology Robert Allan Hill’s opinion article “How a schism can unite US Methodists,” published on December 31, 2023 on MSNBC.com. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Boston University School of Theology, its employees, faculty, or students.
On Dec. 31, the United Methodist Church will officially complete its realignment, a period of several years during which congregations could vote to leave the denomination. Up to a quarter of American congregations have chosen this option. The percentage of churches and percentage of congregants is not the same — it may be a smaller percentage of actual members who split off — but this schism has changed the shape of Methodism. And yet, while the schism will bring challenges, it also has provided a way forward for the vast majority of members to affirm and love its LGBTQ members, as well as their many family members and other allies.
BUSTH’s Six Most-Read Stories of 2023
The Boston University School of Theology's top-read stories from 2023 showcase the depth and breadth of our faculty expertise, our outstanding alumni and students, as well as the importance of our community and belonging. Look back on 2023 by reading these top posts one more time as we usher in 2024 together.
Prof. Karen Westerfield Tucker Presented with Berakah Award
January 2023
Professor of Worship Karen Westerfield Tucker officially received the Berakah Award in Toronto, Canada, presented by the North American Academy of Liturgy. STH alums and current students were in attendance.
BUSTH Announces Student Leadership Awards
May 2023
11 outstanding students were recognized for their achievements and contributions to our beloved community during the last community lunch of the academic year.
BUSTH Celebrates Class of 2023
May 2023
On May 20, we graduated one of our most diverse classes in the 184-year history of the School. Take a look back at a graduation ceremony that celebrated our newest alumni and their accomplishments.
Remembering Judith Oleson
June 2023
A beloved member of our community entered into eternal rest after an extended illness in June 2023. Retired professor and director of the Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program Judith Oleson was surrounded by family when she passed, and her life was celebrated by those who knew and loved her.
Prof. Shively T. J. Smith appointed Inaugural Director of PhD Program
July 2023
Assistant Professor of New Testament Shively T. J. Smith was announced as the inaugural director of the School’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a move which seeks to strengthen the professional development of BUSTH’s PhD students.
BUSTH Announces Distinguished Alumni for 2023
August 2023
A celebration of our four 2023 distinguished alumni and their achievements was an integral part of our annual Community Day on September 20. Watch the livestream recording of the event on our YouTube channel to relive their accomplishments.
Campus Minister/Director, Part-Time, UMC: Rock Hill, South Carolina
The Board of Directors of the Winthrop Wesley Foundation announces the following part-time opportunity available starting July 1, 2024: Campus Minister/Director
About Winthrop Wesley
The Winthrop Wesley Foundation- known on campus as "Winthrop Wesley" or simply "Wesley"- is the official United Methodist campus ministry at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We welcome students of all backgrounds, faith traditions, races ,ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. To our students, Wesley is a safe, welcoming, "home away from home" where they are encouraged to ask questions, challenged to think critically, and empowered to grow in faith individually and communally.
Our Core Values
Why do we exist? We exist to create a nurturing Christian community where students may
express, explore, and nurture their faith.
How do we behave? We behave authentically, use the Wesleyan quadrilateral, and intentionally
include those often excluded.
What do we do? We support each other in community, serve others, and explore the Gospel.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Winthrop Wesley Foundation’s Campus Minister/Director is to create a healthy, engaged student faith community by planning and executing Wesley programming and worship, providing pastoral care, and encouraging student leadership. Secondary responsibilities include developing relationships with and nurturing the engagement of local churches, working with the Board of Directors on fundraising, managing the use of the Wesley building, and overseeing the operations of the Wesley House (see below).
Desired Skills and Qualifications
• United Methodist ordination as elder or deacon, Deaconess or Home Missioner, or lay member with at least 5 years experience in higher education and church leadership
• Harmony with Winthrop Wesley’s core values and ministry context
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: able to relate to college students, create a welcoming environment, and articulate a compelling vision for Winthrop Wesley
• Creativity in planning and competence in execution of worship and programming
• Teaching/preaching/presentation skills
• Administrative skills: time management, organization, fundraising
• Actively engaged intra- and interpersonal awareness and growth related to privilege and marginalization
• Ability to relate with diverse students across multiple backgrounds including, but not limited to, faith traditions, races ,ethnicities, abilities, neurodiversity, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
• Pastoral care: ability to provide counseling on spiritual and life issues
• Ability to encourage and develop student leadership
• Competency with information and communications systems (ie: MS Office, email, social media)
Worship & Programming Duties
• Plan and lead weekly worship service, including coordination of meals provided by local churches
• Lead small groups, equip student leadership for student-led groups
• Plan and participate in fellowship events, retreats, local service/mission events, and mission trips
• Actively engage in university campus events
• Develop strategies for outreach to student participants which reflect the diversity of the university campus
• Liaison with Winthrop administrations, offices, and other student organizations
• Maintain active relationship with Winthrop Cooperative Campus Ministries (WCCM) and the South Carolina Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
Pastoral Care Duties
• Welcome students of all backgrounds, faith traditions, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations into the Wesley community
• Be available for conversations and short-term counseling, make appropriate referrals Supervisory and Administrative Duties
• Selection of Student Leadership Team and any part-time staff hires (ie: interns, cleaning staff, Wesley House Manager)
• Hold regular meetings with student leadership to plan and execute ministry functions
• Work with the Board on creating a yearly budget, remain conscious of budget when spending throughout the year
• Work with the treasurer to manage financial matters (ie: deposits, donor records, financial reports)
• Maintain an orderly and welcoming space (ie: organization of building storage areas, set up for events, decluttering/ updating furnishings when necessary)
• Schedule and manage building reservations by outside parties (as needed)
Wesley House Duties
The Wesley House is a property located next to the Wesley building and is managed by the Winthrop Wesley Campus Minister/Director and Board. Rooms within the House are rented out to students throughout the calendar year. The Campus Minister/Director is responsible for finding renters, and overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the property in coordination with a realtor who manages leases and rent.
Reporting and Personal Growth
• The Campus Minister/Director reports to the Board of Directors of the Winthrop Wesley Foundation, the Rock Hill District Superintendent, and the South Carolina Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
• The Campus Minister/Director is encouraged to attend continuing education opportunities with a focus on campus ministry and/or developing skills useful to the campus ministry setting (ie: fundraising, outreach, etc.)
Fundraising
Winthrop Wesley is jointly funded by the South Carolina Conference and donations from individuals and local churches. Wesley raises the majority of its budget every year through local church outreach and online platforms such as Facebook, Vanco, and PayPal. Additional funding from fundraising events, special gifts, and grants enables a variety of programs. Although the Board tries to spearhead these efforts, the campus minister serves as the “face” of Wesley and is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with current and potential supporters. The ability to articulate a compelling vision and confidence in asking for donations are key skills.
Compensation
Salary is determined by the South Carolina Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. Insurance and pension through the South Carolina Conference is provided for qualified clergy.
Candidates from outside South Carolina are also encouraged to apply.
Interested persons should email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references to winthropwesleysearch@gmail.com by January 12, 2024.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Additional Information: www.winwes.org
Reverend Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley (STH’12,’19) To Publish Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations
In January of 2024, Reverend Dr. Brandon Thomas Crowley (STH'12,'19) will publish Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations.
The book description states:
Reverend Dr. James Robert Young Sr. (GRS ’84)
This obituary was originally posted by Arkansas Democrat Gazette and can be found here.
Family and friends are mourning the death of the Reverend Dr. James Robert Young Sr. of Epsom, N.H. on Nov. 26, 2023. Born in Jackson, Miss., the second son of the late Rev. Rufus King Young, Sr and the late Essie Mae Adams Young, he lived with his family in various cities throughout the South until his father's AME ministry brought him to Little Rock, Ark. The family moved their residence to North Little Rock in 1958.
After graduating from Scipio A. Jones High School, North Little Rock in 1964, Dr. Young continued his education receiving his BA from Texas Southern University in 1968 in Houston Tex. and his Master's of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. in 1971. Subsequently, he earned his doctorate in the Sociology of Religion from the Boston University School of Theology.
Receiving his call to the ministry at age 12, Dr. Young dedicated his life to his calling by supporting and participating in numerous endeavors. Settling in New Hampshire, these endeavors included a distinguished teaching career at various colleges and universities throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts as well as being an active supporter of numerous civic causes. Additionally, he was the long time pastor of New Rye Union Congregational Church in Epsom, N.H.
Dr. Young was preceeded in death by his loving wife, Dorene Wells Young, his parents, and his brother, Rufus King Young, Jr. He leaves to celebrate his legacy his son, James Robert Young, Jr (Cara), granddaughter (Aurora) all of Worcester, Mass., his daughter, Alicia Mae Young (fiance Jeff Rawitsch), Arlington, Mass., his sisters, Essie (Emley) Norman, Atlanta, Ga., Ellen Fizer(Tyrone), Brandywine, Md., Allena Strong (Leodis), Edmond, Okla., sister-in-law, Elouise Best Young, Atlanta, Ga., cousins, Jack Lewis, Jr and Clifton Lewis, Sr both of Little Rock and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of Dr. Young's wonderful life will be held in the spring at a time to be announced later. Announced by Premier Funeral Home
Ms. Patricia Z. Wentworth (STH ’68)
We are saddened to announce the passing of Ms. Patricia Z. Wentworth, STH '68 . Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.