Position Summary:

The overarching responsibility of the Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs is to oversee collaborative projects related to GrowthRings at Church and Home. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director to develop learning communities that explore key questions related to the faith formation of children. Additionally, the Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs will work with the rest of the Movement West Michigan staff team to develop programs that will integrate their work within the existing Movement West Michigan network structures. 

 

Note: GrowthRings at Church and Home is a five-year program generously supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc. The program and its budget are written to ensure sustainability for the position beyond the conclusion of the grant program. 

 

Position Responsibilities

• Learning Community Recruitment and Coordination

  • The Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs will coordinate learning communities that empower local congregations to examine the ways they nurture the worship and prayer life of children in their church. 

  • This position will be responsible for recruiting participants, communicating expectations, and supporting the learning communities as they complete their work. 

  • These learning communities will center upon the following questions:

    • How do churches who utilize a “high church” liturgical approach use GrowthRings to inform how they worship and pray together to support the faith formation of children?

    • How do churches who utilize a “low church” approach to worship use GrowthRings to inform how they worship and pray together to support the faith formation of children?

    • How do churches who utilize a “high church” liturgical approach use GrowthRings and other resources to better support the faith formation of children with disabilities in church and at home?

    • How do churches who utilize a “low church” approach to worship use GrowthRings and other resources to better support the faith formation of children with disabilities in church and at home?

    • How do Spanish-speaking congregations use GrowthRings and other resources to inform how they worship and pray together to support the faith formation of children?

    • How do Spanish-speaking congregations use GrowthRings and other resources to better support the faith formation of children with disabilities in church and at home?

• Workshop Development and Coordination

  • In conjunction with other MWM staff, the Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs will identify opportunities to provide training and other resources that will connect the work of the Growth Rings at Church and Home project with the broader work of Movement West Michigan.

• Creative Resource Production

  • GrowthRings at Church and Home requires the creation of several creative resources. In conjunction with other support structures (e.g., Shelley Henning, creator of GrowthRings; graphic design contractors; video producers) create creative materials relevant to the needs of the Learning Communities and the broader project.

• Information Gathering

  • GrowthRings at Church and Home gathers data and information at key points throughout the project. The Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs will ensure that this information is gathered and processed with the Executive Director.

  • While the Executive Director is responsible for reporting relevant to GrowthRings at Church and Home, it is expected that the Director of Collaborative Faith Formation Programs and the Executive Director will work together to analyze the work done as part of the grant.

 

Requirements

• Strong personal commitment as a follower of Jesus Christ and alignment with the values and mission of Movement West Michigan.

• Must live in the greater West Michigan area

• Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.

• Experience working with children’s ministries, student ministries, or other relevant discipleship programs of the next generation within the church. 

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively.

• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.

• Proficient in using technology platforms for communication, collaboration, and project management.

 

Reporting

This position reports to the Executive Director of Movement West Michigan and is expected to participate in regular MWM team meetings. 

 

Compensation

The salary for this position is $37,000-$43,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.