Job Summary:

The Ecclesial Innovator will play a significant role in the process by which Brite becomes a leading contributor to the imaginative shaping of ecclesial and non-ecclesial organizations that will operate with liberating relevance for the current epoch. This person will be involved in public engagements and network building which draw Brite into generative collaborations with Christian congregations, interfaith groups, service organizations, and community movements that reflect the transforming impact of God’s love, mercy and justice. They will also engage Brite faculty, staff, and students in ways that attune them to the demands and possibilities of the present era in North American church life. The expectation is that, among other outcomes, opportunities will be created for Brite students to enjoy the kinds of academic and service experiences that strengthen their capacity for wide-ranging vocational impact that reflects a liberal-progressive orientation. The Ecclesial Innovator will operate on an experimental basis for three (3) years, with the possibility of contract renewal for subsequent three-year periods.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Exercises leadership in Brite’s collaborations with ecclesial and non-ecclesial organizations and communities. Participates in network building with such organizations, exploring cutting-edge pursuits and flourishing in these settings
2. Conducts and engages others in research to build a resource bank and offer collective wisdom and models from which others may learn as they seek greater relevance in diverse communities.
3. Develops and promotes innovative practices in Christian mission and outreach that are guided by liberal-progressive values.
4. Explores and explicates the notion “Next Church” and helps Brite leaders identify and pursue what is required for Brite to become “Next Brite” for “Next Church,” enabling our institution to become better able to prepare persons for effective leadership in such settings.
5. Engages Brite faculty, staff, and students formally and informally in ways that attune them to the demands and possibilities of the present era in national and ecclesial life so that there can be relevant well-informed and strategic engagement at different social and political levels that is guided by liberal-progressive values.
6. Teaches courses and offers seminars/workshops in “New Church and Communities,” as determined by the Dean, faculty planning groups, Director of Lifelong Learning and Director of Center for Theology and Justice.
7. Collaborates with relevant Brite personnel to fashion an administrative structure that enables the pursuits of ecclesial innovation to become integrated into the Long-Range Plan and woven into Brite’s institutional fabric.
8. Authors articles, blog posts etc. for publication in relevant print and online sources likely to be sought by persons engaged in “Next Church” efforts.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• A Master of Divinity (MDiv) or related Master’s degree.
• Experience serving as a consultant to individuals, groups, churches and other organizations.
• A proven track record in developing an innovative outreach ministry (new congregation, revival of a moribund church etc.) and sustaining it for at least 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience in serving broadly diverse communities, including those that privilege minoritized and/or marginalized people.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• A doctoral degree in a theological or related field.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to review and make recommendations to improve processes.
• Broad familiarity with literature and other resources related to “emerging/emergent” churches and other innovative communities.
• Knowledge of “Next Church” concepts, practices, and ideologies.
• Strong communication skills in speaking and writing.
• Digital competence.

TCU Core Competencies:

N/A

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• While primarily on-campus, some travel will be required for consulting with congregations, outreach agencies, and other groups relevant to ecclesial innovation and social transformation.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• This is an in-person, on-campus position.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, Brite Divinity School recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.