Program Director, Exploration (Vision) Team – Leadership Development

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (National Office)

The Lutheran Center is located in Chicago, Illinois and is staffed by approximately 400 people. Under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, the Center serves as administrator, advisor, convener, partner, and resource for the ELCA and its ministries, leading national, domestic, and global initiatives including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. The Center also houses five separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation, and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the Position

The Office of the Presiding Bishop provides overall leadership and administration for the ELCA. This position is part of the Exploration team within that office. It provides leadership in implementing a donor‑funded proposal to develop new, non‑congregational, lay‑led ministries that engage new people in discipleship. The role works with the Exploration team and has primary responsibility for identifying 300 leaders, resulting in the deployment of 100 new lay leaders to lead new ministries by 1/31/31. It collaborates with the wider Exploration working group (Research & Evaluation and Innovation) and other church‑wide partners to discern the viability of lay ministry training models and to grow the church’s capacity to reach unchurched and dechurched people.

This is a full‑time, term‑contract position (beginning Spring 2026, ending 1/31/2027, renewable). It is exempt, Chicago‑based/hybrid with a minimum of 2 days per week in office and additional days as needed.

Responsibilities

• Over the grant period, in partnership with other leaders and teams in the church‑wide organization, oversee the identification, discernment, and education of 300 new leaders, resulting in the deployment of 100 new leaders to lead new ministries, including Gather, College Graduate Ministries, Fresh Expressions, and Microchurches.
• Work with the Executive for Exploration to evaluate existing education models and develop a long‑term plan for educating lay leaders for ministry leadership.
• Facilitate the engagement of identified lay leaders into other ELCA ministries and organizations, helping to build a leadership pipeline.
• Work with the Horizon Apprentice Program to identify and steward new leaders.
• Plan and track the strategic execution of the project, including lay leaders, ministries, and other aspects of the program.
• Coordinate with the Program Director, Exploration Team – New Ministries to deploy and support lay leaders to lead new ministries.
• Develop a communication plan to share the stories of learning, growth, and development of these new leaders.
• Ensure regular communication with prospective leaders, working with synod partners to support and problem‑solve as needed.
• Assist in the evaluation of all aspects of these ministries and help assess their viability for scaling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

N/A.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience directing a large program.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or theological education preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ELCA rostered leader preferred.
• Evangelical heart with an understanding of the mindset of unchurched and dechurched people.
• Membership in an ELCA congregation/worshipping community.
• Demonstrated leadership capacity, including knowledge of adaptive leadership principles, clear interpersonal communication, and public speaking ability.
• Experience and passion for developing the gifts of lay leaders.
• Skill and experience in vocational discernment.
• Detail‑oriented with a vision for organizing and tracking people and ministries.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the ELCA’s mission, vision, values, and goals; theology, polity, structure, and its organizations and leaders.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti‑racism.
• Minimum technical competency: computer knowledge enabling operation of a Windows computer, basic troubleshooting, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).

Physical

The job requires regular talking and hearing, use of hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone, and sitting for long periods. Lifting of boxes of materials may be required. Reasonable accommodations can be made for disabilities.

Travel

Considerable domestic travel. Valid driver’s license preferred.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer‑paid health premiums, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan (no match required). Additional paid time‑off includes 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on the start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete the contact form to reach Human Resources.

Salary

Salary information not provided.

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