Position Opening: Neighborhood Chaplain
Neighborhood Chaplain
Position Description
Purpose
To nurture Maranatha’s relationship with its neighborhood in order to (a) help the congregation know and be better known in the neighborhood, (b) identify ways to demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in the neighborhood, (c) “earn the right” to share the good news about Jesus with those in the neighborhood, and (d) foster a culture within Maranatha that equips members to be even better neighbors wherever they live.
Main Responsibilities
1. Work with 3Sixty to conduct an ethnographic study of the neighborhood around Maranatha.
2. Represent Maranatha at neighborhood development meetings locally and at the city level.
3. As opportunities arise and allow, provide pastoral care for those living in the neighborhood.
4. Work with the Deacons and Outreach Team to participate in coordinated responses to needs.
5. Equip congregational members to become even better neighbors wherever they live.
6. Work with the Outreach Team to develop effective practices for sharing the gospel.
Other responsibilities could be added based on gifts, experience, interests, and credentials.
Rationale
Approximately one quarter of active Maranatha households live in the neighborhood surrounding Maranatha’s building (Washington-Lincoln, 32nd-US31). Now, on the one hand, this is simply data. It suggests, however, that Maranatha’s knowledge of the neighborhood—and the neighborhood’s knowledge of Maranatha—might be less than it used to be. A position like the one described here might address this and help the congregation both recognize the significance of its building being situated where it is and identify ways the congregation can serve the broader community. As Mark Mulder (Calvin University) has written, congregations “help to create networks and relationships marked by trust and cooperation while providing services that nurture stronger communities” (Congregations, Neighborhoods, Places, 37). Thus, by more intentionally paying attention to the neighborhood around Maranatha’s building, the congregation might have an opportunity to play an increasing role in strengthening the bonds within the neighborhood.
Incorporating an intentional focus on the neighborhood around Maranatha’s building into its shared ministry could heighten congregational members’ awareness of how they might (a) be good neighbors wherever they live and (b) embody a posture of listening and caring in a wide variety of settings (for example, in schools and workplaces and wherever they shop or dine). Put differently, while this staff person would focus on a particular geographical area, the “heart” of this position is something to which all followers of Jesus are called, and by adding this position to Maranatha’s shared ministry, members might find themselves increasingly formed for such living as this staff person becomes part of Maranatha’s life and culture.
A position that emphasizes care for those around and among the congregation’s place of gathering plays to Maranatha’s strengths. Maranatha is a welcoming and caring congregation that is quick to respond to the needs of others. Including the word “chaplain” in the position title is thus an organic development of the congregation and its ministry. As the CRCNA’s website states, chaplains “provide pastoral ministry in specialized settings to people who are hurting or in crisis, uprooted or dislocated” and are often “beyond the walls of the church.” This position, then, is a way to intentionally bring something of Maranatha’s good “heart” to those who live in the neighborhood around its building.
An emphasis on caring for those within the neighborhood (showing the love of Jesus) might help the congregation “earn the right” to share the good news about Jesus. There are plenty of voices suggesting that the church in the United States in general is facing the question of how to effectively reach people with the gospel. Andrew Root is one such person. In his book When Church Stops Working, he notes that many congregations are wondering about how to add more people but are doing so in a context that has changed significantly. While as recently as 20-30 years ago congregations might have experienced a measure of “success” through creative innovation, Root argues that innovation has diminishing results today because the church in the US is now in a society in which people find it perfectly acceptable to not believe in God or any transcendent being. Indeed, Root would assert that one of the default assumptions of contemporary American society is that there is no God to believe in, which makes the calling and task of outreach feel like an uphill task. In such an “environment,” however, perhaps one way to invite curiosity about the gospel is by demonstrating indiscriminate care for those congregational members meet and befriend.
Hours and Compensation
This is being posted as a part-time position. The specific number of hours worked will be deter-mined in conversation with Maranatha’s Administrative Team. Similarly, compensation will be determined in conversation with the Administrative Team, taking into consideration factors such as experience, training, and credentials for ministry.
To Apply
Please email your cover letter and resume to Matt Stob, Pastor of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church (matt@maranatha-crc.com). Preferably, we would like to receive notice of interest by Friday, May 9, but as long as this position remains unfilled, applications will be very much welcome. We look forward to talking with you!