Theological Educator, Australia

Office of International Mission Profile

In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world.

The Office of International Mission, which relates to the Board for International Mission and implements its policies, is responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission Officer for the work of the Synod in foreign countries as stated in the Bylaws.

Reporting Relationships for this Position

• This position is accountable to the Coordinator of Theological Education
• Works closely with the LCMS Communications staff to inform and involve LCMS constituents in a meaningful way in the work of the OIM on the field through support-building, newsletter-writing and home-service presentation reporting.
• As a theological educator, the position is accountable to the seminary administration through its administrative reporting structure.

Essential Job Functions

• Commit to an ongoing schedule and strategy for ministry support raising, (Network Support Model). Orientation and initial support building is typically six (6) months.
• Communicate via monthly newsletter to and maintain a relationship with the sending church that includes Together-In-Mission (TIM) congregations as well as other supporting churches, groups, and individuals.
• Complete missionary training and language acquisition plan under the direction of the Regional Director and the Director of Missionary Services.
• Coordinates project donor communication including updates and thank you notes.
• Support FORO development by tracking key metrics and partners.
• Working with missionaries and church partners to identify key milestones and stories to be reported to LCMS members.
• Learn the culture of his or her assigned area and behave according to cultural norms that are not in violation of Scripture.
• Serve as a theological educator in the school carrying a standard load of classes for students in a course of study.
• Serve as a Dean (if so requested) in an appropriate capacity (Dean of Chapel, for example, but not Dean of Students).
• Lead and preach in chapel (if so authorized) as scheduled.
• Make visits to student’s congregations to observe and advise.
• If authorized for Altar and Pulpit ministry in the church, support pastors in providing Word and Sacrament ministry to underserved congregations.
• Serve as a presenter for conference participants and continuing education modules on the campus.
• Travel and present/teach at conferences, continuing education modules, or intensive courses within or beyond the assigned church body as requested by the OIM supervisor.
• Support the administration of the school in establishing the seminary programs, policies, and procedures.
• Advise the school in the development of catalogs, curriculum, and syllabi for courses of study.
• Support the development of local-language theological materials.
• Advocate for the school and students with partners and potential partners of the church.
• Relate to students on a personal level in such a manner as to foster in them effective pastoral skills and appropriate ministry attitudes.
• Regular attendance at regional continuing education and retreats.
• Execute other tasks assigned by the OIM supervisor.

Education, Experience, Qualities, and Characteristics for this Position

• Rostered member status with the LCMS as a minister of religion – ordained, required.
• Master of Sacred Theology or PhD.
• Experience in cross-cultural ministry or teaching, preferably overseas through the ministry of the LCMS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Active member of an LCMS congregation or of a congregation of any of its partner churches and personal faithfulness to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
• Solid comprehension of confessional Lutheran theology and ability to clearly articulate same.
• Demonstrated ILR 3 proficiency in teaching Language and an IRL 2 in local language. If not proficient, a willingness to participate in a language learning program to achieve such proficiency.
• Ability to function in both a team setting and independently.
• A strong work ethic and ability to self-motivate.
• Healthy physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being that facilitates carrying on sustained work in challenging environments.
• A demonstrated ability to travel extensively and maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments, and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
• Demonstrated skill in communication, both oral and written.
• Ability to utilize standard technology on the field – laptop, smartphone, and basic connectivity troubleshooting.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the email functions and calendar functions of Microsoft Outlook.
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the LCMS mission priorities and strategic plans.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None