What is the congregation’s or organization’s vision for ministry? Additionally describe how this vision is lived out.
The Synod of the Trinity exemplifies “Being More Together” by following its primary end. (See above Mission Statement.) The Synod:
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Works together with presbyteries to support congregations’ ministry and mission
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Supports presbytery leadership through training, networking and continuing education.
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Supports presbyteries by assisting them in times of transition and discernment.
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Offers an array of grants and partnerships.
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Financially supports presbyteries and their congregations through multiple efforts, e.g. Self Development of People, Small Church Leadership Development, domestic and international mission efforts and hands-on aid.
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Addresses social justice issues.
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Supports camps, campus ministries, and Presbyterian-affiliated colleges and universities.
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Follows its secondary ends:
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Connect presbytery leadership for coordination, spiritual support and sharing best practices.
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Encourage innovation in, between and among presbyteries with human, programmatic and financial resources.
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Provide education and nurture for member presbyteries.
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Extend presbyteries’ partnership in joint and shared mission and ministry.
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Nurture relationships with the larger church for the purpose of greater witness.
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Foster conversation and action for the promotion of social righteousness.
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How do you feel called to reach out to address the emerging needs of your community or constituency?
The Synod is committed to a holistic vision of the Gospel, following Jesus’ model of ministry (Lk 4:18-19) in the context of emerging regional, national and global issues. With the rise of extreme ideologies, violence, mass shootings and the widening of the socio-economic gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” we have placed a priority on promoting conversation and action around social righteousness.
In the fall of 2020, the Synod offered opportunities for constituents to consider and engage some of the issues and concerns of our times in light of Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community. This followed on the heels of a series of regional meetings in 2019 - titled “Silence is the Welcome Mat of Hate” - that addressed the growth of hate groups and proliferation of hate speech within our bounds. In response to the pandemic and challenges faced by constituents, the Synod has provided support through monetary grants for new technology so presbyteries and churches may forge creative and sustaining ministry via technology. The Synod has also facilitated the sharing of best practices and experiences of God’s goodness through the pandemic. This spring, the Synod challenged constituents with a $50,000 matching grant to support the PCUSA’s humanitarian response to the War in Ukraine. In just over 3 weeks, individuals, churches and presbyteries contributed over $50,000 to help support PDA. The Synod doubled their match to $100K and to date total support is hovering near $300K.
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How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
Elected as the chief ecclesiastical officer, the responsibilities are defined by the Book of Order and our polity. The Stated Clerk (Clerk) serves a vital role training, providing resources and assistance to the sixteen presbyteries, particularly, their respective stated clerks. Proactively, the Clerk offers both resources to individual presbytery clerks and initiates a collective sharing in wisdom and best practices. Both in decency and in order, the Clerk serves as a useful advisor in order that effective ecclesiastical leadership at the presbytery level may serve the purpose and goals of that network of congregations.
The Clerk maintains accurate records and acts as parliamentarian of Synod assembly and governing commission meetings for the achievement of their purposes. Resourcing the Representation and Nominating committees, the Clerk ensures diversity and equity within Synod leadership. As the Secretary of the Corporation, ex officio member of the administrative commission, the Clerk communicates actions on behalf of the Assembly and the Commission.
The Clerk serves as a staff member of the Leadership Team. Using the policy governance model and within the team, the Clerk advises the Synod Executive who defines the means by which the Synod seeks to achieve its primary and secondary ends. The Clerk focuses on supporting and challenging member presbyteries to be who God has called them to be both individually and collectively.
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Provide a description of the characteristics needed by the person who is open to being called to this congregation and or organization.
We are looking for a collaborative individual with good written and oral communication skills, well versed in Presbyterian polity and parliamentary procedure. The Clerk should be either a Teaching or Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with at least two years stated clerk experience at the mid-council level. The Clerk should also be someone who is interested in learning the practices of policy governance and the Standing Rules of the Synod. The Clerk will need the motivation and technical skills to work remotely as well as in-person within a hybrid mode, including Microsoft 365 and Google Drive. The Clerk must demonstrate flexibility in adapting to new information and situations.
The Clerk must be capable of communicating policy with clarity, transparency and be resolute in expressing professional opinions. The Clerk should ensure adherence to Presbyterian polity, Synod decisions and policies. The Clerk will embody strong organizational skills, a willingness to consult on complex issues, and a generous offering of perspectives. The Clerk will proactively build relationships with stated clerks across the Synod and work with them to provide resources and space for collective wisdom.
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What specific tasks, assignments, and program areas will this person have responsibility?
The Clerk will be responsible for providing support to the Synod Assembly and Governing Commission Meetings, including but not limited to functioning as Parliamentarian. The Clerk will maintain all records of the Synod Assembly and Governing Commission. Th Clerk will oversee judicial processes and be a resource to Presbyteries with matters of polity and training.
Additionally, the Clerk will support the Committee on Representation and Nominations, Presbytery Records Committee, Permanent Judicial Commission, and presbyteries, groups, or entities as requested. The Clerk will act as the convener of presbytery stated clerks on issues and practices of common concern. The Clerk serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Synod under the direction of the Synod Executive.
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Optional Links
https://www.syntrinity.org/racial-justice-resources/
https://www.syntrinity.org/silencehate/
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