Careers

Positions open around the synod

Important reminder about background checks:

Congregations are called to be safe places for all members, and every ELCA congregation is responsible to have established guidelines and policies protecting all members. When hiring church workers, please remember the importance of background checks. All South Carolina congregations should have official guidelines in place (the deadline was the 2005 synod assembly) to safeguard members against abuse. Here’s a link to some helpful information for you.

The Call Process is a prayerful way in which the South Carolina Synod engages congregations, church-related organizations and rostered leaders. Learn more>>

Explore and apply for opportunities available with the churchwide organization or global service on the ELCA Job Board (summer internships are also available).

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY VACANCY POSTING – GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Posted (9/14/2023)

Grace Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time administrative secretary who will perform administrative, clerical and financial record keeping tasks. This is the “go to “ position for logistical and organizational tasks in support of church ministries and activities, and this person also serves as a greeter and point of contact for the congregation and pre-school. 

Duties:  

• Provides direct administrative support to the pastor, council, ministry teams, special committees and pre-school 

• Produces, publishes and disseminates weekly and special service bulletins, the monthly church newsletter, the yearbook, the membership directory and other publications as needed 
• Records and disseminates as appropriate financial information 
• Maintains electronic and hard copy church records and archives 
• Ensures office supplies are always available and stored in an organized manner 
• Acts as receptionist and takes and directs phone calls and other messages 

• Assists with website and Facebook page maintenance 

Requirements and General Qualifications: 

•  HS diploma with minimum five years related experience; associate degree or higher   

 preferred 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; experience with Publisher, IconCMO and Sundays and Seasons helpful 

• High level of efficiency, flexibility and discretion needed as well as the ability to work independently 
• Familiarity with Lutheran Church doctrines and liturgy helpful but not required 
• Background check is required 

Other: 

• Hours: 9:00 – 2:00, four days a week, Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday, additional hours may be needed seasonally and for funeral bulletins 

• Reports to church Personnel Committee and works in consultation with the pastor – 6 month probationary period 

Submit letter of inquiry and resume to gracelutheranprosperity@gmail.com or mail to Grace Lutheran Church, PO Box 188, Prosperity, SC 29127. 

(11/1/2023)

Chaplain – The Heritage at Lowman Retirement Community

Posted (8/22/2023)

The Heritage at Lowman Retirement Community is a faith-based non-profit organization looking for compassionate, caring professionals who dedicate themselves to providing quality care and promoting the highest in customer service. Located in the Midlands of South Carolina near the shores of beautiful Lake Murray, the Heritage at Lowman is a growing, robust community of active senior adults.

We are currently recruiting for a Chaplain.

The Chaplain is responsible for providing a ministry of pastoral care, preaching, teaching and administration of Sacraments at the Heritage at Lowman. The incumbent will provide pastoral care and services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Divinity degree required
• Ordained minister, ELCA or a Full Communion Partner of ELCA preferred
• Three (3) years experience in pastoral ministry and one (1) unit of Clinical Pastoral Education
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to work well with community clergy and congregations
• Proficiency in computer skills, Microsoft Office and ability to learn new applications

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ongoing and consistent visitation, counseling, worship and pastoral care to residents
• Integration of pastoral services into the total care giving ministry, i.e. Engaging in consultation with staff, family and volunteers.
• Conducting effective worship through relevant preaching and a meaningful ministry of music.
• Conducting Bible studies for residents.
• Extending personalized sacramental ministry to all residents and guests.
• When available, provide a program of counseling, consultation, and interpretation to families and friends of older adults using the services of The Heritage at Lowman.
• When available, providing crisis ministry in times of special need, including hospitalization, death, and bereavement.
• Provide appropriate devotional opportunities and Bible study groups.
• Responsible for providing pastoral input when needed.

Come join our team and find personal and professional satisfaction as you share your talents and skills with us.

For more details concerning our community, the position and to apply for the position, please go to www.theheritageatlowman.org and click on the Careers tab.

Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

• pastoral ministry: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Learn more…

Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=heritage+at+lowman&l=Chapin%2C+SC&vjk=eb6c8f5a2a82e9b7&advn=1127436377573210

Website: https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1157051&d=External#/

(10/1/2023)

Director of Lifelong Learning – Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and lenoir-rhyne university

Posted (8/15/2023)

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) and Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) welcome applications for an innovative and strategic leader to serve as the director of lifelong learning.

The Lifelong Learning Program is a key component of the current LTSS Strategic Plan, which calls us to:

• Establish LTSS as a Lifelong Learning Hub
• Explore the needs and gifts of constituents, including churches and alumni
• Collaborate with Partners, including North Main Street

The director of lifelong learning coordinates all aspects of non-degree education at LTSS by fostering strategic partnerships, developing the academic program and its funding sources, marketing offerings and preparing and managing program budgets.

The director will identify lectures and non-degree courses aimed at preparing people for public ministry and offering continuing education. Linking LLL to Explore courses open to non-degree students will increase engagement with LTSS degree programs and, therefore, potential enrollment in degree programs, as well as generate income for the program.

Internally, the director will coordinate this work with the rector and dean and various faculty members involved in the planning or delivering of the program content. Externally, the director will coordinate this work with partners in the community, Region 9 of the ELCA, SC Conference of the UMC, the Atlanta Theological Association and other institutions of theological and higher education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Education:  

• Master’s degree in a relevant field

Experience:  

• At least 5 years of experience working with educational programs among churches
• Excellent communications skills
• Capacity to think critically and creatively
• Track record of building successful initiatives; knowledge of the landscape for higher education
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders in church, academy and community
• Experience with resource mobilization for funding projects

Essential Functions

• Foster Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with ELCA synods of Region 9, the United Methodist Church, local clergy and congregations, alumni and others to (1) discern needs for non-degree theological education among and beyond the LTSS constituency, (2) identify instructors and (3) develop future funding sources for sustaining the LLL position and programs.
• Develop the Non-degree Academic Program: Develop an annual program of non-degree education in alignment with the mission of LTSS and in response to the needs of the church and its leaders. Explore the needs and feasibility of new certificates and other long-term programs and make recommendations to the Rector and Dean with respect to such programs.
• Manage the Lifelong Learning Budget: Manage an annual operating budget and restricted funds totaling approximately $100,000. Seek to increase income-generating aspects of the program and incorporate alternative sources of resource mobilization.
• Prepare Marketing Content and Materials: Work with the LRU Marketing and Communications office to publicize lifelong learning and its program across a variety of media and to recruit students to programs.

Other Duties

• Be a member of the LTSS Leadership Team and the COLA Coordination Team, participating in regular meetings and others as deemed necessary.
• Host events, introducing speakers and demonstrating hospitality to guests.

Core Competencies

Mission Ownership
Understands and supports the LTSS mission statement; can build non-degree programming for lay and clergy leaders in alignment with that mission.

Theological Competence
Has the theological and practical ministry competence necessary to recognize the needs of the church for continuing education; can plan programming to meet those needs.

Cross-Cultural Competence
Listens and speaks effectively to people across various faith traditions and from diverse social locations; can build relationships of trust across cultural differences. 

Verbal Communication
Is able to deliver a message clearly and with appropriate emotion in various settings; demonstrates communication styles appropriate to the situation at hand; adjusts the message, without losing the essence of the message, depending upon the circumstance and the listener.  

Written Communication
Writes clearly and succinctly; employs correct grammar, punctuation and patterns of speech; clearly delivers the message in a tone appropriate to the context.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Enjoys moving an idea through brainstorming, to feasibility study, to planning, to execution; is action-oriented and energetic about worthwhile activities; is not fearful of taking calculated risks; seizes opportunities; sets demanding but achievable objectives for self and others.

Organization
Can gather and organize resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities simultaneously to accomplish a goal; can use resources effectively and efficiently.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the seminary’s and university’s commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience engaging with diversity and equity through activities such as fostering an inclusive environment, working with faculty and/or students from diverse backgrounds, and/or incorporating diverse perspectives in their current or previous positions. 

About Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) of Lenoir-Rhyne University was founded in 1830 and located to its current home in the Eau Claire neighborhood of north Columbia in 1911. One of seven ELCA seminaries in the United States, LTSS is the only ELCA seminary in the Southeast. Rich in tradition and welcoming to seminarians from many denominations, LTSS boasts a dedicated, collegial faculty and a broad alumni base of distinguished regional and national church leaders. LTSS is designated as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) seminary and, as a seminary of the ELCA, is positioned to faithfully serve the synods of Region 9 strategically and uniquely.

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private masters comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1891. The university has campuses in Hickory, NC, Asheville, NC, and Columbia, SC, which includes the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS). The University offers more than 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate degree programs to approximately 2400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service in the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne promotes diverse campuses open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds. Please visit www.lr.edu/about to learn more about the University.

Reports to: Rector and Dean
Status: Full Time
FLSA: Exempt

Apply: https://www.lr.edu/work-at-lr/director-of-lifelong-learning

(10/1/2023)

Development Officer – South Carolina for Lutheran Services Carolinas

Posted (8/15/2023)

Job Title: Development Officer – South Carolina
Supervisor (title): Director of Development
Department: Development

Position Purpose/Summary:
The Development Officer works closely with the Chief Development Officer, Director of Development, development team, communications, and program staff to help plan, execute, and manage strategies and tasks that financially advance the mission of LSC. Specifically, the position coordinates local outreach to and engagement with a broad variety of people and groups including existing and prospective donors, congregations, volunteers and other interested individuals and organizations.

Essential Functions: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. Build and manage a portfolio of major, prospective, and planned giving donors (100+.) Keeping track of this movement in LSC’s donor software.
   • Cultivate and solicit major gifts for LSC’s Annual Fund, specific programs, and campaigns.
   • Steward major and planned gifts.
2. Facilitate and manage local fundraising efforts as assigned (e.g., church fundraising events, etc.)
3. Educate, advise and network to support goals of LSC’s major gift and gift planning efforts. This includes speaking to groups as assigned and seeking out speaking opportunities. If ordained, may administer word and sacrament within the context of visiting churches on behalf of LSC.
4. Assist with and facilitate planning, representation and presentations at events, assemblies and church organization gatherings as assigned.
5. Integrate development activities with communications, and foundation relations as appropriate.
6. Obtain a strong working knowledge of LSC programs. Facilitate interactions between development, programs, and relay impact stories with donors.
7. Review and provide input on appeals, mailing lists, recognition lists, and acknowledgement letters to help ensure proper stewardship of donors and prospects; generate or assist in preparation of reports as requested.
8. Serve as primary liaison for donors and groups as assigned. Examples: geographic, special interest, staff campaign or capital campaigns.
9. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities, if any (The scope of the person’s authority, including the positions that report to the incumbent.): N/A

Qualifications (Minimum Job Requirements):

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: 2-3 years’ experience in fund development, major gift development or related field.

Specific skills/abilities: Ability to work in a fast-paced development environment. Demonstrated written verbal or presentation skills. Strategic thinker and problem solver.

1. Personal commitment to and enthusiasm for the ministry of LSC.
2. Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents, understanding of diverse communications techniques.
3. Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
4. Ability to work independently and as a deployed member of a team.
5. Availability to travel across South Carolina, sometimes North Carolina, with occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Specialized knowledge, licenses, etc.: Valid drivers’ license.

Preferences:

1. Familiarity with SC Synod of the ELCA.
2. Working knowledge and understanding of database software and its capabilities. Preferably Raiser’s Edge.
3. Proficiency in Word, Power Point and Excel.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

1. Residence in South Carolina.
2. Travel up to 40%.
3. The job duties require bending, stooping, lifting of moving moderate to heavy materials as a regular part of the job:
   a. Move items for events up to 25 lbs.; a minimum of 2x/month.
   b. Move boxes with stationary/literature up to 25 lbs.; a minimum of 1x/month.

This job description is not an employment contract. Lutheran Services Carolinas reserves the right to alter the job description at any time without notice.

To apply or for more information contact Emily Dubay, Director of Development, at edubay@lscarolinas.net. 

(10/1/2023)

Music Positions – The Lutheran Church of The Redeemer, Newberry

Posted (8/2/2023)

Children’s Choir Director

Job Description

The Children’s Choir consists of children in preschool through 3rd grade.
Duties and responsibilities:

1. Direct one choir rehearsal per week during the months of September through May towards participation in worship on the Sundays and festival days scheduled in consultation with the Music Director and the Pastor.
2. Actively recruit new members, providing an atmosphere of musical learning, faith growth, and mutual care.
3. Participate with the Director of Music, the Pastor, and/or the Worship and Music Committee to accomplish planning tasks and facilitate program goals.
4. Coordinate the purchase of any music or musical supplies for the Children’s Choir with the Music Director.
5. As practical, attend musical training workshops offered by Augsburg Fortress and other continuing education programs.

Junior Choir Director

Job Description

The Junior Choir consists of children in 4th through 8th grade.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Direct one choir rehearsal per week during the months of September through May towards participation in worship on the Sundays and festival days scheduled in consultation with the Music Director and the Pastor.
2.  Actively recruit new members, providing an atmosphere of musical learning, faith growth, and mutual care.
3. Participate with the Director of Music, the Pastor, and/or the Worship and Music Committee to accomplish planning tasks and facilitate program goals.
4. Coordinate the purchase of any music or musical supplies for the Junior Choir with the Music Director.
5. As practical, attend musical training workshops offered by Augsburg Fortress and other continuing education programs.

Senior Choir Director

Job Description

The Senior Choir consists of anyone age 14 or older.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Direct one choir rehearsal per week during the months of August through June towards participation in worship each Sunday and for other seasonal or special
   services of the church in consultation with the Music Director and the Pastor.
2. Actively recruit new members, providing an atmosphere of musical learning, faith growth, and mutual care.
3.  Actively recruit and supervise participants in the Choral Scholar Program. Maintain a record of each scholar’s attendance and report this to the bookkeeper.
   Raise awareness of the Choral Scholar Program to the congregation and community and assist in raising funds as needed (i.e. Choral Scholar Banquet).
4. Participate with the Director of Music, the Pastor, and/or the Worship and Music Committee to accomplish planning tasks and facilitate program goals.
5. Coordinate the purchase of any music or musical supplies for the Senior Choir with the Music Director.
6.  As practical, attend musical training workshops offered by Augsburg Fortress and other continuing education programs.

Handbell Choir Director

Job Description

The Handbell Choir consists of anyone age 14 or older.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Direct one choir rehearsal per week during the months of August through June towards participation in worship each Sunday and for other seasonal or special
   services of the church in consultation with the Music Director and the Pastor.
2. Actively recruit new members, providing an atmosphere of musical learning, faith growth, and mutual care.
3. Participate with the Director of Music, the Pastor, and/or the Worship and Music Committee to accomplish planning tasks and facilitate program goals.
4. Coordinate the purchase of any music or musical supplies for the Handbell Choir with the Music Director.
5. As practical, attend musical training workshops offered by Augsburg Fortress and other continuing education programs.

(9/30/2023)