Job Description of a Director of Church Outreach
The director of church outreach creates a connection between the church and the people in the surrounding community who do not regularly attend the church. This may include formal outreach programs as well as informal meetings with people. Sometimes the director of church outreach is called the director of evangelism. He may be an ordained member of the clergy, but often the position is held by a non-clergy lay person.
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Function
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While churches serve the spiritual needs of their members, they also serve their community. In a job description, Providence Knob Baptist Church stated that the purpose of its director of outreach is "to lead the church in extending the arm of the church into the community as set forth in Acts 1:8 and, with God's direction and grace, to strengthen and grow the body of Christ." Through serving the community, the director attracts new members into the church.
Responsibilities
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The director of church outreach provides leadership and vision for all of the programs that serve the larger community. This may include sunday school, vacation Bible school, large community events such as a carnival or a food bank. None of this work is done alone. She trains and organizes volunteers to lead these programs and often assists in leading worship services. She also oversees a hospitality area for visitors at worship services.
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Education and Experience
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The director of church outreach must understand and believe in the message of the church. Most have attended church much of their lives and worked in local or international missions. Many directors of church outreach have a bachelor's degree in theology or other biblical training. Sometimes the director is a pastor who holds a master's in divinity from a seminary.
Other Considerations
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The director of church outreach must have a passion to share the message of the church with people in the community. She must be a strong leader who motivates volunteers. She also must be willing to work many nights and weekends, especially Sunday mornings. In a job description for a director of community outreach, the First United Methodist Church of Portland, Ore., added that "staff members are expected to perform their duties in such a manner and spirit as becomes a Christian, and which will make people feel at home in the church."
Job Outlook
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The U.S. Department of Labor does not keep specific data on the job outlook for directors of church outreach, but jobs for non-clergy religious workers are expected to grow at a rate of 7 to 13 percent, which is average. The average wage as of 2008 is $13.30 hourly or $27,660 annually.
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References
- Photo Credit saint nicolai church, a medieval church in central image by donkey IA from Fotolia.com
