Sample Job Description:

Adult Education Coordinator
 

PERSONNEL POLICIES STATEMENT: The employees of this church, in all of their services—both within the congregation and in the fulfillment of the Church's mission in the world—shall carry out the duties to which they are assigned in faithfulness to the faith and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

TITLE: Adult Education Coordinator
 

REPORTS TO: Director or Religious Education or Pastor

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides leadership in the design and implementation of educational experiences for adults and establishes a congregational climate that nurtures the development of mature Christian faith within the adult community. Entails frequent evening and weekend work. The Adult Education Coordinator works with a budget of $______.


PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

A. Articulates a comprehensive vision of adult learning for parishioners at all stages in the adult life cycle.

 

1. Integrates current trends, theories and practices in parish Adult Religious Education programs.

2. Advocates the use of the principles of adult learning in forms of communication to the adult community.

3. Is responsible for acquisition of books, media and other resources for adults.

4. Identifies adult learning opportunities outside the parish.

 

B. Develops and designs need-based religious education experiences for all adults of the congregation.

 

1. Actively seeks input from members of the congregation with reference to learning needs.

2. Works with existing parish groups in developing programs.

3. Develops program goals, objectives and strategies that are consistent with the parish philosophy of religious education.

4. Coordinates the recruitment of speakers.

 

C. Coordinates the implementation and administration of parish adult education programs.

 

1. Promotes and publicizes Adult Religious Education activities through various channels.

2. Serves as a facilitator in programs as needed.

3. Develops and monitors an Adult Religious Education budget.

4. Evaluates the Adult Religious Education programs in light of stated goals and objectives.

 

D. Collaborates with parish staff and various parish groups in creating a climate that fosters Adult Christian faith.

 

1. Communicates with religious education staff and parish education commission regarding Adult Religious Education programs.

2. Provides leadership to a team of parishioners responsible for planning and implementing Adult Religious Education programs.

3. Negotiates for physical facilities appropriate for adult learners.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Adult Education Coordinator is expected to have one of the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in theology/religious education or a related field and six credits or 60 clock hours of in-service in the following areas (if not represented in the BA): administration, adult education methods, adult development, supervision.

  • BA/BS in education with 24 semester credits in theology (Old and New Testament, Systematics, Ethics, Liturgy).

  • BA/BS in an unrelated field or no college degree with 24 semester credits in theology (Old and New Testament, Systematics, Ethics, Liturgy) and six credits or 60 clock hours of in-service in the following areas (if not represented in the BA/BS): administration, adult education methods, adult development, supervision.

2. The Adult Education Coordinator must have capabilities in:

  • theology

  • adult faith development

  • adult education theory and practices

  • program planning and coordination

  • communication and relationship

  • administration and management.

 

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NOTES: This is only a sample of a generic position description. The Congregation Council or Staff Support Committee should tailor the position description to fit the specific needs of the congregation.

Regarding the qualifications, there are many Christian education leaders across the church serving faithfully and capably without degrees or special training. This higher standard of qualifications is given with the idea that it is easier to scale down a position description from a sample than to add responsibilities or qualifications.