PURPOSE:
This position will support and implement Thrive’s Crossroads discernment pathway efforts by shepherding Christian Reformed congregations near the end of their lifecycle. This role seeks to walk alongside local church leadership to navigate the emotional terrain of grief and loss. Through a pastoral care posture and an open-handed Kingdom orientation, this role helps congregations discern their role in God’s redemptive mission in this moment of their congregational life.
This position will support and implement Thrive’s Crossroads discernment pathway efforts by shepherding Christian Reformed congregations near the end of their lifecycle. This role seeks to walk alongside local church leadership to navigate the emotional terrain of grief and loss. Through a pastoral care posture and an open-handed Kingdom orientation, this role helps congregations discern their role in God’s redemptive mission in this moment of their congregational life.
The starting salary for this position is $91,482/year USD or $93,084/year CAD
This position offers a flexible remote work schedule and an attractive benefits package, including retirement fund contribution, four weeks of vacation, and more.
The CRCNA exhibits love for the diversity of the human family. As such we welcome & encourage all regardless of race, ethnicity, ability and culture to apply. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process please do not hesitate contacting our Human Resources Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Lead declining congregations through Thrive’s Crossroads discernment process.
- Help church members gain clarity on internal dynamics, denominational expectations, and their missional context to make faithful decisions.
- Provide consultation, coaching, and pastoral care to pastors and council chairs, guiding them through administrative dynamics of the congregational lifecycle transitions or renewal pathways.
- Guide church leadership in providing compassionate care for departing members and facilitating membership transfers to nearby congregations.
- Advise classis leaders on legacy pathways, renewal options, and church closure processes, ensuring all legal and financial requirements are met.
- Guide disbanding congregations and classis leadership in property dissolution and the designation of financial assets.
- Partner closely with Resonate Global Mission, Candidacy, and local classis leadership teams to establish church planting and normalized legacy outcomes for concluding ministries.
- Author and curate clear, accessible guidance materials, tools, and case studies on legacy planning and asset designation for distribution across congregations and classes.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Professing membership in a Christian Reformed congregation, or of a church in communion with the CRCNA, and agreement with the doctrine of the church signified by signing a covenant statement.
- Demonstrated capacity to navigate emotional landscapes, including grief, conflict resolution, and organizational change.
- Consultative and coaching skills with experience in guiding church councils through discernment processes and planning.
- Demonstrated capacity for working cross-culturally and collaborating with diverse congregations.
- Highly collaborative cross-functional team player.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in pastoral ministry, theology, clinical counseling, social work, or a related field required.
- Intermediate experience with the Crossroads Discernment Process, specialized transitional ministry, or related congregational renewal framework.
- Advanced pastoral leadership experience in transitional ministry or church renewal.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to travel in Canada and the United States as needed to support classes and congregations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- 50% travel during the fall and spring, including weekends, is required to perform the duties and responsibilities described above.
Benefits may be pro-rated based on # of hours worked per week:
- Work-Life Balance
- Full-Time Flexible Work Arrangements
- Generous Vacation and Holiday Time
- Competitive benefits and retirement plan
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Contributing to an organization that is making an impact in the world