Director of Congregational Development

Illinois Great Rivers Conference

Springfield, Illinois 62794

Full Time , On-Site

The Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Director of Congregational Development. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference is 600 churches across central and southern Illinois that are working for Christ by making new disciples, growing disciples, and transforming the world with compassion and justice.

The Director of Congregational Development will lead our Conference's efforts in starting new congregations and developing vitality in existing congregations. The Director of Congregational Development will join our leadership team working out of the IGRC Conference Center in Springfield Illinois. This position is open to lay and clergy candidates.

To apply, please complete the contact information and submit your materials through: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/DirectorofCongregationalDevelopment

JOB DESCRIPTION

BASIC FUNCTION: Collaborates with the Bishop, the Cabinet, the Conference staff, and the Congregational Development Team to start new congregations and develop vitality in existing congregations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Take primary leadership for Illinois Great Rivers Conference plans for making new disciples of Jesus Christ by starting new congregations and ministries and by increasing vitality of existing churches.
• In consultation with the Bishop, the Cabinet, Congregational Development Committee, and Conference staff, identify, assess, recruit leadership, launch, support, assess, and monitor new congregations, ministries, and missions.
• In consultation with the Bishop, the Cabinet, Congregational Development Committee, and Conference staff, identify, assess, recruit leadership, initiate, support, assess, and monitor strategies for increasing vitality in existing congregations.
• In collaboration with other Conference staff, design and implement leadership identification, recruitment, assessment, and development systems for leaders of new congregations and leaders implementing strategies for increasing vitality in existing congregations.
• Meet with the Cabinet to resource their recruitment and deployment of leaders of new congregations and leaders implementing strategies for increasing vitality in existing congregations.
• Lead Conference in recognizing, supporting, and celebrating new congregations and existing congregations displaying increased vitality.
• Administer funds designated for new churches and congregation development in accordance with decisions of appropriate conference entities, including long-term financial planning and developing fundraising opportunities.
• Seek increased competency through continuing education, consultation with acknowledged experts, and participation in church professional organizations related to congregational development.
• Participate and contribute to the Congregational Development Committee, Council on Finance and Administration, Connectional Table, Extended Cabinet, and other Conference leadership teams involved in congregational development. At the Bishop’s discretion, the Director of Congregational Development may be invited to meet with the Appointive Cabinet.
• Manage Congregational Development Department budget and supervise any other Congregational Development employees.
• Assume other duties as assigned by Bishop.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Faith in Jesus Christ, understanding of oneself as a disciple who is growing deeper in love of God and neighbor, and ability to articulate and live out one’s faith through vocation in the church.
• Experience in planting, multiplying, and leading the start of a new congregation.
• Trained in current processes and models of new church starts and congregational vitality, and able to train other church leaders.
• Proven effectiveness in working consultatively with Bishops, District Superintendents, Conference staff, clergy, and Conference leadership committees.
• A self-starter with a demonstrated passion for innovation, drive for excellence, attention to detail, and experience working effectively in a team setting.
• Support for the mission, tradition, and polity of the United Methodist Church.
• Excellent skills in written and verbal communication and interpersonal relations.
• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.

Organization: Illinois Great Rivers Conference

Contact: Curtis Brown

Phone: 2175292442

Closing Date: 06/12/2026