Minister of Adult Faith Formation

Job Title: Minister of Faith Formation & Community Reports To: Associate (to be hired) Pastor Position Overview This dynamic individual serves as a spiritual and strategic leader at St. Matthew, responsible for nurturing adult faith formation for lifelong learning and growth, strategically equipping and developing present and future leaders, and fostering meaningful relationships within the congregation. This role emphasizes ministry leadership development and fosters authentic connections in the church, embodying Christ’s call to love and serve. Key Responsibilities Adult Faith Formation • Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive ministry of faith formation for adults and intergenerational groups grounded in Lutheran theology and discipleship practices. • Recruit, train, and support volunteer teachers and facilitators. Provide leadership to the teaching team and participate in teaching courses. • Ensure educational offerings are theologically sound, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the congregation. Incorporate a variety of teaching methods and voices honoring the diverse backgrounds and questions of adult learners. • Develop and implement leadership training initiatives, mentorship programs, and spiritual gifts discernment workshops that reflect Lutheran understandings of vocation and service. • Collaborate with pastoral staff and other ministry staff to integrate themes with worship, congregational life, and for intergenerational connection. • Encourage theological curiosity and spiritual growth through conversation, Scripture, and Lutheran tradition. Special emphasis on discernment, calling, and spiritual gifts as an important aspect of spiritual growth. Internal Community Engagement and Leadership Development • Foster a welcoming and inclusive congregational culture marked by hospitality, care, belonging, and intergenerational connection shaped by Lutheran values of grace and reconciliation. • Initiate and support congregational gatherings, small groups, intergenerational groups, support groups mentoring relationships, retreats, and other experiences that deepen relationships among members and encourage new connections. • In partnership with existing ministries, develop a plan for “on-boarding” new congregation members. • Serve as staff liaison to the Leadership Development Committee. • Facilitate leadership processes in ministries & committees with an emphasis on sustainable and Spirit-led ministry. • Serve as a mentor and coach for new leaders. Coach staff and volunteer ministry leaders in recruiting, training, evaluating, and appreciating volunteers. Collaborative Ministry • Work closely with clergy, adult faith formation team, committees, and Children and Youth staff to align educational and encourage intergenerational community connection. • Serve as a member of the ministry staff, contributing to visioning, worship planning, and congregational leadership. Attend staff meetings and retreats. • Continually assess the effectiveness of adult faith formation and leadership programs through feedback, observation, and formal evaluation. Stay up to date with best practices in Lutheran ministry and be willing to experiment with new models and methods as needed. • Collaborate with lay leaders, ministry teams/committees, and partner organizations to amplify impact and develop leaders. Communication & Administration • Communicate regularly about adult faith formation and community connection opportunities via church publications and platforms. Coordinate with the communications specialist. • Track participation and evaluate program effectiveness with an eye toward continual growth and renewal. • Develop and manage relevant program budgets in collaboration with church leadership. • Additional duties as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications • A degree in theology, Christian education, ministry, or a related field (Master’s preferred.) • Deep understanding of Lutheran theology, with ELCA experience strongly preferred. • Proven experience in faith formation, teaching, or leadership. • Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. • Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, community connection and intergenerational connections. • Comfortable working with a diverse range of adults in various ages and stages of life and faith and with people of diverse cultures. • Strong leadership skills with the capacity to inspire, equip, and coordinate others, with an emphasis on facilitating the leadership of laypersons and teams. Personal Attributes • Spiritually grounded and service-oriented • Collaborative and creative leader with the ability to inspire and empower others. • Compassionate listener and bridge-builder • Adaptive, with a heart for innovation and lifelong learning Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who: • Loves teaching and learning with adults of all ages and backgrounds. • Feels called to connect church and community in practical and faithful ways. • Is energized by collaboration and the power of relationships. • Believes God is at work in everyday life—and helps others see it too. Compensation and Full Time SMLC Employee Benefits: • $58,000- $65,000 DOE. This is a full-time position. • Employer Paid - Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) • 2 Weeks Paid Accrued Vacation per Year • 30 hours Sick Paid Leave per Year • 11 Paid Holidays per Year • Paid Bereavement Leave available • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan With a heritage that spans over 80 years, St. Matthew Lutheran Church is a large, multigenerational congregation dedicated to sharing the Gospel and growing together as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Members of all ages participate in the planning of worship and work side by side with clergy and staff. Each worship service, whether traditional or contemporary, incorporates Lutheran theology and tradition. Currently an average of 300 people attend our two Sunday worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. with opportunities for learning and fellowship in between services. Understanding the need for continuous renewal and transformation, the community of SMLC has been actively involved in a process of long-range planning that has now culminated in a renewed commitment to the strengthening of ministries, an improvement of the building and grounds, and a three-year stewardship campaign. Interested applicants please send a cover letter and resume by December 30, 2025 to: St Matthew Lutheran Church Attn: Steve Cecil, DRO 10390 SW Canyon Rd. Beaverton, OR 97005503-644-9148Or by email: [email protected] Job Type: Full-time Benefits: • Dental insurance • Flexible schedule • Health insurance • Health savings account • Paid time off • Retirement plan • Vision insurance Work Location: In person Apply Now Apply Now