The Board for Mission Services (BFMS) is seeking nominations for director for ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF). The director for MAF reports to the executive director of the BFMS and consults with and is accountable to the Ministry to the Armed Forces Committee. The director for MAF is responsible for supervising, administering and coordinating the ministry of chaplains within the military or military-related organizations and in the Department of Veterans Affairs, in behalf of the BFMS, and for supporting those serving in those chaplaincies and their family members with pastoral care. Responsibilities include overseeing the budget and funding development activities of the unit; issuing and maintaining federal endorsements, rosters and personnel files for chaplains; overseeing the MAF “Ministry-by-Mail” program, including the production of the MAF magazine and distribution of materials; supervising the military and VA chaplain ministry of LCMS pastors in reserve components or on active duty; coordinating with pastors of independent Lutheran congregations overseas; periodically reporting on these ministries to the MAF Committee, the BFMS and the Synod.
Nominees must be an active member of an LCMS congregation; be faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod’s constitution, bylaws and policies; be an ordained LCMS pastor, proficient in theology and knowledgeable in current trends of missiological thought as they apply to the military, preferably with 20 years of military chaplain experience and extensive active duty service; possess a working knowledge of the various branches of the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and be adept at public speaking and communication. This position requires the ability to carry on intense and sustained activities including extensive travel.
Submit nominations by Jan. 31, 2004, to Barbara Ryan, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122; Barbara.Ryan@lcms.org; or fax: (314) 996-1121.
Concordia University, Seward, Neb., seeks nominations for the position of president. The president is the chief executive officer of the university; the executive officer of the Board of Regents; and serves as spiritual, administrative and academic leader of the university.
The official functions of the office of the president are set forth in Section 6.12 of the Synodical Handbook 2001. The following qualifications are sought in the person called to this office. The president should exhibit:
– A commitment to the Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and a loyalty to the doctrinal positions of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
– A proven record of support for Christian education, which is understood to include the preparation of professional church workers as well as the preparation of servant leaders fulfilling a variety of vocations in the world.
– A strong background in higher education with leadership, administrative and teaching experience. An earned doctorate is highly desirable and demonstrated leadership skills are essential.
– Servant leadership that is caring, candid, creative, perceptive, open and team-oriented in order to coordinate effectively the life and work of the university.
– Communication skills and public-relations skills to represent the university effectively.
– The ability to oversee sound fiscal administration of the university’s business affairs.
– The ability to promote and be engaged in the successful development of financial resources for the university.
– Visionary leadership skills appropriate to carrying out the university’s mission and policies.
According to the Handbook of the Synod, formal nominations can be received from LCMS congregations, Concordia University, Nebraska Board of Regents, the synodical Board for Higher Education/CUS and the faculty of Concordia University, Seward. Concordia University, Seward, supports the equal employment policy statement as approved by the LCMS Board of Directors (July 25-26, 1974).
Nominations will not be accepted electronically but must be submitted (postmarked) in writing on or before Feb. 1, 2004, to: Dr. Vance Hinrichs, Regent and Secretary for the Presidential Search Committee, Concordia University, 800 N. Columbia Ave., Seward, NE 68434.
