Community Connections Pastor (Part-time)

Summary of Position: The Community Connections Pastor is responsible for mentoring, educating, and mobilizing students to to actively and meaningfully engage in Grant County in ways that are spiritually formative, while also fostering collaborative and sustainable relationships with community partners.

The Community Connections Pastor will lead out of a personal conviction that:
(1) Community engagement is a vital part of a vibrant and active faith and is integral to the spiritual formation of college students.
(2) Indiana Wesleyan University’s engagement in the community is rooted in its Christian commitment to contribute to the well-being of Grant County.

This position is funded by a Lilly grant through September 30, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Student Mobilization
  • Provide pastoral oversight and teaching/training for community engagement outreach programs and initiatives from a Biblical worldview, including, but not limited to: community volunteerism, service learning, campus-wide events, etc. In this context, “community engagement” is defined as off-campus learning experiences for IWU students in Grant County
  • Mobilize students toward community engagement outreach programs and initiatives through teaching, mentoring, and leadership development
  • Serve as the primary resource person for community partners and faculty who are interested in connecting IWU students with meaningful engagement in Grant County
  • Collaboration with The Spiritual Formation Office
  • Work cooperatively with the the Spiritual Formation Office team to develop spiritually formative pathways for students on Indiana Wesleyan’s residential campus. This includes supporting initiatives such as chapel, small groups, and worship
  • Be willing to preach in chapel, if necessary
  • Supervise student workers and Graduate Assistant(s) as needed
  • Serve as a liaison between the Spiritual Formation Office and other internal/external stakeholders involved with community engagement efforts. Positively represent IWU and the Spiritual Formation Office at events on/off campus
  • Facilitate meetings, seminars, and other training events associated with Community Engagement at Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Fulfill all other duties as assigned

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry, Community Development, Intercultural Studies, or a related field of study

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple administrative tasks effectively and efficiently, and able to delegate responsibilities to others
• Experience working with local businesses and non-profit organizations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal oversight, as well as collaboratively in a team environment

Required Skills

• Ability to develop and offer teaching and training around cultural awareness, community engagement, evangelism, and community service from a Biblical worldview
• Knowledgeable and/or experienced in the area of community engagement
• Personable, hospitable, and strong people skills
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Works well as a part of a team and values collaboration and team development
• Well-organized and able to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Able to develop and accomplish goals
• Able to manage a budget

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.