Summary

As together we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, the Executive Director will demonstrate the ability to nurture a shared and vibrant vision for the mission of God in Canada as the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). The Executive Director should have a deep knowledge of the rich history, culture and unique characteristics of Canada as a nation ensuring that ministries are always mindful of, and appropriate to these cultural issues and context. The Executive Director works in close cooperation and collaboration with the Executive Director (United States), the Secretary-General of the denomination, with local churches, classes, ministry leaders and the agencies and institutions of the CRCNA.

General Characteristics and Commitments

1. Faithful, exemplifying a strong, vibrant personal Reformed Christian faith marked by spiritual humility and moral integrity.
2. Trusting God to provide for the unfolding of His Kingdom in the world.
3. Alert to God’s leading as the Spirit works to carry out God’s mission through local churches, its agencies and institutions binationally and with partners world-wide.
4. Is a member of the CRCNA, or possesses the willingness to become a member.
5. Understands the life and polity of the CRCNA.
6. Has the capacity to listen and learn.
7. Exhibits the ability to bridge diverse perspectives and inspire trust.
8. Possesses executive presence.
9. Effectively stewards the authority of the position.
10. Demonstrates sound judgment and wisdom in decision making.
11. Shows compassion for all people.

Leadership Competencies and Experiences

The Executive Director will be a servant leader with demonstrated fruitful ministry in Spirit-shaped leadership competencies.

1. Has experience working with and/or serving on a governing board.
2. Possesses administrative and organizational abilities in such measure as to be able to plan and work collaboratively with others.
3. Has developed and implemented organizational strategy and ministry plans.
4. Has led significant organizational change in complex organizations.
5. Has brought together people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to achieve shared strategies, priorities, plans and/or goals.
6. Has experience developing people through coaching, mentoring, and learning programs.
7. Has understanding of overseeing and integrating regulatory requirements into policies, process and joint agreements.

Visionary Leadership

1. In collaboration with others will discern, communicate, and impart God’s vision, setting direction for the future of the CRCNA in Canada, North America and globally.
2. The vision is cultivated and nurtured by intentional participation and discernment with local churches, classes, synod, ministry leaders and the agencies and institutions of the CRCNA.
3. While preserving and prosecuting the unique character of a Reformed witness to and within Canada, successfully transform and translate the vision into concrete actions with solid performance indicators.
4. Be accountable for the implementation of strategies derived from the vision.
5. Building a spirit of a common vision and goals among the two countries, the boards, ministries and institutions that serve the CRC is paramount.

Adaptive Leadership

1. Welcomes a challenge and embraces risk.
2. Has a deep trust God will lead Canada and the denomination through adaptive change and innovation that may be quite different than our practice to date.
3. Able to navigate and manage well in a context of ongoing change especially as the denomination deals with significant organizational and ecclesial issues.

Collaborative Leadership

1. Critical to this position is that the ED is expected to exhibit dynamic skills in collaborative relationship building, teamwork, and participatory management.
2. By fostering cooperation working through a variety of leadership circles (e.g. Secretary-General, U.S. Executive Director, Ministry leads, committees, etc.), the Executive Director will draw people into consensus while providing significant room for local and national context.
3. The ability to bridge diverse perspectives and inspire trust is essential and will be especially manifested in cross-cultural leadership by assisting diverse cultures and ethnic groups to talk together for synergistic growth - all the while preserving the unique Canadian national context. This will be evident in the discovery of new ways to express our binationality and to be one church in two nations.
4. In these and other areas the Executive Director will help the Canada Ministry Corporation and the denomination move beyond traditional polarities to a greater synergy.

Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree in divinity, theology, or a relevant discipline such as administration, education, leadership.
2. Ordained as a Minister of the Word or a Commissioned Pastor in the CRCNA, or willing to pursue ordination.
3. Acquainted with the Christian Reformed denomination as a whole and its Canadian context with regard to its history, churches, ministry leaders and partners.
4. Possesses knowledge of the Church Order and is competent in interpreting the same.
5. Possesses knowledge and understanding of the Canadian regulatory framework for charitable organizations in Canada.
6. Possesses ten years of ministry experience in church/parachurch-related organizations with five years of senior level administrative experience.
7. Committed to ongoing education and professional/personal development
8. Oral or written fluency in French is beneficial