Campus Minister/Director - NOLA Wesley, New Orleans, LA
January 14, 2020
NOLA Wesley is the United Methodist campus ministry serving Tulane and Loyola’s student communities, located in
Uptown New Orleans. We have an exciting opportunity to lead the only openly LGBT-affirming UMC college ministry in the deep south.
We are open to people of all faiths who want to spend time in Christ-centered community. Our mission is to accept, become, and share Christ’s love by building an inclusive community rooted in faith and justice. We are a proud member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which advocates for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the United Methodist Church.
In addition to our usual weekly programming, Wesley’s building is available for studying, hanging out, movie/game nights, and prayer/meditation. We have a student lounge, study room, a back patio, and 2 dorm-style rooms that can accommodate up to 4 residents.
Wesley sponsors a daytime café in our main chapel building, The Labyrinth. Staffed by work-study students, The Labyrinth offers coffee, juices, paninis, bagels, and snacks. The Labyrinth also serves as an event venue for college bands, theatre, yoga classes, and a variety of other community events and meetings.
Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the NOLA Wesley Foundation’s Campus Minister is to create a vibrant, engaged student faith community by planning and executing Wesley programming & worship, providing pastoral care, and encouraging student leadership. Secondary responsibilities include coordinating with local church volunteers, developing relationships with & nurturing the engagement of local churches, and working with the board on fundraising.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
Master of Divinity from an accredited seminary preferred, not required
Ordination, or demonstrated relevant church leadership experience
Harmony with NOLA Wesley’s core values and ministry context
Highly interpersonally skilled: able to relate to college students, create a welcoming environment, and articulate a compelling vision for NOLA Wesley, the university community, and students’ personal lives
Creativity in planning and competence in the execution of worship and programming
Pastoral care: ability to provide counseling on spiritual and life issues
Ability to encourage and develop student leadership
Competency with information and communications systems, including MS office, email newsletters, and social media
Worship & Programming Duties
Plan and lead weekly worship service, including coordination of meals provided by local churches
Lead small groups, equip student leadership for student-led groups
Plan and participate in fellowship events, retreats, local mission events, and an annual mission trip
Develop strategies for outreach to student participants which reflect the diversity of the university campus
Liaison with Tulane & Loyola Administrations and other student organizations (i.e. offices of multicultural/gender diversity/religious life, other campus religious/service organizations)
Pastoral Care Duties
Welcome students into the Wesley community, regardless of race, class, creed, gender, or sexual orientation
Be available for conversations and short-term counseling, make appropriate referrals Labyrinth Café Duties
Planning and executing Wesley-sponsored Labyrinth events such as open-mic nights
Coordination with café manager for Labyrinth “venue” events such as band shows, yoga classes, group meetings, etc. Supervisory and Administrative Duties
Selection of Student Ministry Team and any part-time staff hires
Equipping/empowering café manager to ensure the café has supplies and adequate staffing
Hold regular staff meetings with student leadership for accomplishing weekly support tasks
Recruiting, screening and coordination of volunteers for ministry needs
Work with the board on creating a yearly budget, remain conscious of budget when spending throughout the year
Maintaining an orderly and welcoming space, i.e. organization and decluttering the space when needed (Weekly cleaning of bathrooms and kitchen is contracted to a cleaning service. Café-related cleaning is by café staff.)
Reporting and Personal Growth
The Campus Minister reports to the Board of Directors of the NOLA Wesley Foundation; the New Orleans District Superintendent; and the Louisiana Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry.
The Campus Minister is encouraged to attend continuing education opportunities, with emphasis on campus ministry.
Fundraising
NOLA Wesley is jointly funded by the Louisiana Conference and donations from supporters and local churches. Wesley
raises a portion of its budget every year through local church outreach and online platforms such as Facebook and
Patreon. Additional funding from grants, one-time gifts, and fundraising drives enables a variety of programs. Though
the board tries to spearhead these efforts, the campus minister serves as the “face” of Wesley. Being able to articulate a
compelling vision to potential donors and being comfortable asking for money to make that vision reality are key.
Compensation
The salary is commensurate with credentials and experience. Insurance and pension through the Louisiana Annual
Conference is provided for qualified clergy. A health insurance stipend is offered otherwise.
Candidates from outside Louisiana, from other denominations, and non-clergy are also encouraged to apply.
Interested persons should email a resume, cover letter, and two references to Alex Sloan (wasloan21@gmail.com) by Feb.15, 2020. Further applications may be accepted past the due date.
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