Location:

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Agreement Term:

Full Time, Four Years

Anticipated start date(s) include:

July 13, 2025

Agreement Type:

Long-term

Description:

The Christian Educator and Leadership Development Trainer provides an oversight role in evangelism and Christian Education for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone. The goal is to improve the overall knowledge and skill of faith formation in the leadership and membership of the church. The educator and trainer will provide theological education and leadership development opportunities that will enhance the spiritual and diakonia growth of the church. The position will conduct capacity building training for lay leaders, pastors and evangelist while assisting to develop a music ministry. The trainer may be asked to assist in establishing programs in the formation of a seminary.

General Description:

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL) head office is at the Central and western Area of Freetown.
• The ELCSL divided the country into two regions with a total of 30 congregations across the regions (North-western Region has 10 congregations and Southern East region has 20 congregations) with 30 ministers (15 Lutheran trained pastors and 15 ordained pastors from other denominations) and 30 Evangelist. 
• In recent years the church transitioned its leadership into a Bishop as pastoral head of the church and its mission. The ELCSL has conducted internal political leadership changes to enhance the smoother running of the church that have proven successful.
• The ELCSL has reviewed its constitution while shaping the structure into a modern form of leadership.
• There are 3 departments of the ELCSL, the Bishop’s cabinet, the National Church Council and the General Assembly. All have a specific time frame of meeting to take decisions in operating affairs of the church. 
• The ELCSL also has the following structure that works with the administration of the church commission on finance and administration, commission on Diakonia, commission on education and leadership training, and commission on evangelism and outreach

Timeline:

• Application Opens:  February 2025 
• Interviews:  February – April 2025 
• ELCA Orientation in Chicago:  July 13 – 25, 2025
• Deploy to Sierra Leone:  August/September 2025

Assignment Includes:

• Provide oversight role on Evangelism and improve on the church formation to reach more members.
• Provide theological education and leadership development role in enhancing the spiritual and diakonia work of the church.
• Conduct capacity building training for lay church leaders, pastors and evangelist for building and growing a sustainable church.
• Work with others in developing the music ministry of the church.
• Through partnerships develop a local exit strategy that strengthens the relationships during and after the end of the letter of agreement. 
• Assist to establish an ELCSL Seminary

This is an ELCA sponsorable position.  

All ELCA long-term global personnel participate in mission interpretation and storytelling. This includes: 

• Quarterly newsletters to sponsoring congregations and individuals. 
• Virtual visits throughout the year with sponsoring congregations and individuals. 
• In-person visits during Home Assignment (every 2 years, travel back to the US to visit sponsoring congregations and individuals) 

Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrates leadership in leading and inspiring others in their work that embodies ELCA values of accompaniment and articulates a compelling vision to achieve the goals of the ELCSL.
• Skill to create clear communication and networking with others, both in the ELCSL and with international companions.
• Ability to learn a new culture, discern local needs and identify solutions to complex issues. 
• Take time to effectively and make timely decision by gathering and evaluating relevant information from within or outside the church.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to achieve shared goals while thriving on diversity of people and perspectives. Ability to discern when to lead and when to follow to ensure effective cross cultural boundaries. 
• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church.
• Openness  to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
• Respect for beliefs, values and customs of church and cultures
• Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion
• Demonstrate the ability to carry out the responsibilities and adapt to different standards and practices.
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration.
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health.

Terms and Conditions:

• Long-Term Terms and Conditions.  
• This position is supported under the terms of  ELCA Service and Justice Expectations and Support for Long Term Mission Personnel. Those provisions include international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pension and major medical coverage, assistance with schooling for children through high school, housing and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for Sierra Leone.  
• Salary is based on years of work experience.   
• If candidate is married, both must complete an  application for this position for discernment of the appropriate pattern of service of the spouse. In the context of global mission service, the accompanying spouse is seen as a representative of the ELCA and of the receiving church regardless of their actual role. It is important for the ELCA that both members of a couple understand the role of a missionary and  are comfortable with that reality. 

Physical Efforts:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Psychological evaluation is required.

Benefits:

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees and dependent, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer additional benefits upon deployment to the country of service.