Purpose
The Senior Leader for Intercultural Ministry, in collaboration with the national advisory committee Decolonization and Anti-Racism Collective, provides leadership for the CRCNA in Canada to foster a healthy intercultural church. This role is crucial in a context where local churches and society are becoming increasingly diverse, and racialized groups are seeking equity, inclusiveness, and belonging. The Senior Leader equips, trains, and encourages congregations to navigate the opportunities and challenges arising from growing diversity and to create communities where all members fully belong. Additionally, this role supports the HR department and other internal groups focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts and collaborate with other Canadian Justice Ministries on justice, reconciliation, and decolonization initiatives.
The CRCNA exhibits love for the diversity of the human family. As such we welcome & encourage all regardless of race, ethnicity, ability and culture to apply. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process please do not hesitate contacting our Human Resources Department.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Collaborate with the Decolonization and Anti-Racism Collective, meeting three times a year to discern, plan, execute, and monitor goals and strategic planning.
- Provide thought leadership to pastors, ministry staff, councils, denominational ministry and agency staff in the area of intercultural engagement, anti-racism work, and decolonizing efforts.
- Offer the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to staff and local churches, providing assessment, consultation, and tailored training and workshops.
- Create safe and brave spaces for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) members to engage in deep conversations and learning opportunities as needed.
- Network with other Canadian Christian networks and organizations to enhance intercultural ministry, anti-racism, and decolonization efforts in Christian spaces.
- Serve as a co-leader of the Canadian Justice Ministries, fostering collaboration for anti-racism and decolonization within the CRC in Canada and shaping ministry plan priorities for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Develop and implement educational resources and programs to support congregations in becoming more intercultural and inclusive.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of intercultural and anti-racism initiatives, providing regular reports to the Executive Director and relevant committees.
- Advocate for policies and practices within the CRCNA that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Facilitate workshops, seminars, and conferences on intercultural ministry and anti-racism for various church and community groups.
- Act as a liaison between the CRCNA and external organizations focused on social justice, intercultural engagement, and anti-racism.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Oversee contract and mobilization staff.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE:
Qualifications
- Able to support the mission, vision, and values of the CRCNA.
- Passionate about the Gospel as central to the holistic transformation of the church into a reciprocal intercultural community.
- Familiarity with CRC institutional and theological contexts or the ability to integrate similar experiences into CRC-related anti-racism work.
- Experienced in intercultural engagement with strong knowledge of the Intercultural Development Inventory.
- Demonstrated commitment to and experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion within intercultural settings.
- A committed learner, listener, and collaborator with skills in adult education and public speaking.
- Disciplined and self-motivated, able to function productively with minimal supervision.
- Committed to self-care, work-life balance, and modeling these values for others.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to navigate and resolve conflicts in a multicultural and multiethnic context.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Proficient in using technology and digital tools for communication, training, and resource development.
- High level of cultural sensitivity and awareness, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills to foster partnerships within and outside the CRCNA.
- Experience advocating for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Education and Experience
- Lived experience of systemic racism and challenging systems to address oppression and colonization within their structures. Experience in navigating dominant culture systems and holding safe spaces for BIPOC individuals within those systems. A balance of professional experience, academic credentials, and lived experience is critical.
- Leadership experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion systems change. Understanding the historical realities that undergird contemporary systemic racism and oppression and how they manifest in institutional culture.
- Master’s degree and/or demonstrated lived experience and competence in areas such as intercultural leadership, social justice and equity studies, asset-based development, anti-racism, theology/intercultural missiology.
- Prior training and experience in intercultural engagement and anti-racism work.
- At least 5 years of experience in leadership and/or front-line contexts.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position requires working out of a home office.
Full-time Benefits
- Benefits may be pro-rated based on # of hours worked per week:
- Work-Life Balance
- Full-Time Flexible Work Arrangements
- Generous Vacation and Holiday Time
- Competitive benefits and retirement plan
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Contributing to an organization that is making an impact in the world
About The Christian Reformed Church in North America
Who We Are
The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) includes just over one thousand congregations across the United States and Canada. About 75 percent of the churches are in the United States and 25 percent are in Canada. While we’re a denomination with churches and ministries in two countries, we share in the blessings of ecclesial unity and joint ministry. Almost 230,000 people belong to the CRCNA—not a large number when you consider the population of our two countries. But by God’s grace we can accomplish a lot when we work together.
The CRCNA denominational offices serve the local church, providing resources to pastors and congregations so that people are introduced to Jesus Christ and their faith is nurtured. Other agencies of the CRCNA include ReFrame Ministries, Resonate Global Mission and World Renew.
Be Who You Are
The CRCNA is committed to building a culture of belonging that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices and experiences of all our employees. We strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our broader culture and the Christian church, and invite all qualified candidates to apply.