Congregational coordinator
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Three Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members from different households serve as congregational coordinators at each Lutheran congregation (one as a lead congregational coordinator and two as congregational coordinators). They administer the resources available to Thrivent Financial members in their congregation through the Care in Congregations® program, encouraging activities that maximize Thrivent Financial member involvement, awareness of Thrivent Financial, and high impact on Lutheran congregations and their related institutions. The lead congregational coordinator is required to have access to the Internet and a valid e-mail address.*
What will the team of congregational coordinators do?
Responsibilities are to provide leadership and encourage participation in activities that take place at the congregation:
- Encourage the formation of congregational service teams to conduct activities that benefit the congregation or its related institutions.
- Ensure at least six Thrivent Financial member households actively participate on a congregational service team to qualify for Care in Congregations® program funding.
- Ensure that Thrivent Financial members in the congregation are aware of how the Care in Congregations® money is being used.
- Provide leadership to Care in Congregations® program volunteer efforts in the congregation.
- Request funding from the Operations Center for congregational service team activities.
- Report Care in Congregations® program activity results, and forward necessary information, including receipts, to the chapter leadership board.
- Assure that Care in Congregations® funding is used as intended.
- Communicate with chapter leadership board as needed.
- Order and coordinate distribution of congregational resources (baptismal medallions and confirmation crosses).
How should duties be divided among the three team members?
The responsibilities may be shared among the three congregational coordinators or divided according to each person's interests and abilities. See the Congregational Coordinator/Lead Congregational Coordinator quick-reference guide for tips and suggestions on what responsibilities to divide.
Does the lead congregational coordinator have a separate role description or special responsibilities?
The lead congregational coordinator does not have a separate role description and does not have more "authority" than the other two coordinators.
Because the lead congregational coordinator is required to have a valid e-mail address and Internet access, the position is the contact person for communication purposes. This position will receive certain communications from Thrivent Financial, the Lutheran Community Services (LCS) Team and the chapter, then relay the information to the other two coordinators.
[See answers to commonly asked questions about lead congregational coordinators]
How much time will these positions require each month?
About four to eight hours a month. There is no set term limit for congregational coordinators.
How will Thrivent Financial for Lutherans support these positions?
The congregational service team director, a required elected leader on the chapter leadership board, will train and support congregational coordinators. Along with the chapter leadership board, the congregational service team director will monitor and help fill vacancies to ensure access to Care in Congregations® funding, follow up on activities, and act as liaison between the congregational coordinators and the chapter.
What knowledge, skills and qualities will one or more members of the congregational coordinator team need to fulfill the role?
- Access to the Internet and e-mail expected* for at least one of the three congregational coordinators.
- Energy and enthusiasm about Thrivent Financial's ability to support congregations through funding and volunteer service.
- Good organizational and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building skills with pastors and congregation boards.
- Desire to engage members in meaningful volunteer activities.
Because there are three congregational coordinators for each congregation, each person can take on responsibilities that match his or her skills and interests. For instance, one can assume the computer work while another takes care of promotion and the third oversees the details of the activities.
See the Congregational Coordinator/Lead Congregational Coordinator quick-reference guide for tips and suggestions on what responsibilities to divide.
What are the benefits?
- Satisfaction knowing you are making a difference in your congregation and your community.
- A sense of belonging to a nationwide Thrivent Financial community.
- Firsthand experience in leading an important team of volunteers.