Canon for Discipleship

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

Canon for Discipleship

DIOCESAN OVERVIEW

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia (EDoV) consists of 173 congregations, six schools, and two diocesan homes, and our mission is to serve Christ and the world in unity and diversity. We are a community of disciples who love Jesus, are transformed by a faith lived out in daily life and committed to racial justice and reconciling all people with God and one another. We are members of an inclusive faith that welcomes everyone to join us on our journey in Christ. Our diocesan motto is: Love Jesus. Embody justice. Be disciples.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Canon for Discipleship accompanies the congregations, diocesan bodies, and individuals in EDoV as they deepen their journeys of discipleship and lifelong formation. The Canon serves as a member of the senior leadership team and collaborates closely with the Canon for Racial Justice and Healing and the Canon to the Ordinary to engage the diocesan priorities around discipleship and racial justice. The person called to this role will be a joyful, relational evangelist who can comfortably and knowledgeably proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and empower others to do the same. This position is open to both ordained and lay candidates.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Canon for Discipleship’s portfolio includes the following ministry areas.

Visionary Leadership for Discipleship and Lifelong Formation:

In close collaboration with EDoV Bishops and colleagues, the Canon will proclaim a vision for discipleship for all orders of ministry and accompany the people of EDoV to embody this vision by engaging the following:

• Lifelong Formation, including supporting and equipping the following ministry networks:
  • Children and family ministry, including oversight of the Pathways to Prayer and Practice program funded by the Lilly Endowment.
  • Youth ministry, including Shrine Mont camps and Diocesan Youth Ministry.
  • Young adult ministry, including Campus Ministry.
  • Adult formation.
• Diocesan partner/liaison with the following:
  • Creation Care Ministries
  • Episcopal Church Schools
  • Episcopal Church Women

Administrative Commitments:

Reporting to the Assistant Bishop, the Canon serves as a member of the Leadership Team. The Canon meets regularly with laity, clergy, congregations, and diocesan bodies throughout EDoV. Additional responsibilities include:

• Oversight of lay licensure
• Oversight of Safe Church training and compliance
• Supervise the following positions:
  • Director of Shrine Mont Camps
  • Pathways to Prayer and Practice Grant Director
  • Administrative Assistant (shared with Canon for Racial Justice and Healing)

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Knowledge and understanding of the polity, structure, programs, and theology of The Episcopal Church, and ability to interact successfully with all entities of EDoV.
• 8+ years’ experience of leadership in faith-based settings in support of forming faithful, thoughtful, and engaged disciples.
• 5+ years’ experience in larger church systems, such as diocesan or church-wide ministry.
• Sufficient evidence of Christian Theological Education.
• Experience with intergenerational ministries.
• Experience working with clergy and lay leaders to identify, articulate, and implement effective ministries for lifelong formation and discipleship.
• Experience engaging racial healing and other justice ministries as integral elements of lifelong formation and discipleship.
• 3+ years’ supervisory experience.

PERSONAL TRAITS AND STRENGTHS

A successful Canon demonstrates the following characteristics:

• Curious, pastoral, and empathetic listener with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Courageous innovator who can foster and amplify new ideas.
• Collaborative colleague, gifted networker, and relational confidante who can build trust and community.
• Skilled facilitator, teacher, public speaker, and preacher.
• Organized and detail-oriented practitioner who can thrive in ambiguity while engaging complex tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative working environment.
• Joyful disciple grounded in Christian theology and scripture.
• Mature, non-anxious practitioner with deep understanding of ministry of presence.

Job Type: Full-time, with some evenings and weekends

Travel: 25-30% primarily within EDoV

Reports to: Assistant Bishop

Salary Range: $100,000-$115,000 commensurate with experience

Location: Richmond, VA

To apply, please submit the following:

• Describe in 500 – 750 words your understanding of and approach to the diocesan motto to Love Jesus, Embody Justice, and Be Disciples.
• Cover letter, resume, and three references, one of which must be a recent supervisor.

Please submit all materials to Nerissa Crockett at ncrockett@episcopalvirginia.org Priority consideration for applications received by March 10, 2025.