Acting Stated Clerk

Basic Commitment: This position calls for a commitment to Jesus Christ and to the Christian faith, as well as a commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.

The Acting Stated Clerk demonstrates a commitment to continue to dismantle white supremacy, sexism and racism in the Office of the General Assembly and the PC(U.S.A.). The position fosters collaboration, innovation and openness with colleagues, constituents, and the wider church.

Job Description:

In accordance with Book of Order, the Organization for Mission (Section IV) and the Standing Rules of the General Assembly (Section H), the Acting Stated Clerk shall:

1. Actively engage the work of the Unification Commission as requested. Provide strategic leadership for OGA ensuring the essential work of the Stated Clerk and the Office of the General Assembly is appropriately addressed by the work of the commission.
2. Ensure the implementation of the actions of the 225th General Assembly related to the design and functioning of the 226th and 227th General Assemblies. Prepare for effective gathering of data from GA226 to inform COGA’s and OGA’s process to recommend a format for the 228th General Assembly (2028)
3. Working with OGA staff and others, ensure that the Stated Clerk’s Office provides the following:

1. 1. Ecclesial:
      1. “Offer constitutional and spiritual leadership for the life and witness of the church and exercise pastoral authority over concerns of the church in times of crisis” (Organization for Mission IV.B.2A).
      2. Serve as the highest ecclesial office in the PC(U.S.A.) and the chief executive officer of the OGA.
      3. Ensure that appropriate budgets are submitted to COGA and the GA.
      4. Through the Presbyterian Historical Society, ensure the preservation of the records of the denomination.
      5. Conduct general correspondence of the PC(USA).
      6. “Nurture the covenant community of the disciples of Christ” through the work of the GA and its agencies and councils (Book of Order G-3.0501c).
      7. Accept invitations to speak and/or preach at events and spaces that support the overall priorities of the transitional role and are consistent with the ecclesial role.
   2. Administrative:
      1. Cultivate proactive communication within and among agencies.
      2. Model healthy interpersonal relationships.
      3. Nurture a collaborative and mutually supportive organizational and inter-agency culture.
      4. Promote positive and generative staff morale.
      5. Working with the Deputy Stated Clerk, create and maintain effective administrative systems.
      6. Be a “person of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and the love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord... [whose] life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel in the church and in the world” (Book of Order G-2.0104a).
      7. Delegate as needed to realize the above culture, morale, and atmosphere.
   3. Ecumenical:
      1. As chief ecumenical officer, Represent the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as its chief ecumenical officer and as its primary representative in national and international interchurch and interfaith gatherings and organizations (Organization for Mission B.2.a).
      2. Serve as the permanent ecumenical representative of the General Assembly and as a member of each delegation representing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in ecumenical or interchurch bodies (Organization for Mission B.2.h).
      3. Uphold and promote the church’s commitment to manifest more visibly the unity of the body of Christ, seeking opportunities for conversation, cooperation, and action with other ecclesiastical groups; likewise, encourage and engage in respectful dialogue and mutual relationships with entities and persons from other religious traditions, and with secular organizations of goodwill and common mission in accordance with the church’s commitment to ecumenical relationships (Book of Order G-5.0101-5.0103).
   4. Constitutional:
      1. Uphold and interpret the Constitution for the church.
      2. Ensure publication of the most current version of the Constitution.
      3. Report decisions of the GA Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) to the church.
      4. Serve as ex officio member of the Advisory Committee on the Constitution (ACC) and the Advisory Committee on Litigation (ACL), and other relationships as necessary.
   5. Logistical:
      1. a) Oversee all matters related to the convening of the GA.
      2. b) Receive all reports and overtures and recommend referrals to the GA.
      3. c) Prepare proposed docket, propose number of committees for each assembly.
      4. d) Serve as chief parliamentarian for all meetings of the GA.
      5. e) Ensure reporting of GA actions and the publication of GA proceedings.
   6. Other duties as assigned by the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly.

Skills, Experience, and Competencies:

• Advanced degree in an appropriate field of study.
• A strong Christian faith, a deep commitment to and active ministry in both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the church ecumenical, and a passion for the gospel are essential qualities for the person to be selected for this position.
• Teaching Elder or a Ruling Elder in good standing in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is required. A thorough knowledge of the mission, polity, systems, and structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
• Experience with practice of transitional ministry and change management.
• Ability to work in a consultative and collaborative style. Demonstrated ability or capacity for group facilitation and consultative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to value differences and the benefits to be derived from working with a broad range of people. Demonstrated intercultural proficiency and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Ability to effectively manage interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to make tough decisions and implement them with grace.
• Ability to build trust and confidence in challenging times.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.
• Able to use current technology and equipment.

Desired Qualifications: Fluency in Spanish, Korean, or another language.

Additional Information: The position does not require relocation to Louisville but does require ten (10) working days per month of being at Presbyterian Center. A lump sum payment will be made to the Acting Stated Clerk for transition expenses. It is expected that the Acting Stated Clerk will not apply to stand for election to a four-year term at the 226th General Assembly (2024).

Sensory or Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to see, hear, speak, type, write, and move from one location to another while performing tasks. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to travel both domestically and internationally to attend meetings, conferences, and the biennial General Assembly. Ability to transport computer and other technological equipment.

The temporary position exists to carry out the responsibilities and functions outlined in the Book of Order, the General Assembly Organization for Mission of the General Assembly, and the Standing Rules of the General Assembly in a transitional role during a time when the General Assembly has mandated the unification of the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency. The work of the Stated Clerk must be undertaken as a conscious act of discipleship to Jesus Christ.

The Acting Stated Clerk, though responsible for the functions assigned to the Stated Clerk, will focus on leading the OGA and the whole church through a time of transition. The Acting Stated Clerk will have primary focus on leading during this time of change and implementing the planning of the assembly, while leaning on staff and elected persons to fulfill the specific responsibilities.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Pension Plan, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending accounts, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.