Address
Salary
The International Church in Vilnius is an independent congregation that operates in close relationship with the Lutheran Church in Vilnius. Right now, the proximity of Vilnius to the border of Belarus means, that there are refugees arriving from Ukraine and that the war in Ukraine impacts the lives of those living in Vilnius. The congregation has welcomed ELCA pastors in the past and has expressed a strong desire to continue to cooperate with the ELCA and work together to provide English-language Lutheran ministry. The Lutheran Church in Lithuania recognizes that International Church of Vilnius is an independent church, but because they use the space of the Lutheran Church building for both housing and for worship services, the bishop has expressed a vision that there would be Lutheran theological presence in the pulpit at ICV and is in support of a stronger cooperation with ELCA on this position. For the past few years, ICV has welcomed short-term volunteers, mostly retired ELCA pastors for service of 3 or more months. There is a strong network of ELCA pastors who have a prayerful and practical interest in the continuing this thriving ministry.
Timeline
- Application Open: November 2023
- ELCA Orientation: March 2024
Assignment Includes:
- Preach and lead services through a Word and Sacrament ministry to the community
- Work with the church Council to expand the ministry of the International Church of Vilnius
- Empower members to grow in their faith and help equip them for service
- Conduct Bible studies and meet individually with members for encouragement and counseling
- Seek to extend ministry to non-members and the refugee community
- Support members and their families during times of distress
- Prepare members for baptism, confirmation, marriage, funerals and weddings as requested
- In conjunction with the Church Council, oversee the direction of the church
- Prepare an annual and quarterly pastor’s report
- Affiliation: Ordained in the ELCA through a Full Communion Partner Denomination
- Educational Degree: Master of Divinity or equivalent, required
- Experience in pastoring an international congregation and in growing small churches would be an asset; we also request that the person not be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to be sensitive to the feelings of the host congregation
- Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church. Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA
- Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
- Respect for beliefs, values and customs of the church and culture where assigned
- Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion
- Demonstrates 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 with a sense of humor
Terms and Conditions: Global Mission Volunteer
- The church provides a fully furnished one room flat with separate kitchen and bathroom in a building owned by the Lutheran church. All utilities, Internet and cable TV are included free of charge. In addition, the church will cover the cost of a mobile phone contract and use of public transport within Vilnius.
- The church will pay $400 per month towards living expenses.
- One international ticket for a two-year term is provided by ELCA Service and Justice.
- Emergency health insurance
Physical Effort
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, 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.
