Senior Director, Church Ministry

Lifeway is seeking a Senior Director, Church Ministry, who leads leaders of teams to develop Lifeway’s resources specifically designed to serve churches in their ministries. This leader gives oversight to current ministry areas, including Next Gen Ministry, Adult Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Worship Ministry, Black Church Ministry, Camp Ministry, and Church Equipping, while also providing direction and guidance on expansion of Lifeway’s ministry area work. The Senior Director will work collaboratively with leaders across Lifeway to meet stated business and ministry goals.

The successful candidate will have a thorough knowledge of the ministry of the church and the religious, cultural and political issues that are shaping the way churches operate. This role will serve as one of Lifeway’s key representatives to churches, the SBC denomination, our partners, and the Christian publishing industry through strategic speaking and publishing initiatives. 

Why Lifeway?  

Lifeway is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. We believe building relationships and community is essential to how we work together, so Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, ministry time, and more. If this sounds like a place where you would be excited to serve the kingdom of God, we would love for you to join our team. 

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code 

This is a remote position in the U.S with travel one week per month to Brentwood, TN for in-person meetings and team gatherings. This position may be open to relocation, assistance is available.   #LI-Remote 

#LI-Hybrid

• Lives out Lifeway’s mission and values, showing deep commitment to Kingdom work.
• Provides leadership and guidance to Ministry Area directors, providing direction on strategic initiatives and team development, and providing accountability for execution of plans. 
• Represents the work that Lifeway does for churches to the broader Lifeway team, including (but not limited to) Sales, Marketing, Finance, Technology, and Creative. 
• Serves as a theological guide, ensuring processes are in place for Lifeway’s church resources to be trustworthy and true to the scripture.  
• Serves as a key Lifeway voice of expertise in local church ministry, providing thought leadership and influence on key issues through public speaking and content creation. 
• Provides leadership in development of 5-year strategic plan in partnership with Church Go-To-Market team.  
• Holds teams accountable in meeting stated business and ministry goals.  
• Appreciable travel required, often overnight

Education

Bachelor’s in English, Mass Communication, Christian Education, seminary, or similar, required

Seminary Master’s Degree (MDiv, MTh, etc.), required

Advanced degree (PhD, etc.), preferred

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, required

• 10+ years of leadership experience required, including a minimum of 5 years of full-time vocational church staff experience
• Demonstrated advanced understanding of church polity across Christian denominations
• Demonstrated advanced understanding of the Christian content market and its customers
• Proven strong operational and analytical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills both externally and internally
• Advanced organization skills
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Active involvement and membership with a Southern Baptist church, required

Skills, Knowledge, & Experiences, preferred 

• 5+ years experience with leading leaders
• Content development experience (such as sermon prep, published works, thought leadership)
• Involvement with other entities of the SBC (Seminaries, Mission Boards, etc)
• Experience managing P&L responsibility in publishing