ABTC Description the Mission of the American Baptist Theological Center, Located on The

ABTC Description
The mission of the American Baptist Theological Center, located on the Pasadena, California campus of Fuller Theological Seminary, is to serve the church of Jesus Christ through encouragement and nurture of persons from American Baptist churches and Transformation Ministries churches as they prepare for Christian service and leadership. ABTC conducts four distinct leadership development programs under the management and supervision of its Executive Director. These programs are:
1)The Academy of Biblical Studies for the Laity-- providing leadership classes attended by lay persons from Southern California church congregations. The majority of such classes have been taught in Spanish.

2)Extension Center of the University of La Verne— an evening and weekend program of studies designed for persons already working in ministry, leading to a Bachelors degree in either Religion & Philosophy or in Psychology. Classes are held at the Pasadena campus of Fuller Seminary.

3)Seminarian Support—counseling, encouragement, guidance and nurturing are offered to theological students attending seminary or seminary extensions in Southern California, Nevada, or Arizona, and having a background or relationship with an American Baptist or Transformation Ministries congregation or international Baptist ties. Among other things, these students are given assistance regarding financial aid, available internships, the ordination process, and career placement.

4)Continuing Education for Pastors—making available continuing education programs and events to pastors and other church leaders, and providing certification for continuing education units acquired through other organizations.
Position Requirements
Attributes which are essential prerequisites to consideration for the position of ABTC Executive Director are the following:
· Strong, relational leadership skills suited to calling churches and congregants to share and support the vision of ABTC

· MDiv, MBA, or other comparable advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher learning

· Experience in the pastorate or other position of full-time Christianministry

· A deep desire to minister to students preparing for Christian service and leadership

· Experience in organizational management and administration, including budgeting and personnel matters

· Commitment to the inclusion and full participation of women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds in all aspects of theological education and training for the pastorate and other positions of church leadership

· Computer proficiency
The following additional attributes, while not essential, are preferred in candidates for the position of ABTC Executive Director:
· Ordination

· Experience in organizational fundraising

· DMin, ThM, or PhD from an accredited institution of higher learning

. Background suited to eligibility for service on the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Fuller

Seminary (appointment made by the Dean of the School of Theology.)

· Personal experience or familiarity with American Baptist and Transformation Ministry churches

· Bilingual in English and Spanish

· Either experience teaching or completion of course work in Baptist doctrine, history and polity

Position Description -Executive Director
American Baptist Theological Center

The Executive Director is the chief executive in charge of all programs and activities of the American Baptist Theological Center (ABTC). He or she reports to and is accountable to the Board of Directors of the ABTC.
The Executive Director serves as a pastor, administrator, and promoter of the ABTC’s diverse ministries.
Pastoral Responsibilities

· Supports, nurtures, counsels, and mentors seminarians from American Baptist, Transformation Ministries, or international Baptist congregations, includes organizing retreats, dinners, and fellowship gatherings
· Advocates for women, persons from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and all other students preparing for ministry
· Leads a lifestyle consistent with the Fuller Theological Seminary ethos as expressed in the Statement of Faith, the Community Standards, and the Characteristics of the Seminary. (The Executive Director may be invited to join the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Fuller Seminary, and either teaches or arranges for the teaching of the Fuller Seminary course in Baptist history and polity.)

. Facilitates and leads weekly Baptist denominational chapel at Fuller Seminary.

Administrative Responsibilities

· Supervises and coordinates the four ministries housed within ABTC: the Academy of Biblical Studies for the Laity, the Extension Center of the University of La Verne in Pasadena, Seminarian Support, and Continuing Education Programs
· Develops and manages the ABTC budget adopted by the Board of Directors
· Oversees the allocation of student financial aid as approved by the Board of Directors
· Edits all ABTC publications
· Manages and supervises the ABTC staff, currently an Associate Director and Administrative Assistant

. Acts as ABTC liaison with Fuller Seminary.

Promotional Responsibilities

· Casts and implements the vision of the ABTC
· Liaisons with American Baptist churches and Transformation Ministries churches supportive of theological education
· Leads and oversees ABTC fundraising efforts
· Networks with and builds relationships within the ABTC constituency, which includes: the American Baptist Churches in the USA, American Baptist National Ministries, American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, Transformation Ministries (formerly American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest) churches, pastors and lay leaders associated with these church groups, University of La Verne, Fuller Seminary, and other seminaries in Southern California attended by ABTC-related students.
· Effectively communicates the mission and vision of ABTC
· Recruits potential leaders and seminarians for service within American Baptist churches and Transformation Ministries churches

The Executive Director of the ABTC is a full-time, salaried position. Compensation (including benefits) to range from $45,000-$60,000 depending upon education and experience.

Hiring Process

Interested persons should send a cover letter, resume or CV, three references, and a personal statement including faith testimony. Please send these via e-mail to the attention of Lilian Puga at

The ABTC Search Committee will contact you if a first-round telephone interview is desired. Second-round interviews will be held in person at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Potential start date for Executive Director position is July 1, 2007. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

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