Starting date: September 2024

Contract period: 5- years duration

Work time: 100%

Average travel days per year: moderate (less than 20)

___________________________________________________________________

Purpose
This new position for a Worship Desk Coordinator is being created on behalf of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) by the German National Committee of the LWF (GNC/LWF) fulfilling the LWF Strategic Priority 1: “Supporting Churches’ Presence and Vibrant Witness in the World” and most notably developing theological reflection that articulates our understanding of being Lutheran churches in communion and in service. 

The position also responds to one of the 2023 Assembly resolutions:  
To call on the LWF Communion Office to support LWF member churches in the development of accessible liturgical resources, such as music and prayers, as well as other resources. This inclusive approach should incorporate sign language interpreters, Braille materials, assistive technologies where needed, and any other necessary approaches for full and active participation

Worship is one of the central aspects of such an ecclesial identity; it is the center and the source of the church’s witness and diakonia. For a communion like the LWF, worship is connected with witness and diakonia and at the heart of ecclesial identity. It is vital to perceive developments in worship culture(s) in the different regions of the LWF and to initiate a joint learning from one another.

The successful candidate will be a theologian with special expertise in liturgical theology (in tradition and present), with communicative and networking skills and willing to relocate to Leipzig, Germany. 

The employment contract is for a 5-years duration starting in September 2024.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Theology (preferably Liturgical Studies)
• Endorsement by a LWF member church
• Proficiency in English is required. Proficiency in other official languages of the LWF would be an asset. Willingness to learn some German.
• Track record of academic publications, conferences and teaching

Additional Study and Experience

• Solid background and knowledge in the theological understanding of Lutheran liturgy and ecclesiology as well as contemporary issues.
• Several years of professional experience in pastoral and/or academic work.
• Proven contextual sensitivity and ability to interact in various global cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple tasks.
• Experience in working remotely, organize and lead virtual meetings.
• Some knowledge of LWF member churches.

LWF Core Skills

• Working effectively with others/Level advanced
• Leadership, coordination/Level advanced
• Analytical thinking/Level expert
• Initiative/Level advanced
• Accountability//Level advanced
• Achieving results/Level advanced

Required skills

• Intellectual curiosity / creative mindset/Level advanced 
• Writing ability/Level expert
• Organized teacher/Level expert
• Academically rigorous/Level expert
• Communication/Level advanced
• At ease with digital tools/Level basic

Position Environment and Dimensions
The position is located in Leipzig, Germany, reporting for the content directly to the Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations in the Office of the General Secretary (LWF Communion Office) in Geneva. The incumbent will also work with the Regional Secretaries and Program Executives for Theologies for Transformation in the Department for Theology, Mission, and Justice.

As an employee of GNC/LWF, reporting lines lay with the GNC/LWF. 

Due to the location of the position, direct cooperation with the Director of the Institute of Liturgical Studies in Leipzig, Germany (LWI) is also expected

Main duties 
The work will include among other aspects:

• Organizing and accompanying a study group of approximately 8-10 persons from across the LWF seven regions on Lutheran liturgical theology and practice;
• Creating and developing a Lutheran network of liturgical studies throughout the LWF;
• Organizing conferences and symposia both in Germany and globally;
• Offers impulses to Lutheran seminaries and universities throughout th LWF member churches for curriculum development in liturgics
• Occasionally teaches (approximately one course per academic year at the University of Leipzig)
• Coordinates the development of accessible liturgical resources for LWF member churches
• Priorities will be set in the annual work plan with the Assistant General Secretary to Ecumenical Affairs.

Supervisor
LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations for content.
German National Committee of the LWF (GNC/LWF) as the employer for all administrative questions.

Supervises: none.

Special duties
As may be assigned by the supervisors.

Major Challenges
Navigating the complexities of dialogue between multiple cultural context; recognizing the challenge of keeping a voluntary network functioning.