Christian Educational Specialist - Southern Africa

Department: Resonate Global Mission

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: International

Reporting To: Regional Leader

Description

PURPOSE/OVERVIEW:

This position is an opportunity to be missional through Christian education. There is a desire and curiosity among Christian teachers and administrators in Southern Africa for how to teach for transformation and develop Christ-centered education. As teachers engage in professional development opportunities, a vision begins to emerge for what Christian education should and can embody.

The position of Christian Education Specialist aims to form Christian educators, connect leaders in Christian education, and be an active member of our Eastern and Southern Africa team. As the vision of holistic Christian education takes hold, we trust lives will be changed and schools and communities begin to experience transformation. 
This position will remain open until a successful applicant has been selected and hired. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Forming Christian Educators

1. Gain familiarity with and contextualize the Educational Care curriculum.
2. Strategically implement Educational Care throughout Southern Africa, beginning with South Africa, Zambia, and Madagascar, by working with other team members in Eastern and Southern Africa.
3. Equip teachers to integrate Biblical worldview into their teaching and classroom using Educational Care resources and contextual learning experiences.
4. Journey with key Christian school administrators to apply new understanding.
5. Regularly (quarterly at a minimum) visit teachers and administrators in their school to observe, provide encouragement, and identify opportunities for spiritual and professional growth.

Connecting Leaders in Christian Education

1. Identify and build up a small team of Christian Education Advanced Facilitators.
2. Collaborate with Christian educators and Christian School associations to develop an accredited Educational Care program in South Africa.
3. Encourage key leadership in the Christian school movement in Southern Africa by identifying or developing a community of practice. 
4. Participate in African and worldwide discussions on Christian Education, the role of play, trauma-informed education, and/or the use of story or children’s literature.
5. Stewarding the experiences of the CRCNA in Christian education by facilitating reciprocal exchanges between the CRCNA and ministry collaborators in South Africa and the region for deep learning experiences. 
6. Work with our regional team and partners in the orientation, mentoring, and supervision of volunteers or shorter term personnel while they are in Southern Africa. 

Participating on a Regional Team for Eastern and Southern Africa

1. Actively participate in team meetings, collective discernment processes, and team retreats.
2. Prioritize Resonate’s four ministry areas and live by our six postures.
3. Return to North America periodically for Re-Connect visits to report on God’s mission within Christian education and listen for ways to connect the CRCNA and other entities in the development of Christian Education.
4. Provide the CRCNA with insight and resources for Christian Education among minority racial/national/religious/ethnic groups living in North America about which the missionary has knowledge and expertise.
5. Communicate the nature and value of Resonate's priorities and activities to the CRCNA and others through written communications (at least quarterly), and through teaching and speaking engagements, especially on Re-Connect visits.
6. Raise prayer, care and financial support for the ministry of Resonate by developing and maintaining a network of supporting churches and individuals. 

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE:

Qualifications

1. Professing membership in a Christian Reformed congregation, or of a church in ecclesiastical fellowship with the CRCNA, and agreement with the doctrine of the church signified by signing a covenant statement.
2. Passion for Christian Education
3. Demonstrated ability to work with others from different cultures and religious traditions.
4. Flexible and adaptable to African travel, communication, and living conditions.
5. Demonstrated intercultural experience and competence.
6. Self-motivated and proven quality administrative and organizational skills.
7. Training and experience in cross-cult