Nebraska Region Disciples of Christ

CANDIDATE PROFILE The Christian Church in seeks a candidate who; The Christian Church in Nebraska is seeking a gifted individual to serve as our Regional Minister. 1. Models the mystery of faith while guiding The Regional Minister Search Committee invited all 42 churches to participate in listening sessions. persons to see God all around and within. Committee members traveled throughout 2. Is deeply Disciple (Disciples of Christ), Nebraska to listen to the needs and dreams of our mature in faith, solid in DOC theology and churches. More than 80 percent of the polity and is committed to these core congregations participated in a listening session. principles. These sessions revealed the Region is comprised of 3. Has expertise in gathering, connecting and amazing congregations who are dedicated to communicating with congregations and ministry and mission. clergy. 4. Recognizes the value of our diversity; and is experienced in effective communication with diverse audiences, i.e. urban and rural, young and old, conservative and liberal, and all persons in between. 5. Has demonstrated ability in leadership including fiscal management, program development and administration of systems.

Our congregations are excited and have a strong 6. Has confidence to address issues without desire to experience a “family reunion” sort of injury or alienation of others. relationship with one another. They desire a 7. Is gifted in modeling and practicing pastoral Regional Minister who has an appreciation for care, providing encouragement and being visible, who has strong communication and nurturing others. leadership acumen. Some congregations feel 8. Seeks to develop trust and models isolated. Some look for improved technology but consensus building, relationship all have a strong desire to be connected and to be development and is an instrument of led in strengthening their missions and ministries. healing and reconciliation, being a mediator when necessary.

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 1

9. Recognizes that Search and Call has taking the lead in developing new forms of ministry profound impact on the growth and in mission, witness and service. sustainability of our churches, thereby facilitates the Search and Call process to ensure candidate profiles are consistent JUST THE FACTS (NEBRASKA with the identified needs and culture of the CHRISTIAN CHURCH) congregation. The Nebraska Region is comprised of 42 individual 10. Has expertise in leadership development, congregations spread across the state. Over half identification of gifts and talents and seeks are located within an hour’s drive of Lincoln. While to engage congregations and leaders in the confident in our faith in God, our region does have ministry of the Region and the General some challenges. Church. 11. Demonstrates experience and vision to • Participating membership has declined by bring the church together in the present 64% over 20 years. world. • 83% of our congregations have a weekly average attendance of fewer than 100 people. NEBRASKA REGION (DISCIPLES OF • Average number of participating members CHRIST) declines by 337 people per year.

As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, What we find encouraging is that despite shrinking and proclaim him as Lord and Savior of the world. attendance numbers, the decline is not mirrored by In Christ’s name and by his grace, we accept our individual tithes. While total giving has weakened mission of witness and service to all people. Our by 23%, individual giving has more than doubled vision is to be a faithful, growing church that growing from $334 to $700. demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice. Our mission is to be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, 2016 Weekly Attendance witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth. We come together as a Regional Church to fulfill the mission of Christ by 90-170 14% 51-89 33% 17% 15-50

Unreported 36%

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 2

COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES Located on the edge of the Nebraska Sand Hills, Cotner College the camp occupies 1.25 miles of river frontage on The Nebraska Region is unique in that it benefits the North Loup River. Throughout the summer, a from a relationship with Cotner College. Originally variety of programs is offered that include Bible commissioned by the Christian Church as Nebraska study, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and Christian University in 1889, the school offered much more. With 8 cabins, 2 bath houses, 3 large programs in medicine, dentistry, business and gazebos, a commercial dining hall and more, Kaleo elocution. Pastors, teachers, missionaries and lay has become a destination not only for summer persons pursued their education until it closed its campers, but family events, weddings and group doors in 1933. retreats.

In 1946, the school was reborn as the Cotner School of Religion. A relationship with the University of Nebraska was formalized in 1954. WELCOME Nebraska is considered one of the best-kept Thanks to an endowment in 1975, a Religious Studies Program was organized. Today, over 30 secrets of the courses are offered to students wishing to graduate Midwest. We with a minor are a state of in Religious collaboration Studies. and creativity. The Cotner We treasure our wild west College Commission history, but came to be a look eagerly distinct part of the Christian Church in Nebraska. Its to an innovative future. Nestled in America’s mission is to provide personal, spiritual, biblical, heartland, one will find a sweet spot for balanced theological and professional growth opportunities living. There is life after work and the money to for Disciples clergy and lay leaders. Today, many enjoy it. Come to the Midwest and claim your ELM programs (Education for Lay Ministry-training share of Nebraska – The Good Life! for Commissioned ministers in Nebraska) are offered to those wishing to refine their spiritual The capital city of Lincoln is nationally ranked as gifts and share them with other DOC one of the top 10 cities nationally for its quality of congregations. life. It’s a city that is affordable, accessible and thriving. Lincoln has a vibe that is young and fresh. Technology has leveled the playing field to the Kaleo on the River ~ Kamp Kaleo point where geography is rarely an issue. We have Established in 1965, Kamp Kaleo is a place that has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the been set aside to encounter God in nature and country. Combined with the low cost of living, community. For over 50 years, children and adults one’s career will easily support a new life here for have come to this special place to make lifelong the whole family. friends and to live in the spirit of gentleness.

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 3 JUST THE FACTS (NEBRASKA) Nebraska’s state government is unique in that it is Nebraska's area is just over 77,220 sq. mi with the only state which operates with a unicameral almost 1.9 million people. Its state capitol is Lincoln legislature. The decision to operate under a one- (pop 326,000), and its largest city is Omaha (pop house legislature was reached in 1937 to cut 915,000). Omaha is situated in the easternmost government costs during the Great Depression. part of the state bordering the Missouri River. The Nebraska Legislature is also the only state legislature in the U.S. that is officially nonpartisan. Senators are elected with no party affiliation next Societal Demographic to their names on the ballot. White 86% Black 4.5% Asian 1.8% Native 1% JUST THE FACTS (LINCOLN) American While not required, the Nebraska Regional Minister Other 6.7% has traditionally chosen to make his/her home in

the city of Lincoln. Lincoln is both the capital of our Only 1/3 of the Nebraska’s population lives outside state and the county seat of Lancaster County. It is the Lincoln-Omaha metro area. Nearly 89% of the the second most populous city in Nebraska and the state is comprised of towns that have a population economic and cultural anchor of the southeastern of fewer than 3,000 people. These communities part of the state. The economy is typical of a mid- are rich in local pride and pioneer history. Many sized American city with most activity derived from rural school districts have consolidated to better service and manufacturing industries. The serve their residents. Combining their resources, University of Nebraska is a large contributor to the they are better able to provide a quality learning local economy. Other prominent industries include environment and the technology required for finance, insurance, publishing, pharmaceutical and today’s students. high technology.

The drive from the east edge of the state to the Designated as a refugee-friendly city by the U.S. west edge takes approximately 7 hours. The Department geography of State in the evolves from 1970s, Lincoln rolling green was the hills in the east twelfth- to Great Plains largest and the Sand resettlement Hills in the site (per west. Three capita) in the primary rivers cross the state including the Platte, the Niobrara by 2000. We have welcomed refugees from around and the Republican. Nebraska is divided into two the world including Vietnam, Burma, Sudan and time zones (Central and Mountain). Iraq among others.

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 4

USHL junior team); and the No Coast Climate Data Derby Girls (member of the Women’s Association). Whatever is in season, one will find Lincoln’s average annual 63.1° temperature. plenty of options to enjoy many sports in and around Lincoln. Lincoln’s hottest month (average July daily temperature, 89°) Education Lincoln’s coldest month (average January Lincoln’s thirst for higher education keeps learning daily temperature, 35°) institutions very busy. There are many colleges 28.9” Lincoln’s annual precipitation and universities in Lincoln dedicated to helping

26” Lincoln’s annual snowfall students pursue their passions. In addition to the University of Nebraska, you will find Nebraska

Wesleyan University, Union College, Bryan College

of Health Sciences, Kaplan University, Bellevue Arts University and the Nebraska Institute. Southeast Lincoln’s music and arts scene is constantly Community College serves an area of 15 counties in growing. Primary venues for concerts and Nebraska. Broadway shows include Pinnacle Bank Arena and

The Lied Nature Center. There are over 125 individual parks connected by The Lied 133 miles of recreational trails. Whether you desire Center also reading, resting, or admiring nature, Lincoln has a serves as park that will fit the bill. The city’s premium park home of site is Pioneers Park. The 668-acre site includes the Lincoln native tallgrass prairie, 8 miles of hiking trails, Symphony roaming buffalo and elk. The Sunken Gardens Orchestra and the Lincoln Midwest Ballet. Both offers a breathtaking floral experience with the Sheldon Museum of Art and the Great Plains Art Museum provide venues for permanent and traveling exhibitions. The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film provides a versatile performance space at the University of Nebraska. Other arts venues include the Lincoln Community Playhouse, Haymarket Theatre, Nebraska Youth Theatre and the Pinewood Bowl Amphitheatre.

Sports Lincoln may be best known as the home of the University of Nebraska’s football and championship hundreds of colorful plants in bloom and gentle volleyball teams. Other sports teams in the capital footpaths to explore. The MoPac Trail is a city include the Lincoln Saltdogs (an independent bicycling, equestrian and walking trail built on an minor league team); the (a abandoned corridor of the Missouri Pacific

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 5

Railroad. The MoPac extends 27 miles to the east to the tiny town of Wabash, Nebraska.

GETTING HERE Lincoln can be reached by air via Lincoln Airport (LNK). Both Delta and United serve Lincoln with direct flights from coast to coast.

Interstate 80 is the main thoroughfare from Omaha west to the rest of the state. A driver can reach Kansas City or Des Moines in 3 hours, Minneapolis or Denver in 7 hours and Chicago in 8.5 hours.

IN CLOSING The Christian Church in Nebraska is eager to partner with a new Regional Minister and to provide him/her with the tools needed to achieve our goals for the future. Our hope is that this individual is blessed not only with a resolute faith in God, but an unshakable will to strengthen our Regional and congregational life.

2017 Nebraska Region Regional Minister Profile Information 6