I. SUMMARY:
The Research Assistant assists the Senior Pastor with the use and organization of resources related to short- and long-term sermon preparation. This part-time position reports to the Director, Office of the Senior Pastor.
II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Textual and Information Research
- Assist in the exegetical study and research of upcoming sermon texts
- Assist in the research of upcoming sermon topics
- Remain alert to information pertinent to upcoming sermon texts and topics
- Conduct specific ministry-related research assignments when requested
- Illustration Discovery and Management
- Develop a system for filing new and existing illustrations
- Develop a system of recording illustrations that have been used at WVC since September 2001
- Discover and retrieve illustrations from the internet, media, the arts, Sr. Pastor’s library, and various software and internet tools (e.g., Libronix, Bible Illustrator, Preaching Today, classic and popular books, movies, etc.)
- Library Management
- Keep Sr. Pastor’s library catalogue current. This will include (a) entering current books that are not yet in the database, and (b) reviewing existing books and updating the search engine keywords that will help in future research.
- Propose book purchases that would draw on Sr. Pastor’s book expense account
- Provide book summaries when requested
- Remain alert regarding new books of all types
- Resource File Management
- Keep Sr. Pastor’s Resource File current
- Manage Sr. Pastor’s subscriptions to periodicals, including the elimination of unused or unhelpful periodicals and the addition of new periodicals
- Review articles within current and incoming periodicals, making the determination to (a) discard the article, (b) file the article without Sr. Pastor’s review, or (c) file the article after exposing it to Sr. Pastor for informational purposes only (this would provide article awareness to the Sr. Pastor before filing)
- Current Events Updates
- Assist Sr. Pastor in maintaining an awareness of pertinent happenings for both U.S. and international culture
- Provide periodic news summaries when requested and specified
- Sermon Awareness
- Carefully and critically listen to Sr. Pastor’s messages, providing thematic and technical feedback
- Listen and provide feedback analysis to messages on CD when unavailable to attend weekend services
- Keep a personal CD collection for the Sr. Pastor of all WVC messages
- Maintain the notebook of all WVC Sermon Notes
- Teaching Media Organization
- Organize Sr. Pastor Tapes, CD’s, and videos from other teachers and ministries
- Other duties as requested
III. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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Education/Experience
- Ability to do research on the Internet
- Ability to gain proficiency in several computer software programs, including Libronix, Filemaker Pro, and Bible Illustrator
- Required: working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- A team player who will work for the good of the overall ministry while supporting the specific needs of the Sr. Pastor
- Associated professional research skills and abilities
- Desired: BA in Biblical Studies or Biblical Research and/or graduate level work in Biblical Studies or related areas of study
- Demonstrates an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ through regular prayer, Bible Study, and worship attendance
- A member of Woodmen Valley Chapel who supports the vision and values, as well as contributes time and tithes
