Elevation Is Hiring!

Elevation Is Hiring!

Elevation is looking to fill the following job position:

Co-Lead Pastor

Elevation is a church in Waterloo, Ontario. We have recently walked through a significant transition as a community, and have taken time to discern together who we are and who we hope to be as we move forward. 

We have done our best to outline some of that work of discernment in the following documents:

We are seeking to build our staff team with the hiring of a Co-Lead Pastor. This permanent position will report to the Board of Directors and will work collaboratively with our current Co-Lead Pastor within our shared leadership team model.

Responsibilities of the Co-Lead Pastor:

The following areas (Faith Formation, Leadership Development and Networking & Learning) are shared responsibilities between the two Co-Lead Pastors:

  • Faith Formation  (40%)

      • Collaborate with the Teaching Team to develop the teaching calendar & themes, as well as participate as a member of the Teaching Team.
      • Collaboratively design and lead worship gatherings that are inclusive and reflective of our community’s values and beliefs.
      • Co-create, curate and/or invite meaningful liturgical elements, including prayers, readings, and artistic components that enhance the worship experience and foster a sense of connection and reverence.
      • Provide pastoral care and support to community members, offering guidance, prayer, and spiritual encouragement.
      • Offer mentorship, guidance, and support to the Children & Youth Ministry Coordinators. Collaboratively create opportunities for intergenerational faith formation. 
  • Leadership Development (25%)

      • Provide collaborative direction and support to staff and ministry team leads.
      • Foster the growth and development of the leadership community.
      • Participate as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
  • Networking & Learning (5%)

    • Develop and/or maintain symbiotic connections to denominations/networks who are in alignment with our values.
    • Pursue ongoing personal and professional development opportunities to deepen your knowledge base, broaden your understanding, and increase your curiosity.
    • Engage in regular self-reflection and invite feedback that fosters personal growth.

The following area (Community Development: Internal) is a specific responsibility of this individual Co-Lead Pastor:

  • Community Development: Internal (30%)

    • Provide support and guidance to the Neighbours Groups (eg. structure, vision, and leadership development)
    • Provide support and guidance to related ministry teams. Specifically the Prayer team and Hospitality & Welcome team.
    • Provide support and guidance to the Community Care Team.
    • Provide support and guidance to mid-week groups and occasional or seasonal gatherings (eg. community book studies).
    • Support the Children’s Ministry Coordinator and classroom leads in developing and/or choosing curriculum for our Kids Quest Classrooms.

The type of candidate who would thrive in this role would possess the following Core Competencies and Values:

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in a pastoral role, nurturing inclusive and vibrant faith communities.
  • A collaborative leadership approach that fosters a culture of cooperation, trust, and mutual respect. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based ministry model – sharing leadership responsibilities and supporting one another’s gifts and strengths.
  • Comprehension of theology and its implication for faith and practice.
  • Ability to engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with individuals from diverse theological perspectives.
  • Relational community building capacity – with a commitment to active listening, inclusion, hospitality, and welcome.
  • Integrous and transparent leadership marked by a humble, teachable, and curious posture.
  • A demonstrated lived resonance with the values, vision, and mission of our church community, including these five core values: 
    • Embracing Spirit-Led Direction and Growth
    • Embodying Justice, Equity and Good News for All
    • Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion
    • Nurturing Interdependent Community
    • Living Generously Beyond Ourselves

Hours of Work: 30 hours/week 

Start Date: October 2024

Compensation: $45,000 – $52,500 (determined by experience, education and skill set)

Vacation & Benefits: Paid vacation leave starting at 15 days per calendar year. Comprehensive benefits package which includes life insurance, long-term disability, extended health, and dental care after the first 3 months of a 6 month probationary period.

To apply to this position, please send a resume and cover letter to hiring@elevationwaterloo.org

Applications will be accepted until July 28 , 2024. 

Any questions can be directed to hiring@elevationwaterloo.org, or filling in the form below.

New Series: Ecclesiastes – Faith, Doubt and Everything In Between

New Series: Ecclesiastes – Faith, Doubt and Everything In Between

A few weeks ago, we asked you to vote for which book in the Bible our teaching team should work through this summer. It was a close race, and Ecclesiastes came out on top! Our teaching team has planned a nine-part series starting next week and running until the end of August. Even if you plan to be away for any of these weeks, you can always catch up on our podcast.

Elevation’s 2SLGBTQ+ Commitment

Elevation’s 2SLGBTQ+ Commitment

Elevation seeks to be a safe and welcoming place for all people to follow Jesus. We recognize and mourn the fact that many of our 2SLGBTQ+ siblings have been excluded from and oppressed by the Church. We believe that this is not the way of Jesus. We seek to do and be better as we follow Christ together.

You Can Choose

We believe everyone should act according to their convictions and personal discernment, and our community will seek to support you whether you choose to pursue marriage, a relationship or singleness. The pronouns you feel most comfortable with are what we desire to use. We recognize that we may sometimes get it wrong. We hope that you will feel comfortable to remind or correct us. Please feel free to use the washroom you feel most comfortable in. All-gender washrooms are also available. 

You Will Be Respected

We believe that all people are created with dignity and intrinsic value, being made in the image of God. In our community, we recognize that we may hold many diverse views on any given topic. However, we strive to walk together with love, grace and respect, and therefore abusive language or behaviour will not be tolerated. While Elevation is committed to respecting each individual’s right to interpret and live out scripture according to their convictions, we are committed to approaching our teaching with an anti-oppressive lens – reflecting the commitments of this document. 

You Will Be Celebrated

You, your marriage and your family as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community will be celebrated and valued just as we would celebrate and value any other individual, marriage, or family. We also seek to highlight the diversity of our community in our stories, artwork and communication. 

You Can Participate

We want everyone at Elevation to be involved in the life and ministry of our church. We welcome 2SLGBTQ+ individuals at all levels of leadership, including staff and the Pastoral Team. 

You Will Be Listened To

We know we will not always get it right. We commit to being open to feedback from the 2SLGBTQ+ community and seek to listen and do better. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the office (info@elevationwaterloo.org) to be put in touch with Brian Pengelly or Melissa Burke.

A Quick Look At All Of Our Sunday Services

A Quick Look At All Of Our Sunday Services

It’s All About Jesus

Jesus in John

When all is said and done, at the centre of the Christian faith stands Jesus. He was a profound teacher. He was a miracle worker. He was compassionate, insightful, and wise beyond his years. But Jesus is not just someone from the past for us to reflect on. The four accounts of his life that open the New Testament were written so that we can know him more today!

As we head into the Summer of 2021, our Pastoral Team is making plans to help our Elevation community balance the limitations of pandemic life with some creative opportunities to start connecting in person. Take a look at the schedule below and mark your calendars!

Everything here is subject to change based on local guidelines and provincial restrictions, and more details will be provided in our regular weekly email updates.

July 4 – Long Weekend (no online service—connect with your Neighbours! group, either virtually or in-person)

July 11 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

July 18 – Elevation Livestream (plus outdoor Communion at 22 Willow @ 11:30) – No Neighbours! groups

July 25 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 1 – Long Weekend (no online service or Neighbours! groups —distanced in-person bring-your-own-picnic at 22 Willow 11:30-1:00)

August 8 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 15 – Elevation Livestream (plus outdoor Communion at 22 Willow @ 11:30) – No Neighbours! groups

August 22 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

August 29 – Elevation Livestream and Neighbours! groups

September 5 – Long Weekend (no online service or Neighbours! groups —distanced in-person bring-your-own-picnic at 22 Willow 11:30-1:00)

Our tentative plan is to offer in-person worship alongside our Livestream starting on Sunday, September 12. More details to come!

 

New Series: Belovedness

New Series: Belovedness


At Elevation, we cultivate different postures in our spiritual journey. We’ve explored “Open Hands” and “Repentance & Repair” in our recent series and are excitedly looking forward to “Engaging Collectively” after our current short series.

Mark Dettweiler will start us off in the Belovedness sermon series where he will speak about the positive changes that arise as we embrace God’s love for us and live each day as His beloved. Cathleen will then guide us through “Breaking the Binary of Belovedness.” We’ll explore how everyone, from the prodigal to the powerful, from the marginalized to the magnified, is deeply cherished. Brian Pengelly will close off the series with his theme on being rooted in our belovedness, using the Ananias and Paul narrative.

Holy Week at Elevation

Holy Week at Elevation

As we enter Holy Week, we invite you to join us for special observances at Elevation. On Friday, March 29, come to the gym and partake in the Stations of the Cross between 9am and 10pm. Additionally, join us for a Good Friday service at 3pm.

On Easter Sunday, our regular 9am gathering will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Your presence and participation are deeply valued as we come together in reflection and celebration during this sacred time.