Contract Researcher/Writer – $35 – $48 an hour

The Church Initiative is a mission-driven organization committed to developing Christ-centered resources (for example: Divorcecare.org & GriefShare.org) that empower churches to launch and sustain transformative support groups. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Researcher/Writer to contribute to the development of high-quality, theologically sound training materials and resources for our current and forthcoming support- group programs.

Position Summary:

The Researcher/Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and developing resources and training materials that align with our Christ-centered mission. This role requires a deep understanding of Christian education, counseling, and practical theology. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and interview skills, experience in a counseling role, and the ability to translate theological concepts into practical, accessible materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and Content Development:
• Conduct thorough research on relevant theological topics, counseling practices, and Christian education methodologies.
• Develop Christ-centered support group resources, training materials, and guides that are biblically sound and practically applicable.
• Stay current with trends in Christian counseling, practical theology, and educational practices to ensure content remains relevant and effective.
• Writing and Editing:
• Write and edit clear, compelling, and theologically accurate content that supports the development of support groups and training programs.
• Create a variety of materials, including manuals, study guides, facilitator training resources, and participant handouts.
• Ensure all content is consistent with the organization’s theological stance and supports the overall mission.
• Interviews and Data Collection:
• Conduct interviews with church leaders, counselors, and group participants to gather insights and real-life examples to enrich the content.
• Analyze and synthesize interview data to inform the development of practical resources and training materials.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with our team, church partners, and external experts to ensure that resources meet the needs of diverse church communities.
• Collaborate with other writers, videographers, graphic designers, editors, and other team members to produce polished and professional materials.
• Theological Integrity and Practical Application:
• Ensure all materials are rooted in sound theological principles and are applicable to real-world counseling and support group scenarios.
• Balance theological depth with practical usability, making content accessible to a wide range of church leaders and group facilitators.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
• A seminary degree (MDiv or MA) in Theology, Christian Education, Counseling, or a related field is required.
• Strong understanding of practical theology and its application in church settings.
• Professional Experience:
• 3-5 years of experience as a counselor or in a related role, with a strong background in Christian counseling or pastoral care.
• Experience in Christian education or curriculum development is a plus.
• Skills:
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to create clear, engaging, and theologically sound content.
• Strong research skills with a keen ability to distill complex theological concepts into practical, accessible resources.
• Proficient in conducting interviews and synthesizing information from diverse sources.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Personal Qualities:
• Deep commitment to the Christian faith and alignment with the mission and values of Church Initiative.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.