Ecumenical Campus Ministry at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presbyterian Church (USA) United Methodist Church
The Background of WingspanILM Ministry:
WingspanILM grew out of many conversations in 2020 and 2021, recognizing there was a gap in college ministries operating at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. There had been previous ecumenical ministries, shared commitments, as well as denominationally based campus ministries serving college students at UNCW, but by the time of these conversations, the level of commitment to campus ministry had seriously decreased among these denominational partners individually and collectively. It was time to rethink and recommit to serving UNCW students. The energy and enthusiasm toward this ecumenical project quickly took shape, and work was done to be able to hire a campus pastor and formally launch this ministry by the fall of 2023. Currently, there are 20 student religious organizations on campus at UNCW. Our hope is that WingspanILM will appeal to students who do not find a fit with the other ministries on campus. WingspanILM certainly hopes to collaborate with these other ministries, but its ministry will offer a different perspective and therefore fill this need for students. Representatives from the AME Zion, ELCA, PC (USA) and UMC churches agreed to partner with one another to launch WingspanILM. For a list of religious ministries, visit the UNCW Student Organization Directory at https://uncw.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations?categories=8305. — WingspanILM Mission Statement:
Our mission is to help college students explore their faith and to prepare them for serving God and loving others. We seek to create a place where ALL students feel loved and fully accepted, regardless of theological traditions or church backgrounds. Through group discussions, speakers, and fellowship, we want to develop a welcoming place to help students grapple with important questions and develop a deeper faith.
WingspanILM Vision Statement: Our vision is to assist students in service to God, love toward others, and involvement in the community.
WingspanILM Objectives:
To create a place where students of varied theological traditions and church backgrounds feel welcome to explore their Christian faith.
January 2023
To utilize group discussions, speakers, Bible study, and personal relationship, to help students grapple with important questions, develop a deeper faith, and enjoy Christian fellowship.
Characteristics of the Ministry:
A welcoming spirit that is intentional about building relationships.
An openness to a diverse group of students at various stages of their faith life.
A personal and intimate environment for students to grow in their faith alongside others.
Campus & Community: UNCW describes itself as “Located in the heart of ‘the Port City’ and touted as one of the most attractive campuses in the South.” It “is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. One of 17 institutions in the University of North Carolina System, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience to stimulate creative inquiry and critical thinking and a community rich in diversity, inclusion and global perspectives. Just under 18,000 students attend UNCW.” UNCW is home to 59 undergraduate studies, including a unique Marine Biology program. Its history is: “In 1947, New Hanover County leaders and citizens founded Wilmington College to enhance the quality of life in the region by offering students the advantage of an excellent education. The institution grew and flourished over time. In 1969, Wilmington College joined the UNC System and became what is now the University of North Carolina Wilmington. (https://uncw.edu/aboutuncw/) Wilmington is in New Hanover County, the largest city in southeastern North Carolina. As the eighth largest city in North Carolina, the port city of Wilmington is surrounded by water via the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1739, Wilmington is home to a scenic riverfront that showcases a beautiful historic district, a vibrant nightlife, and a lively arts community along with miles of wonderful beach communities nearby. Coastal Wilmington and its many attractions are appealing to all ages, including retirees, beachgoers and filmmakers as well as families with young children. As a fast-growing community, Wilmington has a population of 231,448 with a 1.5% population growth rate per year. Educational opportunities include K-12 Public Education within New Hanover County and local private schools and upper education through Cape Fear Community College and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. For complete population and economic statistics, visit the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce at https://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/demographics-statistics.
Credentials and experience for a UNCW campus minister: A heart for college students and a gift for providing a welcoming space for students to be nurtured by the Gospel and discipled alongside others hungering to follow Christ in this world. Degree Credentials: a B.A. or B.S., a M.Div., and preferably experience in ministry with youth, college students, or young adults.
January 2023 Responsibilities:
Develop a Christian organization on campus (WingspanILM)
Meet weekly with participants of this organization.
Develop personal relationships with students.
Help students remain grounded and grow in their faith as they attend UNCW.
Counsel students.
Develop small groups for Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.
Cooperate with other campus ministries.
Encourage students to connect with local churches.
Be accountable to the WingspanILM board as an employee of the organization.
Salary: $55,000 plus health insurance and retirement provisions Full-time employment (averaging 40 hours a week). This ministry requires both structure and flexibility. The campus pastor and student leaders will establish regular worship and programming. The ministry of the campus pastor will align with the schedule of campus life, requiring some weekend commitments and allowing for breaks between semesters and during the summers.
Ministry Partnership and Accountability: The campus pastor will work with the WingspanILM Board, students, and local sponsoring churches/denominational partners. WingspanILM is an ecumenical ministry representing the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Methodist Church. All these denominations are represented on the board. WingspanILM Board also values and includes student involvement on the board. The campus pastor will be accountable to these four church traditions. Application deadline: March 1, 2023 Interviews will conclude April 15, 2023. Employment Start Date: July 1, 2023
Contact Information: If interested, send a resume and a cover letter addressing the below question to: pastorsearch@wingspanilm.org “What excites you about the possibility of leading this new ecumenical ministry?”
For Further Questions, contact: Charlrean Mapson, Board President at PriceCathedralPastor19@gmail.com
Susan Jackson, Board Secretary at SJackson@stpaulswilmington.org