Southeast Christian Church
Southeast Christian Church is on the front lines of the changing mission field of Christianity in this country. They are located in Salt Lake City. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants hands-on experience with student ministry.
Expected Work Hours: Full-time Residency
Expected Monthly Pay: $800 - $1,000/month plus housing
I truly believe this is a wonderful opportunity for someone who would like to go into student ministry. We have a solid core and some great volunteers. The church is on a growth trajectory. We are growing and have had 7 baptisms the last 7 weeks. We also have a few that are ready, just deciding on the date. God is doing incredible things at Southeast!!!
— Mike Packer, Lead Minister
See their facebook & instagram feeds @southeastslcut
The following Q & A is with Mike:
Why did you choose to do a residency & what are you hopeful will happen through this process?
Ultimately, we have a deep desire to raise up more and better disciples with an end goal of planting churches. My hope is that the resident program with Leadership Pathway will help us cultivate a healthy pipeline for ministers. I am also hoping the time that we spend working with Leadership Pathway will also improve our current volunteer system.
What is it like to work on staff there?
I think it’s fun. It’s hard. Ministry in Utah is extremely difficult. However, the wins are amazing!
Does your church’s website state the mission, vision, values and key distinctives of your church? Please paste the link:
https://southeast.cc/home/who-we-are
Please describe the current staff structure.
We are elder protected and staff driven.
Eldership (K.R. Heiden, Bill Burnam)
Lead Minister (Mike Packer)
Executive Director (Emilie Wallace)
Worship Minister (Matthew Richardson)
Teams Director (Betty Kahrs)
Groups Director (John Huey)
Student Director (Jim & Lisa Wolfe)
Kids Director (Julie Hessheimer)
What qualities does it take to “win” on staff at your church?
We have worked hard to develop a staff culture that embodies these values:
// Dig Your Well Deep – We are dependent on Jesus.
// No Nuclear Codes – We prepare well but understand variables and mistakes.
// Run Towards Awkward – We have hard conversations, say the last 10%.
// Close the Loop – We over-communicate and follow up.
// Don’t Make Excuses; Make Things Happen – We figure things out.
// No Coffee Rules – We don’t make unnecessary rules.
// Difference Between Playing Hurt and Playing Injured – Everybody has stress but there are times we need a break.
Who will the resident report to? Will there be a different person acting as coach?
Lead Minister, Mike Packer
Are there particular assessment tools that you prefer when exploring potential staff people?
We personally love the Thinking Wavelength. https://joemcfadden.org/2019/09/16/thinking-wavelength-a-way-of-organizing-the-world/
Are you affiliated with a particular denomination or tribes/association of churches? If so, what websites could one investigate to gain further understanding?
Christian Church / Church of Christ
What are the key doctrinal and theological issues where alignment is essential?
The ones listed on our website. https://southeast.cc/home/who-we-are.
Baptism.
We are complementarian (light).
What is your average weekend attendance?
At the beginning of 2022 we had 90. Currently we are averaging 140.
In general, what is your church demographic?
We are getting younger and younger.
Is there more than one site or venue? If so, please describe.
No a single site.
How many conversions has your church had in the past 12 months? (however you define this and whatever you count)
14 and most of those have happened recently. We are in a season of exciting growth.
What percentage of people are involved in a small group?
60%
What is your church known for in the community?
Outreach and Prayer. (We host a monthly foodbank and clothing closet. We have community events throughout the summer.
How much are you planning on financially compensating your resident? Is it set or is it flexible?
$800 - $1000 a month ($200 per week) plus housing. Fixed.
What are the expected work hours and what does a typical work week look like for this resident?
Sunday morning worship.
Monday (All staff are required to be in the office on Mondays)
The rest of the week is flexible. However, we would expect him or her to:
Be with students.
Be involved in a Southeast Group (small group / bible study)
Be at events involving students.
Be involved in events requiring all staff (Christmas Eve, Easter, outreach events, etc.)
Be involved in disciple making relationships.
What else would you say to a resident considering joining your team?
Southeast is on an upward trend in understanding who we are as a church and God’s unique purpose for us. We have seen incredible growth (numerically and spiritually) over the last year. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to grow with us.
Utah is a mission field. It comes with many challenges, but it is rewarding.