Bishop of the Allegheny Conference

Essential Responsibilities: It is understood that the particular gifts and abilities of a Bishop will determine the degree to which certain tasks are best accomplished through other gifted individuals, whether pastors, lay leaders, or conference staff. At the same time, the Bishop assumes overall responsibility for each aspect of this job description: Spiritual LeadershipProvides spiritual leadership and pastoral oversight of all members of the conference through, and including, the pastors and lay leaders Leads the Regional Conference Board of Directors Initiates and develops denominational vision/strategy through participation on Leadership Council Aligns and communicates conference vision and mission with denominational vision and mission Inspires and mobilizes the conference toward fulfillment of the church’s mission Serves as a resource person for preaching, retreats, etc. Leadership DevelopmentProvides for and encourages a mentoring network among pastors Provides regular review of pastoral leadership in congregations Arranges for training and development opportunities, both group and one-on-one, for pastors and conference leadership Personally knows and “feels” the needs and aspirations of today’s pastors Promotes a conference wide thrust for the developing and affirming of emerging leaders Implements a system of member care for conference pastors and spouses Church PlantingIdentifies, recruits and develops persons within the conference passionate about church planting Mobilizes congregations to contribute prayer and people to church planting ventures Creates strategies and deploys mechanisms that accelerate church planting Provides for coaching and development of church planters in a wide range of day-to-day issues Leads in demographic development (i.e., cells, services, sites) and long-term church planting vision Pastoral Selection & ReviewProvides for the screening and credentialing of ministerial candidates according to the process established by BIC U.S. Provides leadership and experiential wisdom to the pastoral search process within congregations Develops, intentionally and diligently, familiarity with pastors serving across the general church with the goal of identifying personal gifts, traits and goals corresponding to particular vacancy needs Utilizes tools, discernment gifts and the ability to hear, see, and know congregational dynamics in order to station a pastor that will lead the congregation toward health and growth Administrative OversightOversees the health and development of congregations in the conference Encourages, mentors, and coaches pastors in dealing with congregational issues Speaks into and intervenes, as needed, in situations of conflict and crisis management Oversees the administration of the conference, including management of the regional Budget Serves on Leadership Council with the capacity to: 1) trust other leaders, 2) engage in unfiltered constructive debate, 3) commit to team decisions and plans of action, 4) hold one another accountable for delivering on developed plans, and 5) focus on collective results rather than personal agendas. FlexibilityPlease note that this job description is flexible in terms of emphasis and particular assignments. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. In consultation with the GCB, Regional Board of Directors and by mutual consent, responsibilities may be shifted or shared between the General Church Administrators in accordance with gifting, training, and need. Travel & HoursThe role of Bishop involves travel and requires the ability to move about outside the office and operate motor vehicles on a regular basis. This position recurrently requires long hours and frequent weekend work. Qualifications & Competencies A vital and maturing relationship with Jesus Christ and a heart for BIC U.S. A Master of Divinity degree preferred, with openness to pursue further education. An ordained BIC U.S. minister. Possess knowledge and experience related to the work of pastors and church planting. Have a good understanding of Brethren in Christ theology. Ability to shape vision for a geographic region in unison with the wider vision of the church. Possess strong relational and communication skills. Fluency in both English and Spanish preferred. Ability in administration, committed to and capable of collaborative leadership. Ability to hear and assimilate layers of communication from various church contexts. Familiar with, and committed to, the use of Information Technology. Physical Demands of the Work EnvironmentThe Bishop position operates primarily in a church office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and regularly operating standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This position requires mobility within the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. While performing the duties of the job, the Bishop is often required to remain in a stationary position while making presentations; handle or control objects, tools, or controls; communicate, discern, and discuss within both public and private contexts. The bishop may be requested to lift and carry up to 20 pounds at a time, often carrying Audio/Visual equipment to events. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified persons with disabilities. As an employee of BIC U.S., the Bishop is expected to adhere to the Statements of Christian Life and Practice (pp. 19–21, MDG), and the BIC U.S. Employee Handbook. Download PDF Of Job DescriptionPublished on August 18, 2026