EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OVERVIEW
Church of the Cross, in Boston’s vibrant Fenway neighborhood, is actively seeking an Executive Director who will bring strategic leadership and operational excellence to our growing community. We are looking for a dynamic individual with an appreciation for the Anglican tradition, who is spiritually mature and possesses strong skills in leadership, administration, management, and communication. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with our Rector to implement our church's vision –– managing operations, finances, human resources, and IT. The Executive Director will play a crucial role in helping our community to grow in our capacity to support and engage in broader mission activities, to become a church that not only nurtures its own community but also supports the wider church, developing and sending out mission-minded leaders, and multiplying our ministries and resources across the larger body of Christ. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a diverse, educated urban environment and is excited to facilitate the seamless operation of our services and programs, contributing significantly to our mission in a city that blends historical richness with contemporary challenges.
OUR CHURCH
In 2008, 12 individuals gathered to pray and share a meal, forming the foundation of what would become the Boston Anglican Mission. The following year, the community welcomed its first pastor and began to convene regularly for worship under the name Church of the Cross. This marked the beginning of a significant growth phase. Over the next 11 years, the church evolved, transitioning from evening to Sunday morning services at its current location in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Following the departure of the first pastor in 2020, the congregation welcomed Dave Friedrich as the senior pastor in 2021. Currently, Church of the Cross proudly hosts a congregation of over 170 attendees each week, complemented by a lively group of over 60 children. Given our consistent growth, we are exploring the potential of adding a second service in the upcoming year.
OUR CONTEXT
Church of the Cross is a missional family in the heart of Boston. Founded in 1630, Boston is the oldest major city in the United States and is filled with reminders of the American Revolution and historically significant sites such as the Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution, and the Freedom Trail. Depending on where you draw the geographic boundary, the Boston area has between 50 and 100 colleges and universities. Many at Church of the Cross are students who came to the area originally to pursue a degree or work at one of the many universities in our city. There is also a growing hub of healthcare-related technology and industry in Boston, drawing many who work in these fields to the city and to our church. According to Pew research data, Massachusetts is tied for the least religious state in the country: 58% of residents identify as Christian, but only 23% (of any religion) attend weekly services. Calling people toward Jesus in a city that places such a high value on intellect while also being very skeptical of the Christian message is challenging and requires ministers to be nuanced and patient. While we worship in downtown Boston, members come from all over the city and the greater Boston area, representing many different towns and neighborhoods. As we look to the future, our vision includes fostering the growth of Anglican church plants throughout these communities.