Urban Sanctuary is a boldly progressive spiritual community in an extraordinary location adjacent to City Hall, arts venues, and San Jose State University. The congregation is actively involved with the neighborhood and deeply connected to the needs in the urban corridor. This small, yet highly engaged congregation is rooted in the Christian tradition, following in the ways of Jesus, who lived in solidarity with the poor, practiced compassion, and challenged unjust practices. Here, questions are encouraged, and other Wisdom traditions are valued as sources for greater understanding of the Divine presence in the world.
The congregation shares its building with Recovery Café San Jose, a vibrant nonprofit launched by the congregation 11 years ago. RCSJ is a healing community open five days per week to provide recovery resources. In addition, the congregation’s Center for Arts, Spirituality, and Activism (CASA) aims to bring together the larger community to foster healing movements at the intersection of arts, spirituality, and activism.
Key Ministry Goals:
- Community Growth: Grow and share our supportive, diverse, inclusive community in joyful, interactive, creative, and contemplative worship.
- CASA Expansion: Strengthen and expand our Center for Arts, Spirituality, and Activism as a resource for spiritual healing, activism, connection, and collaboration with social justice and arts groups.
- Sustainability: Accompany us as we settle property use decisions (exploring options like affordable housing) and work toward greater financial stability and sustainability.
- Partnership: Deepen connections with non-profits, including the thriving onsite Recovery Café San José (RCSJ), and continue collaborations with other downtown spiritual communities.
Seeking Candidates Who Have These Qualities:
- Ministry Credentials: Must have or be willing to obtain accountable professional ministry credentials with the congregation’s affiliated traditions (see below). Lay candidates should have extensive involvement in a congregation and strong lay leadership experience. Individuals without active, long-term experience in a spiritual community should not apply.
- Spiritual Community Leadership: Values other spiritual traditions/practices in addition to progressive Christian values.
- Caring & Supportive: Excellent listener; attentive to the needs of members; an understanding of trauma-informed care; patience with, and genuine respect for those who have endured significant suffering.
- Collaborative & Organized: Possesses good organizational and delegation skills, strong technical expertise, recognizes the gifts of others and utilizes them well. Community organizing skills (or willingness to learn) are especially appreciated.
- Urban Experience: Eager and willing to engage the opportunities and deeply challenging aspects of urban ministry. Has an understanding of, and compassion for, those who have lived with the trauma of homelessness and poverty.
- Financial and Tech Resource Development: Ability to write grants or a willingness to learn, with a particular focus on funding for CASA. Can contribute insights and the ability to enhance the congregation’s digital presence in the community.
An excellent opportunity to combine with a second part-time position to create a complementary presence in the city.
Dually Affiliated Congregation: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ
Location: 80 S. 5th St., San Jose, CA 95112
www.urbansanctuarysj.org
To apply or for more information, please contact the Search Committee at [email protected]