Searching the Scriptures (STS) Writer

Overview

Since 1979, Insight for Living Ministries (IFLM) has been committed to excellence in teaching the study and application of God’s Word. Pastor Chuck Swindoll and his wife, Cynthia, began the ministry by broadcasting Pastor Chuck’s Bible-teaching program, Insight for Living, on 18 stations. Today, the program airs on more than 2,000 stations, can be streamed through various online channels, and can be heard in 70 countries and eight languages.

We also produce quality Bible-study resources, have a dynamic online presence, provide pastoral counseling, and actively walk alongside listeners through life’s challenges. As a ministry, we’re committed to Vision 195, our strategic mission to pursue Jesus’ Great Commission by extending God’s grace and making disciples in all 195 countries and their 6,875 heart languages.

In addition to our international headquarters in Frisco, Texas, we currently have ministry offices in 10 countries, where our pastors translate resources, train church leaders to use Pastor Chuck’s Searching the Scriptures (STS) Bible-study methods, serve their communities, and pursue Vision 195 in their languages. When you join the IFLM family, you’ll become a part of a talented group of men and women uniquely gifted and called to help people around the world live with the lifechanging power of God’s Word.

Position Summary

The STS writer will develop resources that help Christians apply life-changing biblical truth to their lives. The writer will develop clear, relevant, biblically accurate, and interesting content—while remaining faithful to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s teaching and representative of his voice. This vital role will contribute to the mission of IFLM by equipping Christians to grow spiritually and become self-sufficient in their ability to nourish themselves through their own study of God’s Word. The writer will be highly proficient in Pastor Chuck’s Bible study method found in his book, Searching the Scriptures: Find the Nourishment Your Soul Needs. The writer will read Pastor Chuck’s sermon notes and transcripts, study biblical texts, and perform additional research as needed while developing these studies. In addition to writing Bible study resources, the writer will assist the senior vice president of STS Ministries in concepting, researching, drafting, editing, and proofing written content for a variety of ministry initiatives. As a creative thinker and self-starter, the writer engages IFLM’s constituency with content that helps them grow in their relationship with the Lord and advances the mission of IFLM.

Core Job Functions

STS Studies Production (70%)

Reads sermon transcripts and notes for developing STS studies, carefully examining Pastor Chuck’s specific Bible study method and key points in the sermon’s passage

Incorporates Pastor Chuck’s Bible study methods on necessary passages consulting the Searching the Scriptures trade book, concordances, Bible dictionaries, maps, handbooks, commentaries, and other necessary works

Develops clear, compelling, and engaging STS studies on assigned sermons demonstrating how to use Pastor Chuck’s Bible study method as well as walking readers and pastors through the four steps: observation, interpretation, correlation, and application

Delivers written content on time

Ministry Content Production (15%)

Concepts, researches, drafts, edits, or proofs written content for additional ministry projects such as the newsletter and appeal and for other departments including Biblical Counseling, Advancement, Ministry Events, Web Ministries, and others

Brainstorms new IFLM resources and product lines

Conducts theological peer reviews of written content ensuring all content aligns with the ministry’s doctrinal statement, culture, and communication style

Notes other appropriate edits for substance, color, and grammar

Professional Development (5%)

Hones and masters the biblical doctrine and communication style of Pastor Chuck

Commits to the challenges of growth and development according to IFLM’s Professional Development Plan

Pursues the designated knowledge or experience with a positive attitude

Completes all assigned tasks with excellence and on time

Team Member Contribution (10%)

Models IFLM’s core values through daily conduct

Exerts initiative and drive to improve departmental and organizational operations

Owns problems, creates solutions, and maintains personal accountability for results

Position Specifications

Job Qualifications

Master of Theology degree (ThM) from Dallas Theological Seminary

A mastery in the Bible study methods represented in the book, Searching the Scriptures: Find the Nourishment Your Soul Needs by Charles R. Swindoll

Published devotional works and Bible study curriculum, experience in writing under contract, or able to demonstrate exceptional writing at a popular level

A background in ministry work including discipleship, counseling, leading Bible studies, and ministering to the heart needs of others

Ability to lead initiatives and juggle several complex projects at a time

High attention to details

Superior organizational skills while multitasking

Extremely professional interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence

Humility, a high level of flexibility, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with others

Ability to anticipate and prioritize work with minimal direction

Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Word and Outlook