President · and partnerships that lead to significant contributions to the college. • The next president will build, equip, and work closely with the Advancement staff of the college

President

Dear Prospective Presidential Candidate, Thank you for your interest in Oak Hills Christian College as we conduct this important search for our next president. Earlier this year, President Hostetter announced to the Oak Hills community his resignation effective at the end of 2016. The Oak Hills Board has named Dr. Steven Ware as Interim President of Oak Hills Christian College during this time of transition and discernment.

We are confident that Oak Hills is being blessed by God’s grace, favor, and direction as we seek Him for the best representative to lead our ministry. We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile and explore the Oak Hills Christian College website.

If after reading the Profile, you sense your gifts and experience would fit with the needs of Oak Hills, please review the Process of Candidacy section and follow the instructions contained therein. If you have any questions, please contact me at: [email protected] or Tony Kroening, our Search Consultant at: [email protected]. Thank you again for your interest in Oak Hills Christian College and for your thoughtful prayers regarding this process. Sincerely,

Chair of the Oak Hills Christian College Presidential Search Committee

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE | PRESIDENT


Oak Hills Christian College is seeking a president to guide it and its associated ministries into an exciting future of continued service to God’s Kingdom. Oak Hills Christian College consists of a college and three associated ministries: Camp Oak Hills, Center for Indian Ministries (CIM) and the Church Ministries Department. In 1926, under a big oak tree on the shores of Lake Marquette near Bemidji, Minnesota, a small group of men with a vision and desire to reach Northern Minnesota for Christ prayed and asked God for land to be used for a Christian camp and training facility. That vision came to fruition with money raised and 14 acres of land purchased. That organization became Oak Hills Fellowship.

Camp Oak Hills was developed in 1927. After two decades of ministry in camping evangelism and church planting, the second part of the vision was realized through the development of a training facility, thus launching the component of higher education and calling it Oak Hills Christian Training School. Oak Hills Christian Training School became Oak Hills Bible Institute in 1961, Oak Hills Bible College in 1985, and Oak Hills Christian College in 1998.

The name and academic criteria have changed over the years, but the original purpose of teaching and equipping men and women to be effective servants of Jesus Christ continues to guide Oak Hills today.


Oak Hills Christian College is a Christian academic community whose mission is to provide biblically-centered higher education, which contributes to growth toward Christ- likeness and prepares students for effective service in their homes, careers, churches, and communities.

To accomplish its mission, OHCC uses the means of undergraduate higher education,including the study of the Bible as central to the formation of a Christian life and worldview; the study of human thought, history, and culture; the study of the theory and skills of Christian ministry; and the application of this learning in ministry and internship experiences.

This academic program is conducted within the context of a Christian college community in which all members are encouraged to treat each other respectfully as persons made in the image of God. Oak Hills seeks to serve a broad section of qualified students who profess faith in Christ and who desire a Bible-centered education. This educationalfoundation is provided through programs leading to our degrees.

The educational program at Oak Hills focuses on three primary ideas: • The Bible is inspired, authoritative and relevant. All of our students engage in

extensive study of God’s Word. • Education should be transformational. Students should grow in knowledge, faith,

grace and wisdom as a result of their studies. • Students should develop skills which will prepare them to serve with distinction, no

matter their vocation. Life is ministry.


Keeping in line with the Oak Hills Christian College purpose of teaching and equipping men and women to be effective servants of Jesus Christ, ministry and outreach are of key focus. Oak Hills consists of the college and three associated ministries.

Camp Oak Hills served the families of the MN Northwoods from 1927 to 1982 and reopened in summer of 2009. Throughout the past 8 summers, over 1000 campers have attended with 222 receiving Christ’s gift of salvation. The mission of Camp Oak Hills is to develop and equip life-long followers of Jesus Christ through quality Christian camp experiences using loving, trained, and service-driven staff. We are pursuing a vision for a year-round camp ministry to youth, families, and adults. Programs will include youth & adult retreats, family camps, outdoor education and team building, and wilderness trips.

The Center for Indian Ministries, established in 1987, grew out of a desire to evangelize and disciple the Native American people who are an integral part of the fabric of this region. Oak Hills is situated within a one hour drive of three Native American reservations; Leech Lake, Red Lake, and White Earth. Its mission is to facilitate the formation and strengthening of local Native American churches in Northern Minnesota by ministering to the whole person through godly example, evangelism, Bible teaching, discipleship, and biblical counsel. One means by which this takes place is the Mokahum Ministry Center, a discipleship training center for adults. It was designed with the purpose of bringing Native American people to life and maturity in Christ by equipping disciples and training leaders through culturally relevant biblical education, ministry training, and character formation.

Oak Hills Church Ministries provide support and resources to local churches, church leaders and church-related ministries in our North Central Region. Oak Hills is passionate about the local church as the hope for the world, and functions as a means to support and assist each local body of Christ by fulfilling the mandate given by God in Matthew 28:18-20. As an interdenominational entity, Oak Hills is uniquely positioned to assist and serve the church and church-related ministries to accomplish their mission and work. In the early days of Oak Hills, over 20 churches were planted and ministry was regularly carried out in over 40 different communities in Northern MN. Our Church Ministries staff are leading Oak Hills to engage and be responsive to meeting needs so as to strengthen the local church for its work in the world.


Affiliation: Interdenominational Enrollment: 125 Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1

DEGREES OFFERED BACHELOR OF ARTS • Biblical Studies• Camp Ministry and Biblical Studies• Intercultural Studies• Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies• Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE • Addictions Counseling• Applied Psychology• Business• Sports Management

BACHELOR (ONLINE)• Business Administration• Leadership and Ministry

ASSOCIATE (ONLINE)• Biblical Studies and Ministry ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (ONLINE)• Business Administration

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS• Associate in Arts • Associate in Arts in Biblical Studies• Associate in Arts in Pre-Communication• Associate in Arts in Pre-Elementary Education• Associate in Arts in Pre-Social Work

ONE-YEAR PROGRAM• Certificate in Biblical Studies

PSEO

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITIONS• Accredited by Association for Biblical

Higher Education (ABHE) • Recognized by US Department of Education• Recognized by the Council for Higher

Education Accreditation• Recognized by the MN Office of Higher

Education• Authorized by the National Council for State

Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

ATHLETICSSports Offered: 3 • Mens and Womens Basketball • Mens and Womens Cross Country• Womens Volleyball

Conference Affiliation: NIAC, NCCAANational Championship: 1 Conference Titles: 5 All-Americans: 10


THE POSITION The President of Oak Hills Christian College serves as the senior executive, having and exercising overall leadership for the College, Church Ministries Department, Camp Oak Hills, and the Center for Indian Ministries. The President reports to the Oak Hills Board of Directors. The President leads in clarifying and formulating the vision, and providing strategic leadership in developing long-term initiatives that will advance the mission of Oak Hills. The President serves as the institutional, academic, and spiritual leader of the school and associated ministries.

In the interim period, the President’s staff is structured with the following members: • College Team Leader• Vice President for Advancement• Chief Financial Officer• Mission Ministries Team Leader

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEXT PRESIDENT Spiritual Leadership • Above all, the president will ensure that the institution stays true to the mission of

“providing biblically-centered higher education which contributes to growing and equipping students toward Christ-likeness for effective service in their homes, careers, churches, and communities.”

• Be a spiritually-grounded and mature Christian displaying servant leadership that integrates faith and work.

• Be known as a person of strong character, respected as trustworthy, living a life of integrity consistent with biblical values.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEXT PRESIDENT

Fundraising Leadership • The next president should possess a demonstrated ability in developing relationships

and partnerships that lead to significant contributions to the college.

• The next president will build, equip, and work closely with the Advancement staff of the college to ensure fundraising success.

Institutional Leadership • The next president will have proven leadership skills, financial acumen, and strategic

planning abilities in order to effectively steward the resources of Oak Hills and to insure financial well-being.

• The next president needs to build, lead, and motivate the team, inspire, cast the vision, and drive new initiatives to effectiveness and completion, resulting in increased student enrollment and ministry participation.

• The next president must be an influencer, with the ability to engage and inspire students, families, church leaders, ministry leaders, and business leaders to join in the mission and ministry of Oak Hills.

Academic Leadership • The next president should be academically-minded and should have personal

accomplishments that reflect this commitment.

• The next president will demonstrate and encourage the meaningful integration of faith and learning in the lives and work of students and faculty.


PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEXT PRESIDENT

A Strong Faith in Christ – This individual will have a solid, visible relationship with Christ, which is evidenced by a heart for God.

A Ministry Heart and a Love for the Church – This individual will have a personal calling for evangelism and discipleship, and ministry training and readiness.

Relational and Approachable – This individual will be an engaging, compassionate person; genuinely captivated by and caring about the diverse groups that make up the college, the associated ministries, and the external constituents.

A Visionary and Inspirational Leader – This individual will be able to “see the possibilities” for the college, developing a vision and plan of action that the Board, faculty and community will embrace, while inspiring people to participate in the mission.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE “IDEAL” CANDIDATE• An advanced degree, preferably at the level of Ph.D. or D. Min.• Significant ministry leadership experience, possibly extending outside higher

education• At least 10 years in key leadership and administrative positions• Experience in vision development and strategic planning in rural cultures and ministry

settings• Fundraising/Advancement experience, with well-developed skills of persuasion and

influence in both formal/informal settings, rural cultures, and ministries• Presenting, preaching, and teaching experience in multiple forums• Familiarity with Board Policy Governance • Financial acumen and good business sense• Experience with enrollment/retention strategies


DULUTH

MINNEAPOLIS

FARGO

Oak Hills Christian College is situated on 185 acres with 3,000 feet of lakeshore on Lake Marquette. The campus is wooded with some walking trails and much natural beauty. Lake Marquette has a reputation as a great place to fish both summer and winter.

Bemidji is the first city on the Mississippi River and has approximately 15,000 residents. It serves as a regional hub for shopping, arts, entertainment, education, health services, and government services for almost 150,000 people. Bemidji is near Chippewa National Forest, Itasca State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, Big Bog State Recreation Area, and state forest areas. Bemidji has 400 lakes within 25 miles, 500 miles of snowmobile trails and 99 miles of cross country ski trails. It is home to Bemidji State University, has many recreational events throughout the year, and has a thriving theater and arts community.


PROCESS OF CANDIDACYAfter reading this Opportunity Profile, if you sense the gifts and experience God has given you are a good fit for the position of President at Oak Hills Christian College, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. All candidate information and conversations are handled confidentially. You may contact the SIMA Partners Consultant or the Search Chair at any stage of the process for more information and to ask questions. (Contact information is provided below.)

Please provide the following documents and responses for review: • A current resume or CV.• Responses to the following: 1. A brief biography, including your testimony and walk with the Lord. (1-2 pages) 2. Statement of your stance on doctrine and theology. (1-2 pages) 3. What is it about this position that attracts you at this particular time in your life? (1-2 pages) 4. Using what you have learned about Oak Hills Christian College from the website, this Opportunity Profile, and any other research you chose to conduct, what skills and experiences in your life lead you to believe that you can be an effective leader for the school and ministry? (1-3 pages) • Provide the names and contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses)

for four references that know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for the presidency. (References will only be contacted after we have requested and received your permission to do so.)

• Submit this information in Microsoft Word (.doc) format to: Tony Kroening at [email protected]

Documents

President · and partnerships that lead to significant contributions to the college. • The next president will build, equip, and work closely with the Advancement staff of the college