Brian Comeno
NLS President
president@viadecristo.org
My Via de Cristo experience started with my weekend, Light in the Desert weekend #23 back in 2016. My weekend had such a profound impact on my life and I love to see this movement bloom and grow. I was blessed to be the Rector of Light in the Desert VdC weekend #32, and have been passionately serving as Lay Director of Light in the Desert VdC since 2019. I am a servant leader, my profession is in the service industry and that is the type of leadership I hope to provide to the National Secretariat. I will draw on my experiences as Lay Director, and Christ’s guidance through prayer, to work with all of you to grow this VdC movement we all love so much.
God Loves You and So Do I!!
Role Description
The President is a responsible servant of Jesus Christ who wishes to glorify God by coordinating all work of the NLS Executive Committee (EC)and serves as the official representative of NLS to the Church and all sister 4th Day ministries. The President will be a tireless advocate promoting the mission of Via de Cristo.
- Elected by the delegates at a National Lutheran Secretariat (NLS) Annual Gathering to a two-year term. Renewable by election for a second two-year term.
- Serves without compensation.
- Accountable to the affiliated Via de Cristo secretariats through the NLS Executive Committee (EC).
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Prays regularly for the leaders of NLS affiliated Secretariats and the members of the NLS EC.
- Participates as an active member of a Renewal Group
- In partnership with the Executive Director, represents the NLS and Via de Cristo in promoting the Good News of Christ using the Via de Cristo method at: Ultreyas and meetings of Lutheran church bodies, other denominations and other 4th Day ministries.
- Directs and coordinates the EC efforts, as needs and experience dictate, and to make and clarify additional assignments to maximize their effectiveness.
- With the advice and consent of the EC, appoints individuals to other national positions. The current appointed positions are:
- Communications Director
- Palanca Coordinator
- Technology Administrator
- NLS Distribution Center Coordinator
- Database Coordinator
- Historian/Archivist
- Non Profit Compliance Coordinator
- Sets the Annual Meeting agenda and Mid-Year Meeting agenda with EC approval and convenes and chairs all NLS meetings.
- Annually reviews and/or modifies the job descriptions of the appointed positions, with input and recommendations from the Executive Committee.
- Along with the Executive Director, envisioning, development and monitoring the Five-Year Plan created by the Executive Board.
- Maintains an accurate and timely manual for this position including a timeline of responsibilities.
- Provides an annual report of activities to the Vice President of Administration for inclusion in the Annual Gathering binder no later than June 15 of each year.
- Appoints the chairperson(s) and members of each of the following temporary committees:
- The Audit Committee – to review both the Treasurer’s records and the records of the NLS Distribution Center.
- The Parliamentarian – to serve at the Annual Gathering.
- The Nominating Committee – to establish a slate of potential candidates
Supervisory Responsibilities
The President supervises all activities of the NLS.
Knowledge, Skills, and Related Gifts
- Extensive understanding and insight into the Via de Cristo method and the 4th Day movement.
- A clear understanding of Cursillo® history and the other 4th Day ministries that have evolved since Cursillo® began.
- Interpersonal human relation skills are essential.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to delegate duties as needed to others.
- Presents self well with an ability to comfortably speak publicly.
- Demonstrates leadership skills in large group situations.
- Working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
- Good reputation among peers.
- Able to keep agendas, schedules, meetings, and committees on track and reasonably on time.
- Computer skills are essential.
Fiscal Responsibility
See supervisory responsibilities
Extent of Public Contact: High
The President will have extensive contact with people from all walks of life. As the official representative of Via de Cristo, the President, in partnership with the Executive Director, will meet and greet Church officials, government officials, educational leaders, representatives from other countries, as well as the many pilgrims who wish to make use of the President’s knowledge, experience, and skill.
Physical Demands
Due to the nature of the office there are physical demands placed on the President due to travel and long meetings, including phone conversations. The President should take advantage of as many communication devises (telephone, e-mail, voice and video conferencing, etc.) as reasonably possible. The skill the President uses in using such devises will determine the extent of travel that may be necessary.
Attempts should be made to be visible at Church body and at other 4th Day ministry meetings. There will be many requests for the President’s participation in visioning and organizational meetings.