Job opening: Washington Street Director of Children and Youth Ministries
JOB TITLE: Director of Children and Youth Ministries
REPORTS TO: Senior Minister, or Staff Position Designated by Senior Minister
REVISION DATE: February 6, 2024
SUMMARY: The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will have a clear calling to serve in a ministry setting as well as a desire for the children, youth, their families and caretakers to fully experience the love of Jesus Christ. The Director will oversee all aspects of children and youth ministries (birth–high school), including equipping, and celebrating volunteers and staff and aligning family ministries with the overall vision and mission of WSUMC.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
§ Plan and execute a clear vision for WSUMC Children and Youth Ministries
o Be intentional about building relationships with parents, children and youth
o Develop and lead, in conjunction with Ministry team volunteers, a seasonal calendar of ministry events and programs related to children, youth and families. (Examples: Fall Festival, Nativity Play, Easter Event, Summer programs, Youth Spiritual Life Retreats, VBS, etc.)
o Plan for and promote youth and family involvement in Conference sponsored ministries (ex: Salkehatchie, Revolution, etc.)
o Maintain an awareness of theologically sound curriculum resources and educational technology
o Be willing to be innovative in curriculum choices, so that lessons are engaging for children and students of diverse backgrounds (culturally, ethnically, and socio-economically) in order to nurture their faith in Christ.
o Re-engage a strong relationship with the CDC staff and families including:
Ø a weekly chapel service offered to the CDC children
Ø intentionally building relationships with CDC parents and children
Ø actively participating on the CDC board
o Other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor or SPPRC
§ Develop robust and healthy volunteer teams for Children and Youth Ministries
o Recruit, equip, and empower volunteers from various backgrounds and life stages to serve on a Children’s Ministry Team, a Youth Ministry Team and a Family Ministry Team. The purpose of these teams will be to:
Ø offer support for ministry volunteers, children, youth, families and you
Ø offer advice, give input, share ideas/suggestions and
Ø offer their time and talent to assist with ministry implementation.
o Recruit, train, schedule, support and affirm teachers for all age level Sunday school classes, Children’s church and nurseries.
o Create clear and efficient systems and processes for all aspects of Children and Youth Ministries
Ø Developing, publishing, communicating and supervising a rotation schedule for volunteers
Ø Ensuring supplies for crafts, games, etc. for Sunday school lessons, Children’s Church, Nursery, Youth events and any family activities are provided in a timely manner
Ø Communicating regularly with Volunteer teams, teachers and ministry leaders, youth and the families of children and youth using modes appropriate to the nature of the communication: (Es: phone calls, email, text messages, REALM app notifications, The Connection newsletter, Instagram/Facebook posts, etc.)
o Develop a culture of affirmation, celebration and cooperation
o Create opportunities for congregation members to participate as volunteers, mentors and participants in this ministry area
§ Create a vibrant, dynamic, and safe environment for Children and Youth Ministries
o Serve as The Safe Sanctuary Coordinator
Ø Work with Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and Trustees to review policy annually
Ø Ensure all volunteers working with children and youth are adequately trained in the adopted Safe Sanctuary Policy and that background checks are cleared before volunteers are scheduled to serve
Ø Schedule training opportunities at least once annually to remind current volunteers of the policy guidelines and to train new volunteers
o Work in cooperation with the trustees to ensure a safe, clean and adequate physical environment for all children, youth and family ministry events and programs.
o Work in cooperation with the trustees to plan for projected future safety and/or physical environment and equipment needs
o Develop and foster healthy lines of communication between children, youth and family ministries, the CDC staff, other service areas and church council committees and staff to ensure integrated program
o Develop new spiritual growth opportunities by nurturing families with children and youth through personal contacts with current and new members, guests and community members
o Coordinate and serve as a resource with the Senior Pastor to develop and schedule Confirmation classes for youth
o Coordinate and serve as a resource with the Community Life Team to help encourage involvement of youth in defined programing and fellowship events
o Coordinate education needs, calendar, space, staffing, and financial resources with other staff and volunteers to enhance the total life and ministry of the church.
o Plan, submit, and administer the budget for Children, Youth and Family Ministries
o Maintain appropriate records, reports and statistics to support such efforts.
§ Contribute to and participate in a healthy staff and church culture
o Attend and present regular updates to the Church Council on Children, Youth and Family Ministries outlining program enhancements and future development of family ministry.
o Attend worship services and other church functions.
o Attend monthly staff meetings.
o Promote staff unity: support and assist colleagues
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree preferred
· 2+ years paid experience in youth & children ministry preferred
· Proficient in MS Office, Google applications, social media platforms, and a working knowledge of various communication technologies
· Trained, or willing to be trained, in First Aid and CPR
· A team player who is personable and possesses highly effective organizational, relational, and communication skills
· Possess a teachable spirit with a desire to grow in faith and abilities
· Possess a personal growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a working knowledge of the Bible
· Possess a passion for children, youth, and families, seeking to build relationships with children, youth, and families, and assist them in cultivating and deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ.
· Willingness to be an active member of the WSUMC worshiping community
WORKING CONDITIONS
· Working conditions are normal for a church environment.
· This position is full-time.
· Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
· A benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings.
· Ministry cannot always be defined by office hours, time spent in preparation for ministry opportunities, or time spent directly with church members. The average amount time required for this ministry is at minimum forty hours with both direct contact hours with church members and time spent in preparation with each ministry opportunity. The hours worked in this position will be flexible, some weekends and evenings will be required, some parts of the position can be performed remotely while other parts of the position will need to be performed at the church building.
TO APPLY
Email [email protected]