Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Reports to: Lead Pastor
Status: Part-time
FLSA: Exempt
Expected Hours: 15-18 hours/week with adjustment for activities like VBS, Mission Trips, etc.
Job Summary: The Director of Children and Youth Ministries works to create a supportive and engaging program for children and youth that connects them to, and grows their understanding of, the love of Christ for all people through programs, missions, and outreach into the community.
For Seminary Students: The Director of Children and Youth can also be a Field Education Placement for LPTS Students through the LPTS Field Education Office. This position can also involve quarterly Preaching, participation in Congregational Care, Worship Planning, and more if the student desires a more holistic ministry experience.
Description of Role through our Vision
Seek
o Work with the Age Level and Family Council in planning a variety of events/activities for the youth/children and attend the events to show support to the families.
o Attend staff meetings and church activities.
o Develop new outreach activities to connect to families in the community.
o Form relationships with Watkins Preschool Staff, Teachers, and Families.
Connect
o Build relationships with children and youth through personal involvement.
o Create children and youth meetings and activities that encourage spiritual growth and engagement.
o Develop close, collaborative, relationship with Pastoral, staff, and leadership teams to support the ministries of the church through open communication and dialogue.
o Advocate for Children and Youth participation in the life of the church through worship, activities, and committee membership in an ongoing effort through attendance at Staff, Worship, Age Level and Family Ministries, Children’s Governing Board, and Lead Team Meetings.
o Develop a budget that reflects the mission and financial capabilities of the church.
o Communicate activities and needs of the ministry continuously through social media, presentations, announcements, and all church methods.
o Connect directly with parents/guardians of children/youth to develop consistent two-way communication and input regarding the activities and needs of their family members.
Nurture
o Identify, recruit, train and oversee the adult volunteers for implementing the programs
o Encourage youth involvement in service to the Church through worship, committees, etc.
o Create an environment in which a grace-filled, and Wesleyan theology (UMC) is taught and formed within each student and child.
o Promote a youth experience that leads individuals to a strong relationship in Christ and encourages them to safely discuss, question, and express emotions as they build community together.
o Recognize the value of every person as a child of God.
o Ensure safety and emergency procedures are in place.
o Monitor and enforce child safety and abuse policies of the church.
o Provide ongoing support and resources to families of youth and children.
o Develops and encourages relationships that foster a Christian atmosphere within the church and its activities.
Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of United Methodist theology.
- Excellent communication skills both orally and written.
- Skill to organize and plan events successfully.
- Ability to enlist volunteer help from others in the church.
- Computer literate and familiar with MS Word, Teams, and Outlook.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
- Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
- Training and/or experience in youth/children ministries.
- Master of Divinity (or similar applicable degree) completed or in progress would be a plus.
Standards of Professional Expectation
- Materials and Volunteers for weekly children and youth programs shall be prepared on a monthly schedule and available for presentation at the weekly staff meeting. The materials will be kept in the appropriate O365 location unless found only in hard copy.
- Materials used in all programs should fit with the teaching and theology of the UMC.
- Events and Programs shall be coordinated with the Age Level and Family Ministry Committee.
- Communication with parents/guardians should be weekly and consistent in a format that is easily understood and consumed by families.
- All policies of Watkins UMC and the United Methodist Church should be followed including Safe Sanctuary.
- The ability to maintain strict confidentiality is required in this position. There should be no disclosure of names of persons, topics of conversation, or any other protected or private information related to children, youth, or families at the church.
- Interactions with others are respectful and professional.
- Social Media and Public Presentation reflect a Christian approach.
- Demonstrates an understanding of Mission and Vision.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- Why are you interested in this position?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Louisville, KY 40241: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person