Position Summary
The Director of Faith Formation is an essential role at Deep River Congregational Church that requires adaptability, engagement, a passion for working with youth, and a willingness to work collaboratively.
This part-time position is responsible for fostering Christian education programs for children and youth from nursery age to Grade 12, through Sunday School (Faith Explorers), educational and fellowship activities that support the philosophy and ministerial goals of our church.
The ideal candidate requires a commitment to nurturing positive interpersonal relationships, and a sharing and modeling of faith in all activities. As a member of the church staff, the Director of Faith Formation cooperates and collaborates with the Minister, other staff members, and the Boards of Deacons and Christian Education.
Experience & Training
- Minimum of a two-year degree in education and/or theology preferred.
- Complete the UCC “Safe Conduct/ Safe Space” training within six weeks of hire and “Boundary Training” course requirements for Christian Educators within the first 6 months (or as soon as available).
- Experience in a Christian church preferred.
- Effective communicator.
- Successfully pass a CORI background check and maintain annually.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, train and support church school teachers. Ensure that all who are involved with Faith Formation model by example the nurturing, kind, respectful spirit expected from all Church school participants in their relationships with each other and the larger church community.
- Help recruit and support leadership for our youth groups.
- Prepare weekly lessons in Faith Formation/ Exploration. Collaborate with the minister on themes that meet the needs of the children and youth of our church.
- Keep accurate records, registration and attendance.
- Maintain a warm, inviting, uncluttered space for students, prospective family members, and teachers to discuss our church’s vision for Christian education.
- Ensure that our Church school operates under safe conduct guidelines for children of all abilities, and that staff and participants adhere to the provisions of the Community Covenant and BOCE Handbook for Parents/Guardians.
- Nurture new families and youth as they join or visit our church.
- Support and encourage youth to be actively involved in the church and its mission in the world.
- Meet regularly and attend monthly staff meetings with the Minister and staff to evaluate the work and progress of our age group Sunday School programming, its curriculum, participation, and to plan enhancements.
- Prepare an annual budget.
- Submit a Faith Formation article for the annual report at year-end.
- Be present on Sunday mornings. Give children’s message twice a month during Sunday worship. Assist with Youth Communion.
- Foster a welcome environment for all.
- Encourage intergenerational connections.
- Serve as a resource for members and staff in the area of Christian Education.
- Strive for the unity of the church by acting as an agent of reconciliation for conflicts that may arise.
- Be accessible to families via email, phone, and/or social media as regulated in our Safe Church Policy.
- Assist the minister in organizing the confirmation classes.
- Perform other duties from time to time as may be directed by the Minister.
Position Title: Director of Faith Formation
Supervisor: Minister
Hours: 16-18 hours per week, 47 weeks per year.
Compensation: $18,000 - $20,000 based on experience.
Start Date: This position is anticipated to start in August 2026, with flexibility for a transition period prior to the official start date.
Interested candidates should email their résumé and reference contacts to Pastor Cheryl:(Rev. Dr. Cheryl Caronna) [email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to consider joining Deep River Congregational Church as our Director of Faith Formation.
Deep River Congregational Church
P.O. Box 246, 1 Church Street, Deep River, Connecticut 06417
(860) 526-5045
deeprivercc.org
Pay: $24.00 - $26.60 per hour
Application Question(s):
- If hired, are you willing to complete UCC's "Safe Conduct/ Safe Space" and "Boundary Training" courses?
Work Location: In person