Valley Church in West Des Moines is looking for a creative, passionate individual for a full-time, 40 hour a week, Children’s Ministry Elementary Associate role to oversee all 2nd-3rd grade ministry. This person should have a desire to share the Gospel with children, invest in volunteers, and support parents in their mission to raise their children to be more like Jesus. Along with leading 2nd-3rd grade ministry, this person will work with the rest of the Children’s Ministry staff in events and efforts to grow the faith of kids at Valley Church.
OBJECTIVE: To advance the mission and vision of Valley Church by providing spiritual formation and connecting with/leading students, parents, and volunteers in our elementary program.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
● Education: 2-4 year college degree. Preferred degree in a ministry or education or a field relating to children and/or families.
● Experience: 5+ years of volunteer or paid experience in children’s or youth ministry.
● Church Home: Must be a regular and involved attender at Valley Church.
COMPENSATION/STATUS: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Compensation commensurate with experience and education. See Personnel Policies for details.
ROLE: The CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ELEMENTARY ASSOCIATE IS …
● Healthy Relationship Champion: Minister to, encourage, pray for, and be personally involved in the lives of volunteers and families.
● Team Builder: Can build teams and identify high-capacity leaders. Empowers others to lead. Experienced multiplier/builder (rather than just a great doer, this role is a great equipper).
● Solution specialist: Able to identify problems and find solutions.
● Team player: You are part of two larger teams: Children’s Ministry team and church staff team. We support, help, and serve each other as needed to accomplish the vision and mission.
PERSONALLY: The CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ELEMENTARY ASSOCIATE IS …
● Theologically and missionally aligned: Agrees with the theology and mission of Valley Church and the EFCA.
● Trustworthy: Has unwavering loyalty to Christ and the church. Understands sensitive situations and maintains complete confidentiality. Skilled with diplomatic endeavors.
● Self-aware individual: Knows where he or she is weak; finds others to fill in those gaps. Emotionally intelligent and healthy.
● Flexible: Understands the complexity of working with a variety of staff and perspectives, and collaboratively works with patience, flexibility, and grace.
● Personable: Friendly, caring, and approachable for the kids, parents, volunteers, and staff. Truly enjoys teaching and connecting with children.
● Responsible: Able to take ownership of commitments.
● Time manager: Does not require external systems to prioritize; is intrinsically motivated.
● Energetic Multi-Tasker: Able to work on a broad range of projects and levels.JOB: The
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ELEMENTARY ASSOCIATE IS responsible for …
● Leadership: Provide primary leadership for Elementary Children during Sunday and Wednesday programming while also assisting the CM team with additional needs, programs, outreach.
● Curriculum Development, Large and Small group teaching: Create, develop, and edit age-appropriate curriculum and activities. Teach in large and small group settings.
● Leadership pipeline: On-going recruitment of volunteers, training of leaders, and identifying potential leaders and moving them to the next level.
● Security: Communicate and maintain Children’s Ministry policies and procedures as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, children, and their families.
● Communication: Disseminate curriculum to leaders. Encourage, teach, disciple, and communicate vision to CM teams on a weekly basis. Communicate with parents and students regularly in ways that are purposeful and engaging.
● Teamwork: Promote a spirit of harmony and goodwill toward leadership, staff, and volunteers. Work together with CM to execute on-going events and new or short-term programs.
● Volunteer appreciation: Plan, organize and prepare for events/gifts that show appreciation to volunteers. Work with other CM staff to develop a clear plan to implement.
● Bridge building: Creatively plan ways to engage with kids not yet part of Valley Church to provide on-ramps for engagement and community. Vision cast, resource, and help parents and students to build bridges into our community.
● Creativity: Use their God given talents and gifts in various capacities. This might include utilizing social media or videography, teaching, music, event planning, or other specific ways God leads.
● Other duties as assigned by Associate Director: Including but not limited to - Great Pumpkin Party, Easter with Kids, and summer events and programs. SUCCESS of the
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ELEMENTARY ASSOCIATE is defined by …
● Engaging, age-appropriate environments and experiences that shape the faith of children.
● A vibrant student and adult volunteer culture
● Healthy relationships with children, parents, volunteer leaders, and staff.
● Developing and training volunteer leaders.
● Families are resourced to provide discipleship at home and reach their community.
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
