SOV Sunday School Teacher
Department: Children’s Ministry / Faith Formation
Reports To: Pastor, or designated staff leader
Location: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, West Hills, CA
Member of the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Church of America
Status: Part-time / Seasonal / Hourly or Volunteer, depending on church structure
Schedule: Two Sundays per month during worship
Position Summary
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is seeking a dependable, caring, and spiritually grounded Sunday School Teacher to serve children ages 5 through grade 6. This position provides faith formation for children through the use of the Sparkhouse curriculum during worship two Sundays per month. The teacher will help create a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment where children can grow in faith, learn Bible stories, and experience the church as a place where all are invited, affirmed, and loved. Shepherd of the Valley is a Reconciling in Christ congregation committed to welcome, inclusion, equity, and justice.
Essential Functions
Prepare and teach Sunday School lessons using the Sparkhouse curriculum.
Lead classes for children ages 5 through grade 6 during worship two Sundays per month.
Create an age-appropriate learning environment that is safe, inclusive, and nurturing.
Encourage participation through storytelling, prayer, discussion, activities, and movement.
Support children’s spiritual growth in alignment with the church’s mission to worship, learn, care, and connect.
Communicate effectively with parents, volunteers, and church staff.
Maintain classroom materials and notify staff of supply needs.
Follow all church child safety policies and procedures.
Qualifications
Commitment to the Christian faith and comfort leading children in faith-based learning.
Experience working with children in church, school, or volunteer settings preferred.
Ability to teach in an engaging, age-appropriate, and relational manner.
Strong reliability, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to support an inclusive environment consistent with Shepherd of the Valley’s values and RIC identity.
Background Check and Safety Requirements
Successful completion of the church’s required child-safety screening process.
DOJ Live Scan fingerprint background check for individuals who work directly with children, as required under California child-protection standards for youth-serving organizations.
Any additional background screening, training, or child protection requirements established by Shepherd of the Valley.
Completion of any required child abuse prevention or mandated reporter training, if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience with Sunday School, children’s ministry, or faith formation.
Familiarity with Lutheran theology or willingness to learn.
Experience using the Sparkhouse curriculum or similar resources.
Time Commitment
Two Sundays per month during the worship hour.
Preparation time before each teaching Sunday.
Occasional training, planning, or check-in meetings as scheduled.
Working Conditions
Primary work occurs in a church classroom setting.
May require sitting, standing, reading aloud, and assisting children with activities.
Must be able to work with children of varying ages and learning styles.
Equal Opportunity / Welcome Statement
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church welcomes and affirms all persons and seeks to foster a community rooted in God’s love, respect, dignity, inclusion, and justice. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we welcome people of every race, ethnicity, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family status, ability, and background.
Pay: $23.84 - $28.71 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Can you share an experience where you successfully guided a group of children through a story or concept from the Bible?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person