Wakefield UMC is a vibrant church looking for the right person to lead our growing children’s ministry program. We are an engaging congregation with a strong sense of community, hospitality, and missions. We are looking for a dynamic, personable, and energetic person who can mold and expand an already successful children’s ministry program, in collaboration with our volunteers and Children’s Ministry Team.
This is a part-time position at 25-30 hours per week, with room for growth as the church continues to grow. The Director of Children’s Ministry reports to and collaborates with the Pastor of Family Ministry.
ABOUT US
Wakefield UMC strives to be a faithful, Christ-centered community focused on the mission to grow a church where people at any stage of their faith journey can experience a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. Our priority ministry areas include relevant and formational worship; enriching children, youth, and adult ministries; life-giving hospitality and outreach; and intentional spiritual formation.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT
“The Children’s Ministry of Wakefield UMC exists to develop life-long followers of Christ through education, fellowship, and mission opportunities. We seek to invite, engage, and strengthen children to share God’s love in their families, community, and beyond.”
KEY ATTRIBUTES OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
A successful candidate will embrace the core values of our church by possessing the following attributes:
● Being highly adaptable and flexible
● Having a team-oriented approach
● Empowering our gifted volunteers
● Being able to relate and learn from others
● Being engaging and welcoming to new and existing families
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (25 hours/week)
● Coordinate and lead the children’s ministry program (Ignite)
● Lead the Children’s Ministry Team and collaborate with the team to set a vision for the faith formation of children
● Create a safe, loving, and hospitable environment for children and their families
● Build relationships with children and their families, especially new visitors
● Implement curriculum, oversee classroom setup, recruit and support volunteers, and supervise Sunday morning children's programming
● Empower, coordinate, and equip volunteers for Sunday mornings and other children’s events such as VBS, special events, and the 4th and 5th grade “Flame” group
● Plan and lead special Sunday services to include Children’s Sunday, Bible Sunday, etc.
● Communicate effectively with parents, children, and volunteers through email, newsletters, text messaging, and other communication platforms
● Manage children’s check-in process and keep online records up to date
● Coordinate nursery workers for Sunday mornings and MomCo meetings
● Oversee Safer Sanctuary training and implementation
● Participate in staff meetings, church events, and ministry planning activities
OPTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (additional 5 hours/week)
We recognize that exceptional candidates bring unique skills and experiences. As a result, the responsibilities below represent areas of focus currently being considered and may be tailored to align with the strengths of the selected candidate.
● Collaborate with the Engaging Team and others to coordinate church-wide family events (such as Trunk or Treat and Family Movie Night) that encourage fellowship and renewal
● Foster connections within the church and broader community by building relationships, participating in community events, identifying outreach opportunities, and helping welcome children and families into the life and ministries of the church
● Partner with church leadership to develop strategies for inviting, connecting, and engaging new children and families in the life of the church
EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS
● Passionate about creating welcoming environments where children and families can grow in faith, build relationships, and become active participants in the life of the church
● Demonstrates a strong and growing Christian faith, with a genuine love for God, children, and families
● Able to engage children of various ages and developmental stages, helping them understand and grow in their faith
● Supports and is willing to lead within the theology, values, and traditions of the United Methodist Church
● Demonstrates a collaborative spirit and is able to balance long-term vision with day-to-day ministry needs
● Builds strong relationships with parents, volunteers, and church members to recruit, equip, support, and retain volunteer leaders
● Available to work on Sundays and some evenings and weekends
● Has strong oral and written communication and organizational skills
● A bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as education, child development, religion, communication, or administration) or a suitable combination of education, training, and experience
● A minimum of 2-3 years of part-time or full-time children’s ministry experience in a congregational or educational setting preferred
● Experience supporting children with diverse learning, physical, or developmental needs is a plus
Pay: $32,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- In 2-3 sentences, why are you interested in a job in children's ministry?
Work Location: In person
