Position Description

Reports to: Minister of Congregational Life and Membership Development for program matters; Director of Finance and Administration for budget matters. Hours: 40 hours/week, including Sunday mornings

Purpose:

The church exists to glorify God, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and take part with the Holy Spirit in the healing of creation. After the successful 6-year tenure of our previous incumbent, we are looking for a vibrant and Spirit-filled Director of Children and Youth Ministries who will provide visionary leadership to expand our gospel reach into the community, who will bring structure and spiritual nurture in a way that speaks to contemporary families, who will encourage the participation of youth in worship, and who will create new ministry endeavors.

The goal of the Children’s and Youth Ministries at TEMC is to see children and youth grow in their faith in Jesus Christ, and to encourage continued spiritual growth throughout their formative years. We want to see children continue into youth programs and to see youth grow into active participants in the body of Christ and leaders in the church. The Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries will implement professional, safe, and effective programs for children (nursery school through Grade 6) and for youth (grades 7-12) to nurture spiritual growth and loving relationships that will lead them to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The responsibilities of The Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries will include the following:

• Develop, communicate and implement a church-wide vision and structure for Children’s and Youth Ministries. (15%)
• Research, procure, and maintain age-appropriate curriculum and resources, and regularly evaluate their effectiveness. (5%)
• Teach the high school Sunday School class and confirmation class. Recruit and train volunteers to teach the younger grades and oversee the nursery. Be present as a support and resource person for the teachers on Sunday mornings. (20%)
• Communicate regularly with families through personal contact, telephone, social media, email, text, bulletin boards, newsletters, etc. (10%)
• Collaborate with other staff including Clergy, the Director of the Choir School, the Christian Education Committee to establish a variety of family/intergenerational events throughout the year, including the annual Pancake Supper, the family picnic, the Christmas pageant, etc. (15%)
• Plan regular age-appropriate youth nights, special events, ecumenical youth gatherings, and occasional retreats for these groups. (10%)
• On most Sundays, lead the Children’s Time at the 9:15 Contemporary Service Sundays (10%)
• Organize and direct a summer Vacation Bible School program, or a similar program at another time of the year. (10%)
• Be attentive to Pastoral Care needs of children and youth and their families, and communicate those needs to the clergy. (5%)

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a growing personal spiritual life of prayer, Bible Study, and/or other spiritual disciplines. • Maintain a regular schedule of office hours and sabbath.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Other duties in consultation with the Minister of Congregational Life and Membership Development and the Senior Minister

Qualifications and Personal Qualities

The suitable person for this position will:

• Be committed to building lasting relationships with young families.
• Have a solid commitment to Christ and the Church, and a growing personal faith.
• Have experience working with youth and/or children, preferably in a church environment.
• Have a love for people and relate well to children and youth, as well as their parents.
• Have an interest in helping children and youth to grow spiritually.
• Have a university level education, specializing in Christian Ministries, Biblical Studies, Education, or another related field.
• Be responsible, respectful, professional, confidential, and conscientious.
• Work well in a complex team environment.
• Exercise good judgement.
• Have a desire to grow both spiritually and professionally.
• Have an eye for excellence and give attention to detail.