Position Description

WestVillage Church (WVC) is a gospel-believing church that gathers on Sundays in the Westboro neighbourhood in Ottawa, Ontario. We are a diverse group of believers who come together with a shared mission and desire to share the good news of Jesus with those we work with, live near, and interact with each day.

OUR PURPOSE

We exist to make disciples who love God, love their neighbour, and make disciples. We are a congregation of over 150, including a growing ministry to over 60 children and youth. We are also blessed to have over 35 experienced and dedicated volunteer leaders who are actively discipling the next generation to grow into healthy, mature believers. To learn more about us, please visit: https://www.westvillage.church/who-we-are

POSITION OBJECTIVES

We are seeking a committed leader with a vision and pastoral heart for discipling the next generation (infancy through high school) with the gospel. This role provides oversight for the spiritual formation of children and youth, while equipping parents and ministry leaders for service within WVC and the broader community.

REQUIREMENTS

• Leadership Qualifications: Depending on the credentials and experience, the successful candidate would take one of the following tracks: pastor (Track 1) or ministry lead (Track 2):
  • Track 1: A NextGen Pastor is to meet the requirements for an Elder outlined in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Following the example of Jesus, our Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4), this role focuses on shepherding Christ’s flock and the ministry of the Word. WVC is an Elder-led congregation.
  • Track 2: Alternatively, a qualified NextGen Ministry Lead is to meet the requirements for a Deacon outlined in 1 Tim 3:8-13 (including women serving as deacons per WVC's 1 of 3 interpretation of 1 Tim 3:11). Following the example of Jesus, the Model Servant (Mark 10:42-45), this role focuses on service, administration, and preserving unity.
• Theological Alignment: Agrees with the Associated Gospel Churches (AGC) of Canada Statement of Faith and related policies.
• Spiritual Maturity: Is a mature follower of Jesus with a love for His church and mission; displays the fruit of the Spirit in private and public conduct.
• Organizational Competency: Functions effectively in a team environment and equips others to accomplish their goals; possesses effective time, computer and organizational skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s level education in theological studies, education, or Christian ministry.
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in a full-time ministry or accumulated equivalent experience with children or youth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Next Gen Planning and Administration

• Develop a unified Next Gen Ministry Plan (Infancy to Grade 12) that aligns with the purpose, vision, and mission of WVC.
• Oversee the spiritual care and ministry programming for approximately 60 children and youth.
• Lead,develop and equip a team of approximately 35 leaders and volunteers involved in the children and youth ministry.
• Utilize and supplement a Biblical teaching curriculum for children and youth that considers the full counsel of God’s Word and the developmental needs of the community.
• Plan and oversee ministry events for children, youth and families. This includes Sunday classes, youth nights, studies for parents, and summer camps/retreats, etc.
• Develop and faithfully steward an annual budget for children and youth-related ministries.
• Partner with the Church Administrator to ensure Plan to Protect compliance and foster a culture of safety across all Next Gen activities.
• Regularly report to the Lead Pastor and Elders on the health and growth of the ministries.

Shepherding and Equipping Children and Youth

• Spiritual Growth: Together with volunteer leaders, disciple the next generation of children and youth in the truth of God’s word and His provision for their ongoing growth.
• Mission & Ownership: Prepare students to engage in corporate activities (worship, prayer, service, baptism, and membership) and develop personal ownership of their faith.
• Apologetics: Equip youth to find biblically faithful answers for the questions they face and prepare them to engage critically with culture for Christ.
• Leadership Development: Foster a culture where kids and youth are developed into leaders who disciple others in their own lives. 2 of 3
• Transitions: Bridge the gaps between life stages, preparing kids for life beyond WVC Youth by equipping them with a solid foundation for their faith.

Equipping Parents to Shepherd their Children

• Build and maintain edifying relationships with parents of WVC Kids and Youth, acting as a resource and encouragement.
• Facilitate connections between parents for prayer, resource sharing, and supportive relationships.
• Create opportunities to integrate parents and children/youth in discipleship conversations (e.g., family-equipping seminars or parenting studies).

Equipping WVC Kids and Youth Leaders

• Recruit, develop, encourage, and empower Kids and Youth leaders across both departments.
• Help leaders grow in the ability to be good mentors to Kids and Youth by providing guidance, engaging their gifts, and supporting parents.
• Model growing in Christ-likeness and pray regularly for the students, families, and ministry leaders.

Preaching and Teaching

• For Pastor track: Regularly prioritize the ministry of the Word and be available to preach in the corporate gathering when asked.
• For Ministry Lead track: Demonstrate a commitment to teaching and mentoring children and youth in biblical truth within their specific contexts.

Integrating with the WVC Family

• Identify and foster mentoring connections with spiritually mature examples in WVC and invite them to speak into the lives of families and young people.
• Connect regularly with other ministry leaders to maintain cohesion between departments (specifically bridging the transition from Kids to Youth and Youth to Youth Adults).
• Attend and participate in all staff and leaders' meetings and retreats.

Application Requirements:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@westvillage.church