Position Description

the bridge is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational church, impacting our world in Christ, located in Markham, part of the Greater Toronto Area, in Ontario, Canada. Gather, Group, Grow, Give and Go is how the bridge fulfills its mission and vision. Our mission is to connect people to God, each other, and our world. Our vision is to see transformed people impacting their world in Christ.  

the bridge is looking for a high-capacity leader to be part of a growing and vibrant children’s ministry of approximately 150 kids from infancy to grade 5. This individual will be passionate about kids and connecting them to God, to each other, and to the world—so that they will be transformed people impacting their world in Christ. This role helps cultivate and provide a safe, Christ-centered ministry environment where children are loved, accepted, and valued in Christ. The Pastor assists with the execution of the ministry plan, events, programs and discipleship pathways for children from infancy to Grade 5. As a high-capacity leader, the Pastor will be part of the leadership team and help oversee Sunday services. 

Position: this is a part-time position for 20 hours per week. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Pastoral Care: 

• In partnership with the Children’s Pastor and as a lead team member, provide organizational leadership and administrative coordination for the children’s ministry. Assist with leading and coordinating team meetings and training.  
• Support and give direction to the Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant. This includes database management, room bookings, weekly communication, social media, resource needs, vulnerable sector checks, etc. 
• Assist with developing and executing ministry strategies, plans, budgets and discipleship model. (Gather, Group, Grow, Give, Go). 
• Help lead on Sundays alongside the Children’s Pastor, assisting with ministry needs and providing pastoral presence as needed. Act as back up lead in the Children’s Pastor’s absence.  
• Lead communion and the Huddle Devotional on the first Sunday of each month.  
• Pastor and build relationships with the children, volunteers and parents, providing pastoral care and discipleship as children grow in their faith journey. (e.g. baptism, child dedication, etc.)  
• Collaborate with other staff on ministry needs. 
• Help maintain a leadership structure that discovers, develops, deploys, and debriefs volunteers.  

Events:  

• Oversee and lead Ministry Fairs, Popping Up and Fall Kick-off.  
• Work collaboratively with the Children’s Pastor on summer camps; helping plan, coordinate, build partnering organization relationships, recruit volunteers and oversee specific camps as required. 
• Assist with other children’s ministry programs / events as required. (e.g. children’s Christmas program). 
• Assist with planning and executing volunteer appreciation events and initiatives. 

Volunteer Engagement: 

• Work collaboratively with the Children’s Pastor on the volunteer recruitment process. Following up with individuals indicating interest in serving, overseeing volunteer screening and onboarding, as well as providing support for group training as required. 
• Assist with providing pastoral care and leadership to volunteers. 

Other Duties: 

• Help ensure safety and compliance with Plan to Protect for children’s ministry. 
• Collaborate with ministries to ensure strategic transitions between age groups and ministries. 
• Assist with Family Ministry events as needed. 
• Assist with and participate in staff meetings, baptisms, and church-wide events as needed. 
• Other related ministry duties as needed. 

Qualifications & Skills: 

• An undergraduate degree or diploma. Bible college / seminary degree an asset.    
• Experience in children’s ministry or related experience.  
• Strong administrative and organizational abilities.  
• Experience coordinating events and programs.  
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and motivate teams.   
• Experience in a cross-cultural, multi-generational context.   
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with children, youth and adults. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in multi-staffed teams.    
• The ability to communicate effectively with children and families, both verbal and written.   
• Very good computer skills (i.e., proficient in MS Office, internet, social media and database).    

Personal Attributes & Requirements: 

• Calling, passion and gifting for children’s ministry.    
• High capacity, energetic self-starter who can think strategically, adapt and problem-solve.  
• Ability to respond to crises and be sensitive to the needs of others, while maintaining a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and a desire to serve. 
• Committed to and models a growing walk with Christ.  
• This Pastor will be required to be at all church services on the weekend.  
• Able to support and promote the bridge’s beliefs, mission, vision, and values. 
• Willing and able to successfully obtain a positive police vulnerable sector check. 

All applications will be reviewed, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. If selected, you may receive communication from a bridge staff member or a third-party HR consultant. 

For more information on the bridge, go to www.thebridgemarkham.com. If you are interested in this employment opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@thebridgemarkham.com.  the bridge invites fully qualified candidates to apply for the following position(s), however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. the bridge is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with you during the selection process if this is required.