The Director of Children’s Ministries is responsible for the development and implementation of the vision, strategy and administrative oversight for all programs, activities and educational aspects of

Children’s Ministry at First UMC. Specifically, the Children’s Ministry activities and events that emphasize relationships with God and one another, Sunday School, Retreats, Bible Study, Service and Mission.

Job Type: Part-time, with potential opportunity to transition to full-time, if desired.

Location: First United Methodist Church in Gastonia, NC 28052

Must be able to reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.

Schedule: 25-30 hours per week, to include weekly Wednesday evening and Sunday morning services

Compensation: up to $25/hour, based on qualifications

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education or related field (such as Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, etc.)

Experience

• Background should contain a combination of skills related to Christian ministry and child development.

Specialized knowledge

• Show a passion for ministry to children and seeing both parents and children grow in their faith.
• Fully embrace the vision, values, and statement of faith of First UMC and show an understanding of the doctrine of the United Methodist tradition and child development.
• Understand and keep current on issues related to safety and security resulting in the implementation of associated activities and safeguards.

Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrate proven leadership skills utilizing a cooperative, collaborative team leadership style and have the ability to build and foster relationships with children and their families.
• Efficiently develop and execute plans in a timely manner.
• Genuinely demonstrate care and concern for children, parents and the community.
• Ensure timely, effective and accurate promotion and execution of children’s ministry.
• Be approachable to families, lay leadership and staff for conversations regarding children’s ministry.

Personal Characteristics

• Be servant minded with a heart for children’s ministry.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, be outgoing and be able to communicate with a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Reliable, trustworthy, self-starter with the ability to embrace innovation and creativity while adapting to growth and change.
• Possess the ability to use appropriate judgment, discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

Professional certification

• CPR, AED, and First Aid Training or willingness to obtain certification within 60 days.
• Must be willing to learn new skills and be open to continuing training and education.

Working conditions

• Must be able to work with families and children which means being available off hours when needed.
• Must be able to communicate well with a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Responsibilities:

Instruction

• Manages Sunday School through the selection of insightful Biblical curriculum for infant through 5th grade
• Creates schedule for children’s time messages during Sunday worship services
• Coordinates implementation of Safe Sanctuary practices

Curriculum and Planning/Administration

• Coordinates the recruitment, training, coaching, scheduling, and celebration of nursery workers and volunteers for Children’s Ministries
• Maintains and orders supplies
• Wednesday Evening Fellowship – plans, implements, and coordinates volunteer to assist in leading weekly discipleship for children
• Sunday Mornings – plans, implements, and coordinates volunteers to assist in leading weekly discipleship for children
• Coordinates all children related special events including but not limited to: Easter Extravaganza, Fall Fest, summer events, etc.
• Manages Budget of Children’s programming responsibly
• Supports joint efforts with Nurture Ministry Team
• Supports joint efforts with Evangelism, Missions, and Outreach Team
• Supports church volunteer leadership of Wednesday Boys and Girls Club mentor program with Boys/Girls

Club staff, including weekly meals

• Assists First UMC Director of Preschool with weekly chapel for preschool

Direct reports

• Nursery Workers
• Sunday School Teachers
• Parent Volunteers