Director of Children and Youth Ministry
Responsible to: Lead Pastor with guidance from the Staff Parish Committee for fulfilling responsibilities, defining goals, evaluation and communication of concerns related to the performance of the position.
 

Primary Function: Children and Youth Ministries are a vital part of Faith UMC. The Children and Youth Ministry Director fosters a strong education program and builds relationships with volunteers, Sunday School teachers, students, parents, and church leaders that strengthen the students’ commitment to the church and growth in faith in Jesus Christ.
 

The Director of Children and Youth Ministries will develop new programming as needs arise and oversee the Christian Education Program for Children and Youth to instruct and train children and youth to understand and implement the Bible into their lives. Current programs include the weekly Sunday School program for children/youth, Wednesday night activities for children and Sunday programs for youth along with other special programming such as Youth ASP Mission Trip, Vacation Bible School, and other yearly special programs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, coordinate, promote and implement a quality Christian Education for children and youth in conjunction with the Children Ministry Team (CMT) and Youth Ministry Team (YMT) in all areas.

• Communicate Educational program news frequently with the pastor and the congregation.

• Develop a Children and Youth Ministry strategic plan that supports the mission and vision of Faith UMC.

• Participate in the preparation and development of the budget for the Children and Youth Ministry.

• Recruitment and supervision of teachers, leaders, and other required volunteers to meet education program requirements of the church and assist in the classroom when necessary.

• Ensure that the church complies with its Safe Sanctuary policy and procedures by training volunteers; obtaining background checks; maintaining records; and periodically updating and maintaining the policy and procedures.

• Build and maintain connections with children, youth, parents, and volunteers by being present during the Wednesday night meal and other church-wide activities.

• Proactively identify and welcome children and youth (including parents) who are new or repeat visitors at Sunday worship.

• Follow up with any requests noted on the weekly attendance sheets. Order, collect, and distribute curriculum and supplies for children’s and youth’s discipleship and religious education classes and opportunities.

• Ensure that the nursery is provided with staff during Sunday school, worship, Wednesday Night Live, and
  other church-wide activities or meetings.

• Attend bi-weekly staff meetings and quarterly Church Council Meetings.

• Schedule and set agenda with chairpersons for at least quarterly meetings with the Youth Ministry Team
  (YMT) and Children’s Ministry Team (CMT).

• Work with the YMT and Appalachia Service Project (ASP) Leadership Team to coordinate, promote and implement the yearly summer youth mission trip.

• Work with CMT to coordinate, promote and implement seasonal and special events such as:
  1. Vacation Bible School (June)
  2. Backyard Barbecue (August)
  3. Halloween Trunk or Treat (October)
  4. Christmas Program (December)
  5. 3rd Grade Bible Blast (February)
  6. Easter Egg Hunt (April/May)

• Coordinate confirmation process for 7 th and 8 th graders every other year with the Lead Pastor.

 

Qualifications:
The Children and Youth director plays a major role in the faith development of all ages within the church, both as a leader and as a role model. Faith UMC seeks a person who has a solid understanding of the foundations of the Christian faith, United Methodist tradition, or is willing to learn, and who has a strong desire to nurture children and youth in the Christian faith. We seek a person who generates new ideas and programs who values a team concept of ministry.
Required:

• Spiritual maturity

• A sense of call and a passion for working with children and youth.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, and flexible team approach while working with children, youth, parents, staff members and team members.

• Good organizational, communication, teaching, administration, and computer skills.

• An understanding of child development.

• Ability to relate to children and youth and be able to teach them about Christ.

Preferred:

• A degree or background in education

 

Working Conditions:
The Children and Youth Ministry Director position requires flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. The position is full-time, exempt and based upon forty (40) hours per week. The actual number of hours required during any given week are those needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position as the level of activity varies at different times of the year.

• Director will keep the church office and the Pastor informed as to how he/she may be contacted.

• Notify the Pastor or church office prior to any unforeseen absence from regularly scheduled hours, events, or duties.

• Notify Lead Pastor well in advance, and provide a suitable substitute for vacation leaves and any other anticipated absence.

• Any significant schedule changes must be mutually agreed upon with the Lead Pastor.

• Continuing education is encouraged, however, it must be approved by Staff/Parish Relations Committee and Pastor.

• Opportunities for review and goal setting will take place periodically. 

• Compensation review will be at least annually

 

Terms of Employment:
Satisfactory Criminal Background and Safe Sanctuary Background checks Illinois Mandated Reporter Training required and a Valid Driver’s License.

 

Information for interested candidates:
(Three) References – two Professional and one Personal
Salary commensurate with experience
Probationary period will be 90 days
Willing to consider two part-time positions

Send a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information of references to:
 

Rev. Dr. Sheryl Palmer
Faith United Methodist Church
1719 S. Prospect Ave.
Champaign, IL 61822
Or email: sheryl@champaignfaith.org
Subject Line: Director of Children and Youth Ministry Search