The Director of Children’s Ministry provides direction and leadership for First Presbyterian Church’s (FPC) ministry to children from birth through the fifth grade in school. Major program areas for which the Director is responsible are described below, along with other duties considered to be part of the job responsibility.

Church School

FPC provides a complete Church School program for all ages on Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The Director of Children’s Ministry provides direction and leadership to that portion of the Church School program which addresses the needs of Pre-schoolers through fifth grade in school. The Director participates in the recruitment of volunteer Division Leaders and Teachers and serves as a resource for them. The Director works with the Division Leaders to ensure that appropriate approved curriculum, supplies, and resources are available. The Director coordinates training through internal or external events, leading or obtaining qualified leaders from external sources for internal events and ensuring that information about available external training is circulated as widely as possible.

Church Nursery

FPC provides nurseries for the very young children during the Sunday morning worship services (8:00 a.m. through noon) and for special services and other events held at the church during the week. The Director works with volunteer division leaders to ensure that the nurseries are properly staffed with a combination of paid nursery workers and volunteer caregivers. The Director supervises paid nursery staff including hiring and training of new workers as needed.

Children’s Church

During the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday mornings children in kindergarten through second grade attend worship with their parents and leave for Children’s Church after the Moment with Children. The Children’s Church program currently uses the “Godly Play” model. The Director provides oversight for the Children’s Church program, providing training for volunteer leaders and resources for use during children’s worship. The Director leads the Children’s Church program as needed.

Pathfinders

The Pathfinders program serves children in kindergarten through the fifth grade. The Pathfinders meet from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings from September through May. Pathfinders includes a meal, recreation, worship, and activity time. Currently a “Workshop Rotation” model is used for this program. The Director of Children’s Ministry serves as director and coordinator of this program, working with volunteer leadership. Responsibilities for Pathfinders include scheduling leadership for Sunday evening programs, recreation, field trips, etc. and providing approved curriculum and resources as needed.

Other

Attend weekly staff meetings to coordinate children’s Ministry with other missions of FPC

Participate in monthly Christian Education Committee meetings

Recommend new children’s ministry programs and events as needs are identified or interest is expressed from the congregation 

Conduct Moment for Children at 11:00 a.m. Sunday service two or three times a quarter

Assist Vacation Church School as requested (Vacation Church School is led by co-directors and volunteers)

Coordinate with the Child Development Center on issues regarding use of shared space

Assist in other areas of ministry as time and interest allow

Qualifications and Requirements

The ideal candidate for the position at FPC would be a person with strong Christian commitment and the desire to work with children in a church atmosphere. Experience and training in Christian Education is required. Equivalent combination of background and experience would be considered. The Director of Children’s Ministry works under the direct supervision of the Associate Pastor of Christian Education, and reports to the Christian Education Committee. Availability on Sunday is essential.