Minister to Children & Their Families

Searcy First United Methodist Church

Announcement

Searcy First United Methodist Church has an opening for a full time Minister to Children and Families with Children.

Applicants may submit a current resume by mail to Searcy First United Methodist Church, 304 North Main, Searcy, AR  72143; or by email to the Senior Pastor, David Orr at dorr1974@gmail.com; or by coming to the church office during regular office hours Monday-Friday, 8-5pm.

Minister to Children and Families with Children

ATTRIBUTES

  • Active and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by action, attitude, and behavior.
  • Fully embraces the mission, vision, purpose, values, and doctrinal statement of Searcy FUMC.
  • A passion for Children’s Ministry and to see families grow in their faith together.
  • Have a cooperative, healthy, and motivating relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and volunteers.
  • Proven reliability, initiative and strong work ethic.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree. Christian Education, Early Childhood Development or Education equivalent is preferred.  Divinity degree is desirable.
  • Gifted in leadership, administration, shepherding and teaching/communication.
  • Show evidence of passion for children’s ministry and deep commitment to faith formation of children.
  • Demonstrates a basic knowledge of child development and understands the importance of providing a safe environment for children.
  • Open and willing to attend continuing education opportunities in United Methodist and Christian Education/Children’s Ministry Studies as available through the Arkansas Conference or other outlets such as seminaries or churches.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

  • Provides vision and develops an integrated Children’s Ministry program that supports the vision, mission and values of Searcy FUMC.
  • Provides vision and develops activities to help strengthen families.
  • Provides leadership, direction and training for all Children’s Ministry volunteers.
  • Oversees Children’s Ministry Sunday School, outreach events, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday evening programs and other special events.
  • Implement and coordinate an age appropriate curriculum for children ages birth through 6th grade for Sunday morning and evening activities.
  • Provide a children’s sermon for Sunday morning worship services.
  • Collaborate with church leaders/volunteers to develop a challenging and affirming confirmation class.
  • Coordinates child care for all weekly church events.
  • Implement a summer children’s activity program.
  • Provide educational and fellowship opportunities for parents.
  • Oversees and facilitates Children’s Council meetings, as well as recruiting laity to be on Childen’s Council.
  • Attends and provides support and leadership for FUMC Preschool board, quarterly.
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Shepherding

  • Encourages the spiritual and professional growth of children’s ministry team members by providing shepherding and training opportunities to enhance learning.
  • Counsels with parents and leaders as necessary.
  • Encourages relationships and team building by regularly communicating and meeting with Children’s Ministry leaders.

Administration

  • Oversees Children’s Ministry strategic planning/goal setting, budget, records, curriculum, equipment, food, supplies and resources.
  • Manages resources well, staying within Children’s Ministry budget.
  • Responsible for procedures related to smooth children’s program check-in and tracking weekly attendance reports.
  • Responsible for all security measures/procedures:  volunteer screening and background check, as well as enforcing the Safe Sanctuaries Policy.
  • Reviews, purchases and oversees implementation of curricula for large/small group teaching.
  • Ensures scheduling to provide appropriate volunteer to child ratios.
  • Maintains office hours and keeps office staff informed about where he/she can be reached when not on site.
  • Participates in staff meeting, worship planning, ministry staff planning and additional meetings as requested by the Senior or Associate Pastor.
  • Coordinates with church staff to ensure children’s activities are posted on the church calendar, in the bulletin and on the website, when appropriate.
  • Reviews and evaluates progress of all programs in order to encourage and maintain standards of excellence.
  • Supervises after-school-care for elementary students program, slated to begin with 2020-21 school year.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Hours and Compensation:  This position is full time and salaried.

Vacation:  Vacation days shall be according to church employee policy.

Probationary Period:  The initial 90 day period of employment shall be considered probationary.  At any time during this period, the employee or the Senior Pastor, with the approval of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, may terminate employment with or without reason.

Employment At Will:  This position is considered an “at will” position.  The employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause.

Background Check:  Prior to the entry on the duty date, the employee must undergo a criminal background check and sexual/harassment investigation according to Safe Sanctuary compliance.

Modification:  This job description is subject to being modified as needed by the Senior Pastor in consultation with the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.