Employment at Messiah

The Director of Children and Family Ministry, in a 20 hour/week exempt role, will recruit, develop and deploy layperson teams and partner with parents to grow children, ages infant to grade 5 into champions for Christ.

Position Accountability: Executive Pastor

Spiritual:

• Profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
• Model standards and expectations of leadership within Messiah Church including a personal devotional life, worship attendance, tithing, serving/witnessing, small group participation, and a dedication to personal development and a healthy lifestyle
• Thoroughly Wesleyan in theology and practice

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Proven track record of success in a paid children’s ministry position preferred, with the ability to lead/supervise layperson teams & part-time nursery care workers

Skills & Qualifications:

• In partnership with the Executive Pastor, be able to provide vision and direction for all aspects of Children’s Ministry
• Self starter that is able to work independently under minimal supervision
• A demonstrated passion and commitment to the spiritual growth of children in partnership with their families
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, inspire, equip and encourage layperson teams
• Strong ability to partner with parents and engage parent involvement in ministry; understands that connecting with parents & adult servants is the most crucial part of the role
• Expertise and continuous learner in Children’s Ministry
• Strong overall written and spoken communication skills
• Capable and gifted teacher of children
• Systems thinker, planner and implementer

Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, development, leadership and oversight to all aspects of Children’s Ministry (Sunday and Wednesday Church School and other weeknight programming, VBS, special events, etc.)
• Develop strong volunteer and unpaid leadership teams to do the work of the ministry by implementing dynamic recruiting, training, motivating, and support systems that will in turn be able to equip young disciples for the service of Christ through classes, events and small groups
• Provide discipleship opportunities for special needs children with appropriate classroom management
• Select, train and lead part-time Nursery Care Workers, with a longer-term strategy to eliminate paid nursery staff and replace with volunteer laypersons
• Support and partner with parents in the spiritual formation of their children, training and equipping them to have discussions with and to teach their children about God’s love for them, what it means to be a follower of Christ, and what it means to be part of a community of faith
• Guide the selection of relevant curriculum for children that teach biblical principles and truths appropriate for the various developmental levels present, fitting in with the overall door-to-core church strategy
• Provide leadership for radical hospitality and prompt follow-up at all times throughout the ministry for new visitors as well as regular attendee children and families
• Create and deploy serving and mission experiences for children and for children with their families
• Create and nurture a safe sanctuary environment for children and their families, following the Safe Sanctuary model, where they experience the love of God most powerfully through the relationships they build with one another and with the larger community of faith
• Partner with the communications coordinator to ensure regular and ongoing communication with children and their families
• In conjunction with the Executive Pastor, oversee the children’s ministry budget and expenditures
• Attend applicable training and be proactive in researching, reading, and learning about/from other successful children’s ministry initiatives across the country

Start Date: Immediate

Compensation: DOQ, Competitive

To apply, please send letter of interest and résumé with references to Tami Luckhardt, Executive Pastor, at tluckhardt@messiahchurch.org.

Messiah United Methodist Church is seeking 2-3 quality, loving caregivers to take care of children ages 6 weeks to 3 years of age in our Church nursery. This part-time position offers a maximum of 8 hours per week. This is a perfect second job with all hours being on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and occasionally additional opportunities during special events. Competitive hourly compensation is offered in a great atmosphere.

Employment Requirements:
To be considered for employment, a completed application must be on file. References and a background check will be performed on all applicants. In addition, the following are qualifications for employment:

• A minimum of 18 years of age.
• Hold a high school diploma, its equivalent or higher.
• A sincere love and concern for children, their families and people in general.
• Experience in childcare or in elementary education.
• A happy, good-natured personality.
• Comfortable conversing with people including difficult conversations.
• Dependable and prompt in attendance, and responsible about carrying out the duties set forth.
• Respectful of the authority of the Director of Children and Family Ministry and Messiah’s Pastors.
• Able to establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust and cooperation with co-workers.
• Must be physically and mentally able to work with active children.
• Willing to take classes to improve job skills, including CPR and First Aid.
• Able to easily lift 40 lbs.

To apply, please send all résumés to Tami Luckhardt, Executive Pastor, at tluckhardt@messiahchurch.org.