Children's Ministry Director
North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Decatur, Georgia, United States, 30089
Decatur First United Methodist Church, located in the heart of downtown Decatur, Georgia, seeks a full-time Director of Children’s Ministries. This role provides leadership and vision for ministry with children from birth through 5th grade and their families, helping integrate them fully into the life of the church. Working in collaboration with clergy, staff, volunteers, and the Nursery Supervisor, the Director creates a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment that nurtures children’s faith development and supports their growing relationship with God.
Children’s ministry at Decatur First UMC includes Christian education, worship participation, nursery care, Vacation Bible School, and special events. The Director creates opportunities for children and families to connect with one another, study scripture, serve the church and community, and encounter the love of God. Decatur First UMC is an open and inclusive congregation and a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Job Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight for ministry with children and their families, in partnership with the Nursery Supervisor. Research, select, adapt, and implement appropriate Christian education curriculum for elementary-aged children. Plan and lead Sermon on the Steps, a weekly children’s message and activity during the sermon at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, with the support of volunteers. (Sermon on the Steps meets during the school year, not on Communion Sundays or during June and July.) Manage the children’s ministries budget. Recruit, train, support, and supervise children’s ministry staff and volunteers, alongside an engaged and robust volunteer community. Schedule staff and volunteers for Sunday school, Sermon on the Steps, Vacation Bible School, and special events, with the support of seasonal, parent-led Children’s Councils. Create and implement intergenerational and family-centered events such as Back to School Sunday, Blessing of the Costumes, Advent gatherings, walk-up nativity, and mission or service opportunities. Partner with the Decatur First Preschool to support opportunities for Christian education, including Wednesday worship and regular story times. Collaborate with clergy and other ministry staff on worship planning, shared programming, and the overall vision and life of the church. Support children’s participation in worship and foster strong connections between faith formation and congregational life. Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master’s degree preferred. Love of children and passion for faith formation and family ministry. Comfort with United Methodist theology, worship, and practices. Experience with or openness to Godly Play and other experiential approaches to faith formation. Experience working in or demonstrated commitment to open and inclusive ministry environments. Strong organizational, communication, and relational skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, parents, and clergy. Willingness to work Sundays and occasional evenings and special events as required by the church calendar. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and 2–3 references to drushing@decaturfirst.org. Contact: Rev. Dalton Rushing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Provide leadership and oversight for ministry with children and their families, in partnership with the Nursery Supervisor. Research, select, adapt, and implement appropriate Christian education curriculum for elementary-aged children. Plan and lead Sermon on the Steps, a weekly children’s message and activity during the sermon at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, with the support of volunteers. (Sermon on the Steps meets during the school year, not on Communion Sundays or during June and July.) Manage the children’s ministries budget. Recruit, train, support, and supervise children’s ministry staff and volunteers, alongside an engaged and robust volunteer community. Schedule staff and volunteers for Sunday school, Sermon on the Steps, Vacation Bible School, and special events, with the support of seasonal, parent-led Children’s Councils. Create and implement intergenerational and family-centered events such as Back to School Sunday, Blessing of the Costumes, Advent gatherings, walk-up nativity, and mission or service opportunities. Partner with the Decatur First Preschool to support opportunities for Christian education, including Wednesday worship and regular story times. Collaborate with clergy and other ministry staff on worship planning, shared programming, and the overall vision and life of the church. Support children’s participation in worship and foster strong connections between faith formation and congregational life. Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; master’s degree preferred. Love of children and passion for faith formation and family ministry. Comfort with United Methodist theology, worship, and practices. Experience with or openness to Godly Play and other experiential approaches to faith formation. Experience working in or demonstrated commitment to open and inclusive ministry environments. Strong organizational, communication, and relational skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, parents, and clergy. Willingness to work Sundays and occasional evenings and special events as required by the church calendar. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and 2–3 references to drushing@decaturfirst.org. Contact: Rev. Dalton Rushing
#J-18808-Ljbffr