FPC Children's Ministry Director

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH•Jackson, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

First Presbyterian Church of Jackson is seeking a mature, gifted, and Christ-centered Children's Ministry Director to lead and oversee ministry to children from K3 through 6th grade and their families. The role oversees instruction, staff, volunteers, the children's ministry budget, facilities, and safety across programs including Sunday instruction, Children's Churchtime, catechism instruction and recitation, communicant preparation, Vacation Bible School, and seasonal and special events. Instruction must be consistent with the Westminster Standards. The Director carries out the children's ministry vision under the supervision of the Minister of Students and Families and with counsel from the Students and Families Committee. The Director is accountable to the Senior Minister, Executive Minister, and Session through them. The role supervises staff and volunteers, meets weekly with the Minister of Students and Families for reporting, planning, and pastoral care, attends Students and Families Committee meetings, and gives an annual in-person report to the Session. The Director provides spiritual leadership; recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff and volunteers; leads child protection and safety practices; equips and supports parents; and manages program administration, communications, records, facilities, and budget coordination. Regular work hours include Sunday mornings, midweek programs, and seasonal events such as Vacation Bible School. Some evening and weekend work is required. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a background check and other required screening, as well as required safeguarding and child protection training.

Requirements

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a sense of calling to ministry with children.
Affirmation of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, and commitment to the government of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Communing membership at First Presbyterian Church, or willingness to become a member.
Bachelor's degree.
Completion of the PCA Children's Ministry Certificate, or willingness to complete it within three years of hire.
Understanding of children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development.
Demonstrated ability to teach children and train and equip adults.
Experience building and leading teams of staff and volunteers.
Strong administrative, organizational, and technical skills.
Clear verbal and written communication with children, parents, and church leadership, including through digital tools.
Commitment to supporting the mission and values of First Presbyterian Church.
Successful completion of a background check and any other required screening processes.
Completion of the church's required safeguarding and child protection training and compliance with its Child Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.

Nice To Haves

A degree in education or a related field.
Experience with special needs ministry.

Responsibilities

Pray for and provide spiritual counsel and encouragement to children and their families as opportunities and needs arise.
Encourage teachers and volunteers to serve out of love for Christ and His people, and personally teach or lead programs as needed.
Ensure children of varying abilities and maturity can participate, coordinating reasonable accommodations with families.
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate children's ministry staff, including the Associate Director, in coordination with the Minister of Students and Families; assign program responsibilities as needs change.
Hold regular staff meetings and conduct annual reviews for supervised staff.
Develop and oversee an ongoing plan to recruit, screen, train, and appreciate teachers and volunteers.
Meet regularly with teachers and ministry leaders to advise, equip, and encourage them.
Own and review Child Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures at least annually, recommend updates, and ensure implementation across programs and events.
Ensure staff and volunteers complete required background screening and safeguarding training before working with children.
Oversee check-in and check-out, supervision ratios, health and injury procedures, and incident reporting; promptly report concerns as required by policy and law.
Equip parents to disciple their covenant children through resources, training, and speaking opportunities.
Welcome and follow up with new and visiting families, proactively meet with parents, and coordinate with pastoral staff and care ministries for families with short- or long-term needs.
Encourage children to participate in worship, service, and churchwide events.
Help prepare the children's ministry budget with the Minister of Students and Families and manage it responsibly.
Coordinate facilities, calendars, equipment, and supplies for children's programs with church staff.
Plan and approve children's ministry communications across print and digital channels in coordination with the Communications Department.
Maintain accurate class rosters, attendance, communicant children, and volunteer screening and training records.
Work with church staff on other projects as assigned.
Attend all Students and Families Committee meetings and carry out approved ministry direction, curriculum, and major programs.
Meet weekly with the Minister of Students and Families for reporting, planning, and pastoral care, and share children's ministry shepherding concerns.
Give an annual in-person report on children's ministry to the Session.