Facilitator for Children and Youth Ministry and Education

The Facilitator for Children and Youth Ministry will oversee and teach our small Sunday school (6-8 children, ages 4-10) and, working with volunteer adult mentors, organize a tween/teen group (6-8 youth, ages 11-17). Both groups meet Sunday mornings from approximately 10:15-11:00am, early September to mid-June, and occasionally at social and service events at other times. On first Sundays of the month, children and youth remain in worship to celebrate communion (no children or youth events take place at that time).

On a typical Sunday, the children begin in worship at 10:00am and depart for their meeting groups after a children’s sermon. The goal of both groups is twofold: to teach/reenforce Christian principles and Bible knowledge, and to provide a safe, fun and encouraging space in which children can deepen their faith and relationships with each other. By teaching and modeling age-appropriate spiritual practices, we seek to provide “tools” for a lifelong practice of seeking and knowing God.

The Facilitator is expected to be at church every Sunday, approximately 9:30am-11:30am, except first Sundays (communion Sundays) during the church year (early September through mid-June). Preparation for Sundays may take about 2-3 hours during the week.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Design and teach weekly lessons and activities for the Sunday school, with sensitivity to liturgical seasons of the year; multimedia and hands-on learning encouraged.
• Identify a curriculum as necessary, and help build a children’s library of books, games and other media.
• Schedule substitute teacher volunteers as necessary.
• Schedule adult mentors to lead tween/teen group twice per month, with potential for expansion to three times per month. The Facilitator will work with mentors to identify themes and activities to encourage spiritual and social growth.
• Proactively reach out to families to encourage attendance and provide information about upcoming events.
• Oversee and organize at least one service event per year, in collaboration with the Senior Minister and Mission & Fellowship committees.
• Work with Senior Minister to provide opportunities for young people to participate in worship.
• On occasion—perhaps once per month—deliver the Children’s Message in worship.
• Work with Senior Minister and parents to organize annual Christmas pageant and Easter egg hunt.
• Keep attendance records, order supplies as necessary, report regularly to Senior Minister and parents.
• While the Facilitator is not expected to work during the summer, the incumbent should assist Senior Minister and parents to plan informal summer programming. This may include additional opportunities to teach or oversee lesson plans.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have experience in Christian church settings, an interest in biblical and spiritual formation/discipleship, proficiency in relationship-building, and feel comfortable in a multicultural, multigenerational context. Previous experience working with children ages 4-17 preferred. While reporting to and supported by the Senior Minister, the Facilitator should be a self-starter and comfortable working independently. All church employees who work with children and youth must pass a background check.