Minister for Community Engagement

This new and dynamic position is responsible for organizing and resourcing the Church’s education programming and events, with an emphasis on children and youth, and for developing and implementing intergenerational community outreach and service.

Core Responsibilities:

Children’s Ministry (25%)

a. Develop and implement programs for children 4yo-5th grade. Ensure proper training on principles and methods is provided to associated volunteers and staff. Recruit and supervise nursery employees. Act as Church liaison to CCUMC Preschool and attend all preschool board meetings.

b. Maintain compliance with Safe Sanctuaries policies, including screening of new and existing

volunteers and ensuring proper staffing levels.

c. Recruit, train, and support volunteer teachers and lay leaders for all programs and events. Direct

Children’s Fellowship on Sunday mornings and lead Kids With Purpose outreach events.

d. Coordinate with the Pastor and associated ministry teams to integrate children into Sunday services,

including Children’s Moments, acolyte service, annual Children and Youth Sunday, annual Back To

School Sunday, reception of 3rd grade Bibles, and annual recognition of teachers and volunteers.

Youth Ministry (25%):

a. In collaboration with volunteer teachers and the Pastor, schedule biannual youth confirmation classes and participate in the confirmation ceremony.

b. Coordinate with the Pastor and ministry teams to develop new programming that aligns with our

mission, vision, and values. Lead existing outreach programming (Youth With Purpose) and re-launch

Youth Fellowship.

c. Maintain compliance with Safe Sanctuaries policies, including screening of new and existing

volunteers and ensuring proper staffing levels.

d. Recruit, train, and support volunteer teachers and lay leaders for all programs and events.

e. Coordinate with the Pastor and associated ministry teams to integrate youth into Sunday services,

including acolyte service, annual Children and Youth Sunday, annual Back To School Sunday, confirmation, and annual recognition of teachers and volunteers.

New Community Development (40%):

a. In consultation with the Pastor, conduct listening sessions with local non-profits and community

organizations to identify community needs that align with the church’s mission, vision, and

values.

b. Use content from listening sessions to develop and execute a plan for developing new small group

communities within and outside the existing church programming.

c. Provide feedback to the Pastor and church leadership about the learnings from listening

sessions and small group experiments on a quarterly basis.

Volunteer Engagement (10%):

a. Develop monthly service opportunities, both on-site and off-site, to encourage congregation and wider community participation. Establish an annual calendar of volunteer service opportunities that align with the overall programmatic focus.

General Expectations:

a. Attend weekly staff meetings (currently Tuesdays at 11am). Absences should be communicated to the Pastor in advance. Additional ministry team meetings may also be required.

b. Send updated information to the Office Administrator and Communications staff about programs and opportunities, and work with Communications to develop and share announcements and graphics.

c. Prepare and submit annual budget requests to the Finance Chair and monitor expenditures throughout the year to ensure expenses are within means.

d. Maintain contact with all families in the congregation with children and youth. Alert Pastor to

extended absences or other pastoral care needs as appropriate; assist with outreach and follow-up to

prospective new families with children and youth.

Required Abilities/Attributes:

1. Respect for and enthusiasm about cultivating cultural diversity. Informed about and able to support the needs of LGBTQIA+ children, youth, and adults, as well as those with mental health concerns.
2. Possesses a passion for evangelism and Christian education across the lifespan, and an ability to keep children and youth both safe and engaged.
3. Able to work harmoniously, effectively, and confidently with Pastor(s), staff, and laity, including offering and receiving constructive criticism as needed.
4. Self-starter with strong decision-making skills, able to work with minimal direction while still keeping stakeholders engaged and informed.

Qualifications/Experience:

1. B.A. required; some graduate training in theology and children/youth ministry strongly preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Godly Play.
2. Familiarity with and comfort teaching inclusive Methodist doctrine and theology. If the candidate is a commissioned/ordained UM elder or deacon, a portion of the salary may be designated as a housing allowance. Both lay and ordained candidates will be considered, as well as those from other denominations, provided they meet all other requirements.
3. Sufficient overall training and experience in Christian theology and practice to lead children and youth in worship, learning, and social action.

Benefits:

1. Three weeks of paid leave are offered each year, in addition to time off for continuing education events. Up to $2,000 in scholarships is available annually towards theological degrees.
2. Healthcare and retirement accounts
3. Priority enrollment in the CCUMC preschool is available to children ages 2-5.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter with references to jobs@chevychaseumc.org