Director of Christian Education

About the position

The Director of Christian Education develops and implements discipleship programs, family-oriented events, and community outreach initiatives to strengthen relationships within the church and extend the church's reach to the broader community. This individual will work in a team-based environment with church staff, congregational volunteers, and paid childcare workers. All responsibilities will focus on fostering and maintaining a loving, inclusive, and safe environment for our children, youth, and families.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Christian discipleship program for children and youth under the guidance of the Lead Pastor
• Incorporate interactive and experiential activities, as well as technology, to appeal to all ages and learning styles
• Coordinate curriculum for children's church and youth programming
• Coordinate childcare during worship services and other special events; ensure volunteer and staff coverage for each occasion
• Organize engaging youth programming, including regular youth group meetings and outings
• Organize and lead annual mission trip(s) and other service opportunities
• Recruit, train, and manage both paid and volunteer childcare staff
• Manage classroom set-up and the procurement of classroom/activity supplies
• Collaborate with the Lead Pastor to align discipleship plan across the children, youth, and adult ministries
• Encourage children and youth to serve in Sunday worship services
• Develop special community-oriented opportunities (i.e. VBS, Christmas, Easter events)
• Coordinate family friendly events to encourage and support Christian values and family traditions
• Build relationships with parents and provide support and care in conjunction with the Lead Pastor and other ministry areas
• Execute strategies to enrich and grow the children and youth ministry
• Provide/coordinate the Children's Message during worship
• Work with other church staff to fulfill duties, enrich the discipleship programs, expand Wayne Church's reach
• Ensure compliance with all child safety laws and regulations (i.e., Safe Sanctuaries [UM requirement], background checks, mandated reporter training)
• Develop and implement staff and volunteer guidelines and code of conduct
• Preach occasional Sunday sermons (if interested)
• Other duties as needed and assigned

Requirements

• Related experience working with children (minimum of 3 years preferred)
• College degree preferred
• Background in seminary or early childhood education a plus
• Cleared through state and national background checks
• Ability to balance multiple projects while staying organized

Nice-to-haves

• Strong Christian faith and passion for children's and youth ministries
• Loving and caring marked by a high level of patience and tolerance
• Understands unique needs and challenges of today's children and youth and can meet them at their level
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults
• Ability to work in a team-based environment
• Ability to organize and delegate to teams of volunteers
• Commitment to go above and beyond to achieve specific goals during key seasons throughout the year
• Accountable and flexible