Children’s Ministry Director
Dudley Shoals Baptist Church
Purpose:
The Children’s Ministry Director is responsible for leading a Christ-centered ministry that engages children, from infancy through sixth grade, in spiritual growth and discipleship. This role involves working closely with the Lead Pastor, church leadership, volunteers, and parents to provide a safe, nurturing, and spiritually enriching environment that draws children and their families closer to Christ and fosters lifelong faith.
Responsibilities:
1. Leadership and Vision
- Serve as a full-time staff member, reporting directly to the Lead Pastor and working in cooperation with other ministry staff.
- Develop and cast a vision for the children’s ministry that aligns with the overall mission of Dudley Shoals Baptist Church (DSBC), focusing on discipleship, evangelism, and the spiritual growth of children.
- Collaborate with church leadership to create an inviting, inclusive environment for children and families, integrating them into the life of the church.
2. Program Development and Oversight
- Plan, coordinate, and lead all aspects of children’s ministry programs, including Sunday School, Children’s Church, Wednesday night programs (e.g. GA’s and RA’s), Vacation Bible School (VBS), summer camp and other special events (e.g., camps, holiday programs) ensuring alignment with the church’s mission and supporting the spiritual development of boys and girls.
- Work with the Associate Pastor of Youth & Families to ensure a smooth transition for children moving from the children’s ministry into the youth program.
- Select or develop age-appropriate curriculum in alignment with DSBC’s beliefs and practices.
- Ensure that all programs are biblically sound and designed to teach children about God’s love, salvation, and Christian living.
3. Volunteer Management
- Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise volunteers for all children’s ministry programs, including RA and GA ministries.
- Ensure that volunteers understand their roles and are equipped with the resources and support they need to succeed.
- Conduct regular training on child safety, teaching strategies, and program expectations, while ensuring all volunteers pass background checks.
- Foster a positive volunteer culture that prevents burnout and encourages long-term commitment.
4. Safety and Security
- Develop, implement, and enforce child safety policies in coordination with the church’s Safety Committee, including check-in/check-out procedures, volunteer background checks, and protocols for medical or security concerns.
- Ensure all ministry environments are safe, clean, and equipped with appropriate resources for children’s activities.
- Maintain accountability for all children in attendance, ensuring that they are supervised by responsible adults at all times.
5. Family and Community Engagement
- Build relationships with children’s families, offering support, resources, and opportunities for involvement in their child’s spiritual journey.
- Create outreach initiatives to connect with unchurched families in the community, working with other ministries in the church (e.g., evangelism, missions) to engage local schools and neighborhoods.
- Follow up with visiting families and those who have been absent, encouraging their continued participation in the church.
6. Administration and Budgeting
- Prepare and manage the children’s ministry budget, ensuring proper stewardship of church resources.
- Attend regular staff and leadership meetings, providing updates on the children’s ministry’s progress, needs, and future plans.
- Collaborate with church leadership to ensure ministry activities are effectively communicated and promoted (via website, social media, flyers, etc.).
7. Special Events
- Serve as the director for VBS and other special children’s programs, overseeing all aspects of planning, volunteer coordination, and execution.
- Partner with worship leaders to occasionally incorporate children into church services through songs, skits, or scripture recitations.
- Work alongside the Christmas Program Director and other event leaders to involve children in seasonal events, ensuring that these opportunities are both spiritually meaningful and engaging.
Qualifications:
- A strong, evident calling to children’s ministry and a passion for teaching and discipling the next generation.
- Agreement with the Southern Baptist Faith and Message 2020 and alignment with the mission and values of DSBC.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education, or a related field.
- Experience in children’s ministry, with demonstrated success in leading programs.
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to recruit and motivate volunteers.
- Ability to teach biblical concepts effectively in age-appropriate ways.
- Competence with technology and communication tools (e.g., social media, Microsoft Office).
- Must pass a background check and adhere to DSBC’s “Safe Church Policy.”