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Japanese Presbyterian Church of Seattle
Children’s Ministry Director
Position Description

Introduction:  Japanese Presbyterian Church (affectionately known as ‘Presby’) is a lively community with an active multi-generational membership, and an average Sunday attendance of 180.  We nurture a vibrant group of 35-40 children (some with special needs) with volunteers of all ages willing to contribute as a team.  Our Sunday morning includes two worship services – one in English (9:30), and one in Japanese (11:15) – and a Sunday School hour for children and adults (11:15). 

Purpose:  To oversee the Children’s Ministry (CM) at Japanese Presbyterian Church (JPC) that draws children to experience and know God in a transformational way.

Accountability:  Hired by and reports to the Session (board of elders), and is supervised by the Pastor, Head of Staff.

Responsibilities:

Bring to life the Mission Statement for CM at JPC by providing vision, leadership and oversight:

  • Develop and serve with a CM team of leaders and volunteers, encouraging a teamwork atmosphere
  • Recruit, support and train volunteers for Sunday children’s ministries for Nursery-5th grade and special needs (may include worship service children’s message, Sunday School, King’s Kids, Kids for Christ, Friends class, children’s worship), as well as supervise the part-time special needs class teacher
  • Oversee the selection  of curriculum, resources/supplies
  • Shepherd and care for children and their families with the guidance of the Pastor
  • Oversee the children’s program during JPC Family Retreats, as needed
  • Oversee the development of CM policies and procedures
  • Develop the annual CM budget
  • Be present on Sunday mornings, normally for at least 45 Sundays per year

Partner and coordinate with other ministry leaders and teams:

  • Regular/quarterly check-in with Pastor, Head of Staff
  • Offer input for children’s participation in the worship service
  • Offer input and contribute to Adult Christian Education in the area of Christian parenting
  • Offer input for involvement of children in other Presby ministries
  • Work with youth director to transition children into the youth program
  • Partner with pastoral and office staff and ministry teams in outreach to the children of the neighborhood  (e.g., Neighborhood BBQ, Easter Eggstravaganza, Japanese-language congregation outreaches)
  • Participate in ministry planning meetings (weekly staff meetings, quarterly Ministry Roundtable meetings, CM team meetings).
  • Work with pastoral and office staff to improve safety procedures along with planning drills, .
  • Communicate with pastoral and office staff, ministry team and congregation regarding CM vision, policies, events, etc.  This may include: monthly newsletter column, Facebook page, quarterly email updates to parents and teachers, volunteer training meetings, yearly parent meetings, CM Annual Report.
  • Partner with pastoral and office staff in envisioning teacher appreciation events

Personal growth and equipping:

  • Network with the regional Children’s Ministry community
  • Engage in continuing education through conferences, seminars, literature, etc. for leadership development and to keep up-to-date with teaching/music/parent resources
  • Engage in opportunities for spiritual/personal care and growth
  • Yearly evaluate CM

 Other Administrative Duties:

  • Management of curriculum and Bible presentations,
  • Prepping/distributing attendance sheets, safety packets, and teacher notebooks
  • Oversee annual registration for classes and annual background checks of volunteers

Basic Qualifications:

  • A growing relationship with Christ.
  • Children’s Ministry experience
  • Ability to communicate clearly
  • Ability to work well with staff, families and volunteers within a team model

Position Hours and Benefits

  • 25–30 hours/week
  • Paid sick leave in accordance with City of Seattle ordinance
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • No medical benefits

Applicant Instructions

To apply, please mail a résumé to:

Children’s Ministry Search
Japanese Presbyterian Church
1801 24th Ave South
Seattle, WA 98144

You may also apply by email to presby-cmdir-search@googlegroups.com

For further information or questions:
            Phone – 206-323-5990
            Website – jpresby.org

Deadline: Open until the position is filled.