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.
