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Director of Youth and Children Ministries

Purpose: Serve as the designated leader of the youth and children ministry, providing the guidance necessary to help young people grow and mature in their Christian faith.

Youth Program

1. Oversee the creation, development and implementation of all aspects of the UMYF programs. The primary goal must be spiritual growth. In addition, this position requires a relational approach to ministry that results in young people feeling connected to each other and to the congregation. The program must provide fellowship, fun, and support for the youth on personal issues.
2. Coordinate youth and adult leaders in retreats, community service and mission projects (such as Rock, Camp Hope).
3. Develop leadership abilities in youth and encourage their participation in ministry groups within the church, as well as in congregational activities such as Chrismon and holiday events.
4. Be a resource for planning worship experiences that relate to and involve youth.

Educational Ministries

1. Oversee the execution of the entire youth and children’s Christian education ministry. This includes planning, scheduling, budgeting, resourcing, promoting, and implementing the process.
2. Evaluate, select and adapt if necessary, the education curriculum that is consistent with United Methodist teaching and theology for children and youth in consultation with the volunteer leadership.. This will include the preparation and coordination of the Sunday morning education programs and the Confirmation program.

Other Ministries

1. Serve as the staff coordinator (includes coordination and publicity) for Vacation Bible School, Children's Church, and develop other special events around the church year to facilitate learning experiences beyond Sunday morning.
2. Recruit, develop and lead a cadre of volunteer adult youth leaders, counselors, and educators to be involved in these ministries.
3. Maintain accurate records related to all youth and children ministries at RUMC.
4. Serve as a resource for other staff and be a committed team member.
5. Represent the church in the community as a visible advocate for children and youth. Develop relationships with teachers, administrators, guidance counselors. Be visible and available to visit youth and children at school, hospital, sporting events, school plays, concerts, and at home.
6. Reach out to the unchurched in the community and invite their participation in the RUMC congregation.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

1. A spiritual leader who has a deep faith and scriptural grounding in the Bible
2. Can share their faith easily, and communicate with all age levels of youth and children in an age- appropriate, relevant way that resonates with the youth.
3. Has a passion for working with youth and children; is available to the youth and supports them in their daily lives; values them and accepts them as they are
4. Demonstrates ability to provide high quality, inspired leadership of youth and children, through guidance, creativity, and example
5. Ability to maintain discipline with consistency and fairness
6. Ability to build and equip a team of volunteers and be a team player
7. Counseling/listening training and skills
8. Knowledge of youth and children’s resources and educational materials available
9. Knowledge of how to build an educational curriculum and course design (what constitutes a good design at each age level)
10. Knowledge of United Methodist theology to determine what materials are or are not a fit
11. Strong organizational and project management skills

Education and Experience

• College degree in youth ministry, Christian education, or equivalent experience preferred
• A minimum of two years previous experience in youth ministry and Christian education required

Reporting

The Director of Youth and Children Ministries will report to the Senior Pastor. This person shall attend Church Council meetings quarterly the first year and on an as requested basis from the second year forward. Additionally, he/she shall provide a written or verbal monthly status report on the youth and children’s ministries to Church Council, SPRC, and other committees as needed.

Please forward cover letter and resume to rumcsprc@rumcweb.org