Family Ministry Coordinator

Position: Family Ministry Coordinator

Primary Objective: The Family Ministry Coordinator will facilitate the spiritual development of children, youth, and their families. Through this position, this person will work to guide and support the living out of Love First UMC’s values, vision, and mission through relationship building, events, service to the wider community, and education.

Accountable to: Connectional Pastor

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Give vision and leadership to all aspects of family and youth ministry.
2. Create a loving, positive, trauma responsive community where children, youth, and leaders feel they can be honest about who they are and bring their doubts and questions to the table.
3. Create an inclusive, safer space that is respectful of all communication styles and sensory needs. Work to create a sense of belonging where deep friendships are created while new people are always welcomed.
4. Develop and support strong volunteers, Youth Companions, and the Children’s Council to partner in ministry that equips our youth to grow in love of God and neighbor and to live out their own discipleship.
5. Create and utilize content that encourages understanding and appreciation of the Bible, is consistent with United Methodist theology, and encourages deep thinking about how to live as disciples in the world. Make sure to include the variety of learning styles for a variety of abilities, recognizing that we all experience God and each other in a variety of ways.
6. Encourage and support children and youth being involved in the whole life of the congregation (worship, leadership, service ministries, etc.) and make sure that there are intergenerational connections being created and maintained.
7. Be present and available on Sunday mornings to connect with youth, parents, volunteers, and others. Attend Staff Meetings and work collaboratively with church Staff.
8. Support and partner with parents in the spiritual formation of their children and teens, equipping them to have discussion with and teach their children about God’s love for them,  what it means to be a follower of Christ, and what it means to be part of a community of faith.
9. Provide weekly “Youth Group” experiences for 6th-12th Graders during the school year
10. Find, create, or delegate the creation of take home faith practices for families related to the worship themes and church seasons, equipping families to share faith with one another.
11. Communicate with children, youth, and parents, as well as congregation members, about what is happening in the family ministry context and how they can get involved.
12. Work with the Safety Team to ensure adherence of the Safe Sanctuary Policy in all ministry areas.
13. Coordinate and collaborate with other ministries of the church, where appropriate.

Qualifications:

A post-secondary degree in a related field or equivalent experience in children and youth programming. A passion for working with children, youth, and their families to grow in their love of God. Knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology. Experience and skills in group facilitation with diverse children and youth, leadership, adaptive teaching practices, oral and written communication, organization, and current technology.

Interpersonal skills:

• Work collaboratively with Pastors and Staff towards the shared vision and mission of the church.
• Is dedicated to personal spiritual growth and living a healthy lifestyle.
• Demonstrates commitment to the inclusivity of all God’s people.
• Provides a welcoming, hospitable environment in-person, on the phone, and electronically.
• Upholds confidentiality with the Pastors, Staff, and others as it relates to the overall function and health of the church and its ministry.
• Exhibits flexibility around position function
• Adheres to the policies and procedures outlined in the church’s Employee Handbook and publicly supports the Pastors, staff, and mission of the church.

Benefits:

Vacation, holidays, and educational reimbursement are subject to church policy and are to be approved by the Connectional Pastor prior to taking and in accordance with the Non-Appointed Employee Policy.  All other benefits as might be dictated by the United Methodist Minnesota conference.  All are subject to Social Security withholding as required by those regulations.

Love First UMC’s Statement of Inclusion

As people who follow Jesus by putting love first, we celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. We honor and affirm the sacred worth of persons of every age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical and mental capacity, education, economic means, marital status, and faith story.