What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Children's Ministries position at Community United Methodist Church?
Director of Children’s Ministries
Community United Methodist Church, Columbia, MO
Job Summary
Community United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Children's Ministries to introduce Jesus Christ to children and families and to nurture their faith as they grow.
- Position: Part-time, averaging 20 hours per week
- Pay: $20,000
- Reports to: Lead Pastor
- Ages served: Birth through 5th grade, plus their families
The Director leads our Sunday children's programs, builds and supports a team of volunteers and nursery staff, and creates opportunities for families to grow in faith together. This role carries out our church's vision: Called to Love; Led to Serve.
Schedule
Hours average 20 per week across the year, with some flexibility in when they are worked.
- Sundays: Present on Sunday mornings, approximately 8:30 am - 12:30pm Employees in positions requiring Sunday work may take up to 4 Sundays off per fiscal year (includes both vacation and time off)
- Weekly: Staff meeting, planning, communication, and volunteer coordination on a flexible schedule
- Seasonal: Hours run higher during Vacation Bible School, fall events, and Advent/Christmas, and lighter at other times of year
- Occasional: Some evening or weekend commitments for events, trainings, and church planning meetings
Qualifications
Required
- A growing, active faith in Jesus Christ, lived out in daily life
- Love for people and a desire to walk alongside them in their faith journey
- Experience working with children in a church, school, camp, or similar setting
- Experience recruiting, organizing, or leading teams (paid or volunteer)
- Strong organization and time management, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred
- Familiarity with children's curriculum and age-appropriate faith formation
- Experience coordinating events such as Vacation Bible School
Conditions of employment
- Successful completion of a background check
- Completion of Safe Gatherings certification within [30] days of hire
- Ability to lift and carry young children and supplies up to [30] pounds
Responsibilities
Sunday Programming
- Plan and facilitate leadership of weekly Sunday School and Children's Church
- Select and oversee a published curriculum, adapting it as needed
- Plan activities for transition and free play time on Sunday mornings
- Make sure teachers have the lesson materials and supplies they need
- Communicate weekly with families about upcoming lessons and activities
Events and Family Engagement
- Plan and facilitate leadership of four or more signature events each year: Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treat, the Christmas program, and a spring event
- Recruit volunteer leads to help coordinate each event
- Build relationships with children and support them in their activities
- Partner with parents and invite them into ministry opportunities
Volunteer and Staff Leadership
- Recruit, schedule, and support volunteer teachers and helpers
- Hire, schedule, and supervise paid nursery staff
- Organize at least two trainings per year for staff volunteers
Safety, Spaces, and Policy
- Keep nursery and children's areas welcoming, safe, and well stocked
- Review and update children's ministry and nursery policies each year (such as sign-in and pickup, behavior expectations, and Safe Gatherings)
- Ensure staff and volunteers follow policies consistently
Church Life
- Participate in worship and attend weekly staff meetings
- Represent children's ministries in church planning conversations
- Collaborate with staff and lay leadership to support the wider ministry of the church
How to Apply
This position is “open until filled.” To apply, please send the following:
- A resume
- A brief cover letter (one page) describing your experience with children and your approach to children's ministry
- At least three references, including one ministry leader
The desired start date is December 1, 2026.
Email: admin@communityumc.net
Mail: Community United Methodist Church, Attn: Pastor Karen Hayden, 3301 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $20,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, MO 65203