Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

Trinity United Church of Christ

Wooster, Ohio

Employment Status: Part-Time; 25 Hours per week

Position Summary

Trinity United Church of Christ seeks a compassionate, creative, and enthusiastic Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries to provide leadership for the faith formation of children, youth, and support families in nurturing Christian faith at home and within the life of the congregation. The Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries will develop and coordinate engaging educational and spiritual growth opportunities that encourage children and youth to know God's love, participate in worship, build meaningful relationships, and grow in building a personal connection with Jesus Christ. Working collaboratively with the Pastor(s), Consistory, church staff, ministry teams, volunteers, and families, the Director will strengthen Trinity's commitment to welcoming, nurturing, and serving children, youth, and their families in ways that reflect the mission and values of the United Church of Christ.

Primary Responsibilities

Children's and Youth Faith Formation

• Plan, coordinate, and lead educational and faith formation opportunities (including youth group) for children and youth from infancy through high school (or as determined by the congregation).
• Select, develop, and implement age-appropriate curriculum consistent with the theology and mission of the United Church of Christ.
• Foster an engaging, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children and youth experience God's love and grow in their Christian faith.
• Encourage children's participation in worship through children's messages, music, scripture reading, service projects, mission trips, and other leadership opportunities.
• Coordination and collaboration of Vacation Bible School with other downtown churches.
• Collaborate with the Pastor(s) to educate and support our Confirmation candidates.
• Occasionally attend activities that our children and youth participate in throughout the community (youth sports, band, choir, theater productions, 4H shows, competitions, etc.) on behalf of the Congregation.

Family Ministries

• Partner with parents, grandparents, and caregivers as the primary nurturers of children's and youth faith.
• Provide resources and opportunities that encourage faith formation within the home.
• Plan family-focused events, fellowship opportunities, and seasonal activities that strengthen relationships within the congregation.
• Develop, organize, and promote intergenerational experiences that connect children, youth, adults, and older members of the congregation.

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, train, support, and encourage volunteer teachers and ministry leaders.
• Coordinate schedules and provide ongoing communication with volunteers.
• Foster a collaborative and positive ministry environment built on encouragement, appreciation, and teamwork.

Congregational Leadership

• Collaborate with the Pastor(s), church staff, Consistory, and ministry teams to strengthen children's and family ministries.
• Participate in staff meetings, ministry planning, and church-wide events.
• Attend the monthly Consistory meeting.
• Encourage children's, youth, and families' participation in the worship life and ministries of the congregation.
• Support Trinity's mission of embracing and celebrating God's love through worship, fellowship, outreach, and service.

Community and Outreach

• Build relationships with children, youth, and families within the congregation and the surrounding community.
• Lead and further expand the CAT (Creative Arts at Trinity) program.
• Encourage participation in community outreach and service opportunities appropriate for children and families.
• Represent Trinity's commitment to hospitality, inclusion, and Christian education in the community.
• Assist in welcoming and integrating new children and families into the life of the congregation.

Administration

• Coordinate calendars, registrations, communications, and records related to children's ministries.
• Prepare and manage the Children's, Youth, and Family Ministries budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee and Consistory.
• Maintain regular communication with families through newsletters, email, social media, and other appropriate methods.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for all children's ministry spaces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Christian Education, or a related field required.
• Experience working with children in educational, church, or community settings.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, organize, and support volunteers.
• Understanding of child development and age-appropriate learning practices.
• Appreciation for the theology, mission, and values of the United Church of Christ.
• Commitment to maintaining safety standards and child protection policies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications and digital communication tools.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A vibrant Christian faith and commitment to lifelong spiritual growth.
• A genuine love for children, youth, and families.
• Warmth, compassion, patience, and enthusiasm.
• Creativity and imagination in planning educational and ministry experiences.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• The ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, volunteers, and church leadership.
• Flexibility, dependability, and a collaborative spirit.
• Commitment to hospitality, inclusion, and the mission of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Accountability

The Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries is accountable to the Consistory and Pastor(s). This individual will work collaboratively with church staff, ministry teams, and volunteers. Regular evaluations will be conducted to review ministry goals, celebrate accomplishments, and support continued professional growth.

Compensation

Salary, professional development support, and other terms will be negotiated based on education, experience, and the needs of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Work Schedule

• Part-time, primarily on-site.

Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person