Job Overview

An ideal candidate for the Spiritual Education and Formation Minister position will bring joy and passion for the overall spiritual nurture and growth of children, youth, young adults, and their families. They will have a love of children and youth and desire to foster positive, supportive, safe relationships with them and their families. They will possess a strong sense of ministry that is collaborative and inclusive in its outlook. We seek a person who has a knowledge of childhood development and employs best practices in faith formations. The candidate must be supportive of Park Church’s progressive theology, our “Open and Affirming” beliefs, and able to uphold the standards of the church’s “Safe Church Policy.”

Visit http://parkchurchgr.org to learn more about 1st (Park) Congregational Church.

Primary Responsibilities

· Engages regularly and fosters loving, healthy relationships with the children, youth, young adults and their families of Park Church.

· Plans, implements, and evaluates the comprehensive spiritual formation classes and programs that serve Park Church’s children, youth, young adults, and families.

· Recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteer teachers and others needed volunteers to implement the church’s Sunday morning children programming.

· Leads and teaches the church’s middle school and high school aged Sunday morning youth group and facilitates opportunities that attract and retain an engaged youth population with an emphasis on mission, service, relationship building, and faith exploration.

· Builds and fosters relationships with our post-high school aged young adults through social events, service, and church connections.

· Provides support to children, youth, young adults, and families in moments of need.

· Recruits and supervises paid and volunteer nursery staff.

· Collaborates with children and youth choir directors to integrate music and dance into the spiritual formation programs.

· Promotes spiritual education and formation programs within Park Church utilizing direct email, printed materials, electronic newsletter, social media, and the church website.

· Offers Children Moments regularly during the weekly Sunday worship service.

· Collaborates in creating the Christmas Eve Family Service.

· Partners with the Senior Minister in leading biannual Confirmation classes.

· Regularly participates in the general mission and ministry of Park Church as time allows.

· Prepares an annual budget and maintains the program budget for the fiscal year.

· Attends weekly staff meetings, monthly Board of Deacons meetings, two annual meetings of the congregation, and the other congregational meetings as required by Senior Minister.

Secondary Responsibilities

· Preach or lead a Sunday morning worship service in the absence of the Senior Minister.

· Create and lead programs of adult spiritual formation.

· Provide support for members of Park Church in times of need in the absence of the Senior Minister.

Minimum Qualifications

· Supportive of the Open and Affirming beliefs and progressive theology of Park Church.

· Bachelor’s degree required. Preferably in the field of elementary or secondary education, childhood development, religious education, or theology.

· Two years’ work experience in faith formations, spiritual education, youth group leadership, elementary or secondary education, or non-profit volunteer coordination.

· Related degrees and comparable experience will be considered.

· Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize multiple projects and programs simultaneously.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to work collaboratively.

· Computer literacy and social media skills.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required.

Related Qualifications

· Working knowledge and experience with either Godly Play or the Young Children and Worship curriculum. Professional development in these curriculums will be provided if necessary.

· Knowledge and understanding of the United Church of Christ, its history and theology.

· Commitment to a spiritual life and life-long learning.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: Salary range is $55,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications for the position.

Benefits: Enrollment in the Park Church Medical Plan, Cellphone Stipend, Contribution to 403(b) Annuity Plan, Paid Time Off, other benefits are negotiable.

Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time. Sundays, some holidays, and the occasional weekday evenings are required. Candidate must be able to successfully pass a background check and be willing to be trained in our Safe Church Policy.

If candidate is an ordained clergyperson or seminarian nearing ordination, the Spiritual Education and Formation Minister may be adapted to a “called” position and be eligible for additional benefits (such as a clergy housing allowance, etc.).

To Apply for this Position

Interested candidates should apply by sending a resume, three references, and a cover letter to Rev. Darryl Kistler at dkistler@parkchurchgr.org. Please quote “Spiritual Education and Formation Minister” in the subject line. Park Church welcomes all applicants, clergy and non-clergy.

Interviews will begin immediately upon receiving resumes and the position will be filled as soon as possible. Desired start date is no later than August 15, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Hospice care: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49503: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person