Job Details: Job Location: Jackson, MS 39202, Job Category: Ministry, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)
Jackson, Mississippi
“First Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world”
Job Description for Children's Ministry Director
OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church of Jackson exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world. In His providence, God has placed us on the corner of North State and Pinehurst Streets, in midtown Jackson. We resolve to be good neighbors and gospel witnesses in the neighborhoods around our church campus. We draw members and visitors from the entire metro-Jackson area. We will continue to make disciples in our city by equipping believers to live for Christ in their homes, their workplaces, and in their neighborhoods across our region. For more information please visit our website, First Presbyterian Church.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Our vision for children's ministry at First Presbyterian Church is to reach children for Christ and to equip them in the knowledge of God and in living out their faith at home, at school, and in the world.
Scripture describes the Church as a living spiritual house with Christ as its foundation and cornerstone, and each believer as a stone (1 Peter 2:4–5; Ephesians 2:19–22). We want our children to understand that they are living stones in this particular house of God, and that each time they come here they are reminded that they belong to the Body of Christ. We pray that they will trust in Christ at an early age and be equipped so that they, like us, are built into a living temple where Christ reigns. We are the household of God, and children are fully part of that household.
JOB SUMMARY
First Presbyterian Church is seeking a mature, gifted, and Christ-centered Children's Ministry Director to lead and oversee FPC's ministry to children (K3 through 6th grade) and their families. This includes the content (ensuring all instruction is consistent with the Westminster Standards), staff, volunteers, children's ministry budget, facilities, and safety of every children's program, including Sunday instruction, Children's Churchtime, catechism instruction and recitation, communicant preparation, Vacation Bible School, and seasonal and special events.
The Director carries out the children's ministry vision under the supervision of the Minister of Students and Families and with the counsel of the Students and Families Committee. The Director is accountable to the Senior Minister, Executive Minister, and to the Session through them. The Director supervises various staff helping with midweek and catechism classes, as well as children's ministry volunteers.
The Director meets weekly with the Minister of Students and Families for reporting, planning, and pastoral care, and shares any shepherding concerns that arise in the children's ministry. The Director attends all Students and Families Committee meetings; the Committee advises on and approves ministry direction, curriculum, and major programs, and the Director is responsible for carrying them out. The Director gives an annual in-person report on the children's ministry to the Session.
This is a full-time position reporting to the Minister of Students and Families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Spiritual Leadership and Vision
Be a person of prayer who lives daily in God's grace and shows godliness in family, church, and community.
Pray for and give spiritual counsel and encouragement to the children of the church and their families as opportunity and need arise.
Encourage teachers and volunteers to serve out of love for Christ and His people.
Personally teach or lead programs as needed.
Ensure that every child, whatever their ability or maturity, can take part in the children's ministry, and coordinate reasonable accommodations with families.
Staff and Volunteer Leadership
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate children's ministry staff, including the Associate Director, in coordination with the Minister of Students and Families, and assign program responsibilities among staff as needs change.
Hold regular staff meetings and conduct an annual review with each staff member the Director supervises.
Develop and oversee an ongoing plan to recruit, screen, train, and appreciate teachers and volunteers.
Meet regularly with teachers and ministry leaders to advise, equip, and encourage them.
Child Protection and Safety
Own the Child Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures; review them at least annually, recommend updates as needed, and ensure consistent implementation in every program and event.
Ensure that every staff member and volunteer who works with children has completed the required background screening and safeguarding training before serving.
Oversee check-in and check-out, supervision ratios, health and injury procedures, and incident reporting.
Report concerns promptly to the Minister of Students and Families and as required by policy and law.
Parents and Families
Equip parents to disciple their covenant children by providing resources, parent training, and speaking to groups, officers, and parents as opportunities arise.
Welcome new and visiting families and follow up with them, and proactively meet with parents individually.
Coordinate with pastoral staff and care ministries for families facing short- or long-term needs.
Encourage children to take part in the wider life of the church through worship, service, and churchwide events.
Administration
Help prepare the children's ministry budget with the Minister of Students and Families and manage it responsibly.
Coordinate facilities, calendar, equipment, and supplies for children's programs with church staff.
Plan and approve all children's ministry communications across print and digital channels in coordination with the Communications Department.
Maintain accurate records, including class rosters, attendance, communicant children, and volunteer screening and training status.
Work with all church staff on other projects as assigned.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is classified as a full-time, salaried, non-exempt position.
Regular work hours include Sunday mornings, midweek programs, and seasonal events such as Vacation Bible School; some evening and weekend work is required.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and any other required screening processes.
Employee must complete the church's required safeguarding and child protection training and comply with the Child Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.
The church reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, schedules, or assignments as needed.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The full-time Children's Ministry Director is offered an annual salary, payable in 26 bi-weekly installments.
FPC Jackson provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports their well-being and financial security. Benefits available to eligible full-time staff members include:
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
Life insurance
Retirement (after one year of service)
Paid time off
Opportunities for professional development
A summary of all available benefits will be available once a candidate begins to proceed in the interview process.
Qualifications: KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a sense of calling to ministry with children.
Affirmation of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, and commitment to the government of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Communing membership at First Presbyterian Church, or willingness to become a member.
Bachelor's degree required; a degree in education or a related field is preferred.
Completion of the PCA Children's Ministry Certificate, or willingness to complete it within three years of hire.
Experience with special needs ministry is preferred.
Understanding of children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development.
Demonstrated ability to teach children and to train and equip adults.
Experience building and leading teams of staff and volunteers.
Strong administrative, organizational, and technical skills.
Clear verbal and written communication with children, parents, and church leadership, including through digital tools.
Commitment to supporting the mission and values of First Presbyterian Church.