Children's Worker / Coordinator
This is an exciting opportunity as we seek under God to grow as a church and deepen our commitment to Jesus Christ. We want to continue to grow the next generation and to appoint a new Children's Worker, to coordinate and develop our children's ministry.
Responsibilities
- Overseeing the children's ministry at St John's. Encouraging active participation of children in the life and worship of St John's whilst bringing fresh vision and energy. - Coordinating the teaching of the Bible to children in a wide variety of contexts. - Delivering children's groups using resources that are meaningful, lively, accessible and enjoyable. - Understanding and implementing best practice in children's work particularly with regard to safeguarding, as well as health and safety and other policies. - Training, supporting, motivating existing leaders and helpers working within the various children's groups. - Identifying and encouraging new leaders and helpers to join the various teams as we grow and develop. - Working with children and families in church, encouraging them to explore faith and become true disciples of Jesus. - Developing schools' work including assemblies, school visits and Christmas and Easter events. - Coordinating and encouraging special outreach events such as the Light Party, Christmas and Easter activities, Holiday Club. - Maintaining and developing existing relationships with local community groups such as Boys Brigade and Girls Association, and other local opportunities. - Considering and developing new initiatives for outreach and mission amongst children in the local area. - Taking responsibility for the communication and advertising of church activities for children and families, including our website and social media. - Taking an active part in the life of St John's Church, including staff meetings and Sunday services.
Required skills
Essential: - A committed Christian in full sympathy with the vision and values of St John's having a high regard for Scripture, prayer and building relationships as a community committed to Jesus Christ. - A Christian who is passionate about sharing Jesus with the next generation. - A person who understands the importance of teaching the Bible. - A person who believes in the power of prayer and who wants to help others pray. - A person with good operational skills able to coordinate across a number of activities. - Someone able to innovate and produce creative and imaginative ways to engage children and families, including those with additional needs. - Experience of working with children within a church, school or Christian charity. - A good team player who is willing to be hands on with the practicalities of running children's activities. - A person who is able to relate warmly to parents/carers and children, and who is capable of being pastorally sensitive. - Willing to learn and develop their own Christian faith, skills and gifting as well as encouraging others, and whose life and character are consistent with their Christian faith. - Excellent communication skills with children, parents/carers and the congregation. - IT literate, especially in using social media. - Good organisational and time management skills. Desirable: - Educational qualifications or previous training in children's ministry, which may include a relevant theological qualification. - Experience of working with other para- church organisations such as Christian camps / holidays, missions, Messy Church etc.
Other
Employed by: The Parochial Church Council of St John's, Blackheath Reporting to: The Vicar Responsible for: The Children's ministry (up to the age of 11) Salary: Commensurate with role and experience Hours: We are seeking to appoint a full time or part time Children's Worker/Coordinator, which would normally average 35 hours per week if full time. We would consider a part time appointment with reduced responsibilities for the right candidate. In either case, the nature of the job will require a flexible approach to working hours including weekend and evening work Holiday: Five weeks per year, plus bank holidays (although Christmas and Easter bank holidays may need to be taken in lieu). It would be expected that the substantial majority of the holiday would be taken during the school holidays Pension contribution: Statutory minimum plus voluntary matching scheme Contract length: Permanent post following satisfactory completion of probationary period Occupational requirement: There is an occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian and will be committed to worshipping at St John's Church sharing in all aspects of church life Safeguarding: This post is also subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references Application: If you wish to apply, please provide a covering letter and a full CV to: eddie@stjohnsblackheath.org.uk If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please call the church office to arrange this on 020 8305 0520 Closing date: Monday 26th June 2023 – Interviews will be held in July
