NEW PHILADELPHIA MORAVIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 NEW PHILADELPHIA MORAVIAN CHURCH - Director of Christian Education The Director of Christian Education (DCE) provides vision and leadership to overall program development, coordination, implementation, and direction to volunteers for the Children s Ministries, Family Ministries, and Adult Education. This person will exercise initiative and creativity, work well on a team, be able to relate effectively to people of all ages and ethnicities, and dedicate careful thought and heartfelt passion for the ministry of children and families in our church and community. This person will report to the senior pastor. Mission: To provide meaningful education programs such that all members of the congregation can better understand God s will for their lives, feel supported in their own growth in Christ, and use their gifts to support others. Outcomes Required of this Position 1. Excellent programming for attracting and teaching each age group of children (infant 5th) and adults. Strive for the highest standard and quality of programming. 2. Development of facilities and church environment to enhance the programming, attract children, and parents, and provide security. 3. Develop engaging and regular programs and events to promote community life among families with children. 4. Adults varied opportunities for learning and study not limited to Sunday school 5. Train and provide support, care, feedback and appreciation to Sunday School teachers and volunteers 6. Familiarity with multiple learning styles and provision of opportunities for different styles. 7. Create a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback after events and annually. 8. Develop and or procure in consultation with the Pastors and Sunday school curriculum that is spiritually appropriate as well as relevant, and engaging to the members of the church. 9. Works to bring a high level of energy and passion to the role. Duties and Functions Children and Family Ministries Overall responsibilities are to recruit, train, and oversee Children and Family ministry team of volunteers. Regularly communicate vision and purpose of the ministries to the congregation, Boards, and church staff. Be an advocate for Children and Family ministries within the church. I. Children and Youth Sunday School A. Executive and Administrative 1. Develop a unified, intentional, dynamic educational program of Christian study, nurture, and fellowship 2. Promote Sunday school attendance and growth. 3. Regularly meet with all committees impacting the educational ministry. 4. Consult Trustees concerning educational budget needs and keep check on money spent. 5. Coordinate ordering of supplies. 6. Arrange group classes and keep an up-to-date record system. 7. Develop a weekly Sunday School Assembly for ages 4 5th grade, that incorporates music and praise and introduces the focus for study and memory work and acts as a lead into Sunday school class activity. 8. Report monthly to Elders 9. Recruit and provide leadership to the CE committee 1

2 B. Supervision 1. Visit Sunday school classes to observe classrooms and teacher-children interaction. 2. Recognize volunteers in the services and other avenues such as the newsletter. 3. Be available to teach as a resource person and consultant. 4. Work closely with new teachers. 5. Hold regular planning and training meetings with teachers 6. Give specific attention to programs for youth and college age. 7. Organize a group volunteer training at least annually, including arranging speakers and programming. C. Curriculum/Environment 1. Work with teachers and classes to choose resources that appeal to children, youth, parents, and teachers. 2. Maintain working knowledge of materials available. 3. Coordinate ordering of materials. 4. Ensure that classrooms are attractive and enhance the learning experience for children. 5. Hold training sessions to prepare teachers to deliver training materials. Ensure that teachers understand the curriculum and how to present to the material to the specific age group. 6. Equip teachers to be successful. Have curriculum planned in advance. Provide materials and aids necessary for a successful teaching event. 7. Equip parents with follow-up message for their children to reinforce Sunday sermon. This could be a game, discussion item, story, news item, etc. 8. On Sunday mornings, be available to introduce new students and parents to the appropriate Sunday school teachers and classrooms D. Teaching 1. Teach no Sunday school class on a regular basis. 2. Be available for teaching of specific topics and short-term classes. 3. Promote and/or lead various weekday/night studies. E. Leadership Training 1. Guide the recruitment, equipment, and support of teachers and volunteers for the children and youth Sunday school classes, as well as some adult classes as needed. 2. Train teachers in basic classroom management skills. 3. Organize and conduct new teacher training. 4. Coordinate and promote continuing education and recognition of all teachers (both local events and larger workshops at least once a year). F. Relational Responsibilities 1. Communicate weekly using various ways such as web, , to parents regarding Sunday school themes, events, opportunities for worship and spiritual growth, expectations of memory work, etc. 2. Keep the activities of the Children s program in front of the congregation through s, website, bulletin, and newsletter 3. Be available to teachers, youth, and parents. 2

3 4. Encourage and engage children through s, cards, post cards, and conversations. Connect at various times throughout the year, including birthdays, back-to-school, end of school, etc. 5. Visitation of teachers and youth who are ill. 6. Obtain yearly registration information on each child 7. Obtain new families children information 8. Develop and lead Sunday School promotion activities, including opportunities in Sunday worship services, such as teacher recognition, student accomplishments II. Children s Church and Worship A. Program Development 1. Develop age-appropriate worship activities for children ages 4 2 nd grade. 2. Have at least 2 Children s Sermon a month. Provide guidance and direction for volunteers. B. Volunteer Training 1. Guide the recruitment, equipment, and support of volunteers. 2. Organize and conduct an annual training session or webinar that volunteers are required to watch. 3. Safe sanctuary C. Enthusiastically promote in front of the congregation upcoming educational opportunities and events for children. Be visible. Be a cheerleader. III. New Phillies a. Develop a meaningful program that enhances children s relationship with Jesus, their families, and their peers including components of: i. Service ii. Fellowship iii. Application of Biblical teachings to children s lives iv. Prayer b. Equip and support volunteers through contribution of ideas and resources, training and recognition IV. Nursery A. Recruit and train nursery workers, emphasizing safety and security of children. B. Train paid nursery workers annually. V. Vacation Bible School a. Serve as the director of VBS b. Ensure equipment and support of volunteers c. Have a pre-meeting with volunteers to review curriculum, activities, and schedule. d. Appreciation follow-up meeting to review results. What went well, what we need to add, what we should do differently, what can be improved upon. e. Provide volunteer anonymous survey on program to capture unbiased feedback. 3

4 VI. Outreach a. Preschool i. Engage with preschool children through weekly chapel programs ii. Occasionally greet children and parents during preschool drop off and attend preschool programs iii. Encourage attendance at church events b. Develop and provide opportunities for visitors with children to connect with other families at the church VII. Parental Equipping a. Develop and oversee programs designed to enhance and encourage families with children in the home. VIII. IX. Other Programs and Activities a. Assist in planning of special and seasonal church programs, including Lenten programs, Children s Lovefeast, etc. b. Assist in coordinating programs for physically and mentally disabled children s activities. Administration and Implementation of NPMC s Safe Sanctuary policy a. Ensure all who work with children and youth adhere to NPMC s safe sanctuary policies b. Provide Safe Sanctuary training at least annually to all volunteer staff c. Review background check results to determine volunteer eligibility in accordance with the NPMC SSP. d. Make updates as needed to promote a safe environment for our children e. Ensure that training in first aid and CPR is provided and received by designated staff and volunteers as required by the policy. f. Be the primary contact and administrator for the congregation on this policy. Adult Education 1) Sunday School a) Suggest and implement new ideas for adult studies. b) Recruit, develop and implement training for adult teachers. c) Develop and provide leadership for adult education programs, working with the pastors d) Identify and procure, as needed written and human resources to support adult classes. e) Work to provide an inclusive and well-coordinated adult Sunday School program. 2) Small Groups 3) Developed additional programming outside of Sunday school Provincial Responsibilities 1) Attend monthly educator meetings. 2) Promote and support Provincial programs. Personal and Professional Study 1) Develop and ongoing program for personal and professional study and growth. 2) Maintain an active membership in Christian educators Fellowship and other related professional groups. 3) Maintain a network of other Christian Educators to cultivate new ideas and discover what is working well in their church. Meet or reach out quarterly. 4

5 Skills and Attributes Passion for children and partnering with parents to provide Christian education Ability to read, analyze, and interpret educational materials Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to many different ages and types of children Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions (ability to address problems) Ability to work efficiently and effectively in team situations Solid time management skills and organizational abilities; ability to coordinate several activities at once and to quickly analyze and resolve specific problems The ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with people, conveying a genuine concern for their needs and a desire to provide exceptional service Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from parents, staff, and congregation The ideal candidate should be creative, have a passion for children, be high energy, hard working, and have the ability to motivate others Minimum Education Requirements / Qualifications BA/BS Degree in Christian Education highly preferred or equivalent degree focused on Education delivery 3-5 Years demonstrated successful experience in similar setting 5