Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and neighbor. This is what we at Belmont UMC believe Christian discipleship is, what we are to be, and what Jesus meant when he sent his followers to “make disciples.” We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We commit to Jesus’ example of inclusive love, care, and intentional hospitality with persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, physical or mental ability, economic status, or political perspective. We respect our diversity of opinion and expressions of faith. Therefore, as God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.

The Director of Ministry with Children and Families will be responsible for leading our children’s ministry and ministry with their families. They will ensure that children and their families’ spiritual education needs are met and that children are actively involved in the life of the congregation. The Director will recruit, equip, and empower a strong core of ministry partners so that Belmont can effectively meet the spiritual, educational and community needs of children and their families.

• Recruit, equip, and empower the volunteer ministry partners who lead children’s discipleship
• Support, encourage, resource, and empower ministry partners
• Work with other age level ministry staff and leaders to coordinate and integrate a church-wide plan of discipleship and Christian education so that our children and families can learn the age-appropriate fundamentals of our faith and love God with their minds, hearts and souls.
• Foster community by investing in relationships with children and their families
• Work with and support our children’s choir director to integrate all of our children discipleship efforts
• Lead, plan, resource and oversee children’s Sunday School and other discipleship events
• Equip, lead and resource family ministry discipleship events and groups so our families are better equipped to lead family devotions, spiritual discussions and Christ-like leadership.
• Resource curriculum to meet the needs of children and families
• Create and equip leaders for new discipleship opportunities and groups for families
• Create a community with our ministry partners and our Children’s Ministry Committee that is engaged and supportive of children’s discipleship
• Advocate for ministry with children and families in church-wide planning and practice.
• Providing leadership for children’s ministry programming, especially on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings
• Coordinating, planning, and creating key annual events in children’s ministry, such as Vacation Bible School, All Church Retreat, Children’s Sabbath, kindergarten prayer friends and third grade bible presentations
• Coordinate and advocate for the deeper integration of children in worship services and church-wide events
• Contact visiting families and walk with them as they connect with, and hopefully join, our church
• Assist new member families to integrate into and engage in discipleship pathways
• Ensure adherence to the BUMC Safe Sanctuaries policy
• Support the Golden Triangle Fellowship Pastor and help GTF children be part of children’s programming (The Golden Triangle Fellowship is a community of immigrants and refugees from Thailand, Myanmar and Burma that are members of our church and worship in Belmont UMC’s chapel)
• Supervise the nursery coordinator and staff to ensure our nursery provides hospitality and is a safe and welcoming place for our youngest guests. Ensure our nursery offers age-appropriate Christian education and environment for our youngest members
• Work with the Belmont Weekday School to recruit and integrate WDS families into the discipleship of our church, being present to offer spiritual counsel and care for WDS staff and families with spiritual needs.

Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications

The Director should show evidence of passion for ministry with children and deep interest in and commitment to faith formation of the entire church family. The ideal candidate would possess:

• Passion for helping Children accept their belovedness and grow up to be faithful Christ-followers
• A passion to integrate children’s discipleship into their homes
• The ability to project a sense of vibrancy, community and welcome
• The ability to attract, recruit, and equip volunteer ministry partners
• A passion for living into Belmont’s welcoming statement ensuring all people are welcomed and embraced
• Excellent organization and planning skills along with an ability to delegate and equip volunteers
• Prior experience and leadership in children’s ministry or children’s education
• Knowledge and understanding of the United Methodist Church and our theology
• A strong team player
• An understanding of and training in child development
• A deep commitment to ensuring child protection and safety
• The ability to listen to and communicate with people of all ages
• Four-year Bachelor’s degree and training, experience, and/or passion in Christian education for children
• Cross-cultural competency and experience

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in an educational environment leading children. The employee must occasionally lift or move objects or assist with normal children’s activities being able to lift items up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to use standard office equipment and be able to join in some forms of normal childcare activities .

Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy: Belmont United Methodist Church strives to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. We will not permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected category under applicable federal or state law. This standard of conduct applies to all managers, supervisors, employees, customers, and vendors.

Hours: 40+ hours per week; hours are flexible during normal weekday business hours; some remote work may be coordinated with your supervisor. Regular attendance on Wednesday evenings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings, as well as other occasional evening and weekend events are required.

Reports to: Senior Pastor.

Salary Range: commensurate with experience and education.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement (403b), Vacation, Life Insurance

Submission Process: Candidates should submit resumes and cover letters (optional) to Seth Neumann by emailing seth@belmontumc.org.