Children’s Pastor / Children’s Ministry Director

Position Summary

The Children’s Pastor or Children’s Ministry Director leads a vibrant and engaging ministry for children from birth through 6th grade. This role partners with families to nurture lifelong faith in Jesus Christ through age-appropriate teaching, relational discipleship, dynamic outreach, and meaningful acts of service within the local community. With a strong emphasis on outreach ministry, creative worship experiences, and family-centered events this leader helps children and families take next steps toward connection, growth, and service in Christ. This role is a key contributor to the broader mission of Grace Life, working collaboratively with church staff and ministries to foster unity across generations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ministry Leadership & Weekly Environments

*Lead all aspects of Sunday and midweek children’s ministry, including early childhood, elementary, and preteen environments.
*Design and lead a high-energy, age-appropriate Kids Church worship experience that helps children encounter God through music, Scripture, media, and interaction.
*Ensure a safe, welcoming, and spiritually rich experience for all children.

2. Volunteer Recruitment & Development

*Identify, train, and support a growing team of volunteers who serve in children’s ministry.
*Empower and equip volunteers to lead with excellence, warmth, and consistency.
*Cultivate a culture of encouragement, teamwork, and spiritual maturity among leaders.
*Schedule volunteers and provide clear communication, support, and appreciation.

3. Outreach & Community Engagement

*Lead efforts to engage children and families beyond the walls of the church, building bridges to the broader community.
*Develop creative outreach strategies that meet families where they are—whether through sports, seasonal events, service opportunities, or partnerships with local schools and organizations.
*Inspire the broader church through visible, invitational, and outward-facing children’s ministry efforts that model hospitality, creativity, and community engagement.

4. Family Events & Milestone Ministry

*Plan and lead family-friendly events (e.g., Fall Fest, family worship nights, Christmas outreach, parenting workshops) that build a connection between the church and home.
*Create consistent engagement opportunities with families—in the church, in the child care, and in the community—to build relationships, trust, and partnership in discipleship.
*Provide tools and resources for parents as the primary disciplers in the home.

5. Safety, Systems, & Communication

*Ensure safety policies and background checks are updated and strictly followed.
*Maintain excellent communication with parents and volunteers through regular emails, social media, and in-person interactions.
*Manage ministry budget and track attendance and engagement data to guide future planning.

6. Church Integration & Team Collaboration

*Serve as a unified member of the Grace Life Staff Team, actively participating in staff meetings, planning sessions, and church-wide events.
*Collaborate with other ministry leaders to ensure alignment, shared vision, and a spirit of partnership across generations and departments.
*Encourage children and families to engage in the life of the whole church, fostering intergenerational connection and belonging.

Qualifications

*A growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and alignment with the mission, values, and beliefs of Grace Life Church and the Church of the Nazarene.
*Passion for reaching and discipling children and partnering with families.
*Proven ability to lead teams, plan events, and communicate clearly and graciously.
*Previous ministry or teaching experience with children strongly preferred.
*Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education, or a related field preferred.

Personal Characteristics

*Spirit-led and passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with children and families.
*Relationally warm and hospitable to new families and longtime members alike.
*Creative and fun-loving, able to connect with kids on their level while building trust with parents.
*Team-oriented and eager to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
*Organized and dependable, following through on plans with excellence.

If interested in applying, please send the following to josh@gracelifenaz.org

1. Resume with cover letter
2. 2-3 minute video introducing yourself and sharing your philosophy of ministry. (Optional)