Part-Time Early Childhood Ministry Lead at Cascade Fellowship (Grand Rapids, MI)

Early Childhood Ministry Lead

Part-Time: 15-20 hours per week, Non-Exempt Employee

Purpose Statement

To proclaim the gospel and lead birth through preschool grade kids into a growing relationship with Jesus as a member of the Family Ministry team.

Overview

At Cascade Fellowship, the staff team, council, and membership are all committed to “Radiating the love and truth of Jesus.” That mission is interwoven into every aspect of our ministry, and we see this role as a valuable part in achieving the mission and vision that God has set before us. The Early Childhood Ministry Lead is a key player on the Family Ministries team, leading and directing ministry to birth through preschool kids, along with their parents.

Reporting & Teamwork

• The Early Childhood Ministry Lead reports directly to the Family Ministries Director.
• This position works closely with other KIDS Ministry Leads to bring synergy to the ministry.
• This person is a member of the KIDS Ministry team and greater Family Ministries team.

Responsibilities

• Ministry to infants and families
  • Empower volunteers to serve in the nursery during weekly Sunday gathering times
    and midweek ministry moments. 
  • Develop a pattern of “faith formation” that happens during each ministry moment to our youngest participants which could include prayer, scripture, and midweek resources for families at home.
  • Develop a rhythm and schedule for “on” and “off” volunteer times.
  • Ensure all sign-in processes are functioning properly for a great participant experience.
• Ministry to Preschool Children
  • Oversee the planning and execution of consistent ministry to preschool children with the ultimate goal of bringing children to baptism, communion, and profession of faith.
  • Create a space for exploration of faith, fun hands on learning and playtime, and age-appropriate patterns of instruction that grow kids into followers of Jesus.
  • Schedule volunteers to serve in preschool ministries during weekly Sunday gathering times and midweek ministry moments.
  • Provide a safe, secure, and exciting environment to children younger than school age.
• Midweek Ministry to Kids and Families
  • Equip kids and families with the knowledge of Jesus and practice of discipleship through practical midweek resources.
  • Provide various midweek ministry and growth opportunities to birth through preschool kids in partnership with the staff at Cascade Fellowship.
  • Work with the Family Ministries Team to create a strategy and long-term plan for midweek ministry and outreach.
• Relational Ministry
  • Connect regularly and build relationships with birth through preschool kids.
  • Create and implement systems to disciple and to provide spiritual care for kids from birth through preschool and their families.
  • In cooperation with the Family Ministries Director, oversee digital methods of connecting with kids and their families, including through the use of social media.
• Recruit and Train Volunteers
  • Oversee the recruitment, development, training, and retention of volunteers for birth through preschool ministry.
  • Create an exciting and hospitable environment for all volunteers to serve.
  • Provide spiritual leadership and care to kids, families, and volunteers.
  • Create systems to thank and appreciate volunteers, including calls, notes, and gatherings.
  • Ensure all volunteers and Cascade Kids ministries are compliant with safety and protection policies including all volunteers in tandem with the Family Ministries Team.
  • Discern which volunteers may become future leaders and enter into a mentoring relationship with them, guiding them toward greater levels of ownership.
• Outreach to Kids and Families
  • Partnering with the Family Ministries Team, lead several family-oriented outreach events throughout the year, including several opportunities throughout the Summer.

Skills & Qualifications

1. Possesses a personal belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and is committed to building up and unifying the body of Christ.
2. Affirms and is aligned with Cascade Fellowship’s stated mission and goals.
3. Is ideally a member of the church or is in the process of becoming one.
4. Conducts himself or herself as a servant leader by putting others first and prioritizing the development and advancement of his or her team.
5. Is an empathic leader who loves nurturing, shepherding, and mentoring others, empowering them to fulfill God’s calling in their lives (Eph. 3:11-13).
6. Leads in an organized and reliable way by organizing, delegating, supervising, evaluating the effectiveness of ministry methods, adapting as needed, and refusing to accept results that are “good enough.”
7. Is self-directed, good at goal setting, and willing to go above and beyond what is expected.
8. Has a flexible, teachable, can-do attitude when presented with novel situations and challenges.
9. Brings a positive, encouraging attitude into the work environment that causes others to feel built up and well supported.
10. Creates vibrant and thriving teams of enthusiastic volunteers who become deeply connected to the church’s mission and vision.
11. Has a history of exhibiting the ability to handle potentially divisive issues with wisdom, discernment, and grace.
12. Has the ability to maintain and protect sensitive and confidential information.
13. Must be available to work weekends (Sundays and special events) and an average of one evening each week.
14. Demonstrates excellent communication ability, including the ability to write clearly and accurately in a concise and user-friendly way.
15. Preferred: Has 2-3 years of experience in leading teams, and/or kids ministries.

Compensation and Benefits

• This job is compensated at an hourly rate according to the educational background, experience, and work expected of the employee.
• Wage adjustments are determined annually and consider the employee’s performance and the current market.
• Eligible benefits are outlined in the employee handbook.
• Part-time, 15-20 hours per week.
• Kid friendly work environment.