A Director of Religious Education directs educational programs and activities for a denominational group such as a church or synagogue. Coordinates the work of volunteer religious education teachers and plans classes and curriculum designed to introduce children and adults to the beliefs and practices of the congregation or denomination.
Senior Pastor / Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Purpose of the Role The Director of Children and Youth Ministries needs to be a dynamic and magnetic leader, who is outgoing with kids, adults and strangers. This person will design, implement, and oversee a vibrant, comprehensive ministry that spiritually nurtures young people from birth through 12th grade. Grounded in the United Methodist tradition, the Director will champion the church's core vision: Live for God, Love our Neighbor, and Grow in Christ . This role focuses on building authentic relationships, equipping volunteer leaders, and partnering with families to help the next generation develop a deep, lasting faith. Primary Responsibilities 1. Ministry Leadership & Strategy Cast a clear, engaging vision for both the Children's Ministry (Birth-5th Grade) and Youth Ministry (6th-12th Grade) that aligns with the overall mission of WUMC. Select, adapt, and implement biblically sound, age-appropriate curriculum for Sunday school, youth groups, and special events. Evaluate existing programs regularly to ensure they remain effective, engaging, and relevant to the needs of modern families in the growing Wentzville community. 2.
Program Execution & Event Management Children:
Coordinate weekly Sunday morning children's moments, Sunday school programs, and nursery care. Plan seasonal events such as Vacation Bible School (VBS), Christmas pageants, and Easter celebrations.
Youth:
Lead a regular, high-energy youth group experience (middle and high school) focusing on fellowship, worship, scripture study, and discussion.
Milestones:
Oversee the Confirmation process, coordinating classes, mentors, and the final Confirmation service.
Missions:
Plan and lead local service projects, mission trips, and community outreach events that teach youth how to practically "love our neighbor." 3. Volunteer Recruitment & Safety Recruit, train, schedule, and encourage a dedicated team of adult volunteers and small group leaders. Enforce the church's Safe Gathering policy rigorously, ensuring all volunteers undergo thorough background checks, proper training, and adhere to safety guidelines. 4. Family & Community Engagement Serve as a resource and support system for parents, providing them with tools to cultivate faith conversations at home. Maintain clear, consistent, and proactive communication with families via newsletters, social media, email, and texting platforms. Build bridges into the wider Wentzville community, connecting with local schools and community organizations to welcome new families to WUMC. 5. Administration & Operations Prepare and manage the annual budget allocations for children and youth programming. Maintain accurate records of attendance, visitor follow-ups, and volunteer compliance database. Attend weekly staff meetings and cooperate collaboratively with the Pastoral team, music director, and administrative staff.
Qualifications & Skills Faith Commitment:
A dedicated, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a heart for teaching young people. Deep respect for and alignment with United Methodist theology, polity (the system of rules, governance, and organizational structure used to run the denomination), and social principles.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree preferred (ideally in Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Family Ministry, Education, or a related field). Minimum of 2-3 years of experience leading or heavily volunteering in a church children or youth ministry setting.
Core Competencies:
Relatable and highly energetic, with a natural ability to connect with toddlers, teenagers, and parents alike. Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills. Proficient with modern technology, social media platforms, and database/communication tools. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Physical & Scheduling Demands Must be available to work standard Sunday mornings, regular evening youth group times, and occasional weekend retreats or overnight mission trips. Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check and child abuse registry screening.
