Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries

First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, MS, is seeking a faithful, dynamic, and organized Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries to lead and grow our ministries for children, youth, and their families. Position Overview The Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and hands-on oversight for ministries serving children (nursery-elementary), youth (middle and high school), and their families. This role is centered on growing healthy, sustainable, and Christ-centered children, youth, and family programs aligned with the church s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Establish, implement and follow a comprehensive, age-appropriate ministry and curriculum plan for spiritual development for Nursery

• High School and their families (e.

g. Sunday and weekly programming, Parents Night Out, Confirmation,, UMYF, youth trips, special events, etc.). Cultivate, engage and provide training for a highly motivated, passionate team of volunteers, empowering as many people as possible to help nurture FUMC s children, youth, and families in the spirit of Jesus. Encourage participatory leadership, which encourages volunteers with joy and curiosity; creating and maintaining a culture of innovation turning new ideas into opportunities to help children, youth, and parents find & follow Christ. Upon the belief that Jesus taught us to care for all, follow and ensure that volunteers, families, and individuals are compliant with FUMC s safe sanctuary policies in all aspects of the church, including but not limited to:

• Registration & check in procedures
• Recruitment, background checks, guidelines, and training for all volunteers
• Classroom/ Event management and staffing Communicate with parents and families in clear and consistent ways. Use current technology to promote upcoming events and ministry plans. Manage the administration of the Children, Youth, and Family Ministries programs.
• Maintain database of children, youth, families, and volunteers
• Develop and manage Children & Youth Family Ministries budget Participate in FUMC s staff meetings and other church/planning meetings as necessary.

Work for the overall mission of FUMC and be a team player. Keep an outreach and servant focus in overall planning of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. Help our children, youth, and families champion all children & youth. Advocate for those who are most vulnerable and who are marginalized in our community, state, and world. Keep up with current trends in Children, Youth, & Family Ministries attending to personal, spiritual, and professional growth.

Qualifications:

The position requires a person of mature Christian faith with strong, assertive, and proactive leadership skills who is self-aware, emotionally healthy, competent, and able to equip and empower volunteers. This person needs to be highly organized, technologically savvy, and must have excellent communication and coordination skills. Support of our culture, core values, mission and vision is essential. Bachelor s degree is required. A minimum of 1 year of experience working with children and youth and their families is required. About Our Church First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, MS is a welcoming and inclusive, mission-driven congregation committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. We are passionate about nurturing faith across generations and serving our community with love and purpose. How to Apply Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to: Leslie@FUMC-Gulfport.org. First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, MS, is seeking a faithful, dynamic, and organized Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries to lead and grow our ministries for children, youth, and their families. Position Overview The Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and hands-on oversight for ministries serving children (nursery-elementary), youth (middle and high school), and their families. This role is centered on growing healthy, sustainable, and Christ-centered children, youth, and family programs aligned with the church s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Establish, implement and follow a comprehensive, age-appropriate ministry and curriculum plan for spiritual development for Nursery

• High School and their families (e.

g. Sunday and weekly programming, Parents Night Out, Confirmation,, UMYF, youth trips, special events, etc.). Cultivate, engage and provide training for a highly motivated, passionate team of volunteers, empowering as many people as possible to help nurture FUMC s children, youth, and families in the spirit of Jesus. Encourage participatory leadership, which encourages volunteers with joy and curiosity; creating and maintaining a culture of innovation turning new ideas into opportunities to help children, youth, and parents find & follow Christ. Upon the belief that Jesus taught us to care for all, follow and ensure that volunteers, families, and individuals are compliant with FUMC s safe sanctuary policies in all aspects of the church, including but not limited to:

• Registration & check in procedures
• Recruitment, background checks, guidelines, and training for all volunteers
• Classroom/ Event management and staffing Communicate with parents and families in clear and consistent ways. Use current technology to promote upcoming events and ministry plans. Manage the administration of the Children, Youth, and Family Ministries programs.
• Maintain database of children, youth, families, and volunteers
• Develop and manage Children & Youth Family Ministries budget Participate in FUMC s staff meetings and other church/planning meetings as necessary.

Work for the overall mission of FUMC and be a team player. Keep an outreach and servant focus in overall planning of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. Help our children, youth, and families champion all children & youth. Advocate for those who are most vulnerable and who are marginalized in our community, state, and world. Keep up with current trends in Children, Youth, & Family Ministries attending to personal, spiritual, and professional growth.

Qualifications:

The position requires a person of mature Christian faith with strong, assertive, and proactive leadership skills who is self-aware, emotionally healthy, competent, and able to equip and empower volunteers. This person needs to be highly organized, technologically savvy, and must have excellent communication and coordination skills. Support of our culture, core values, mission and vision is essential. Bachelor s degree is required. A minimum of 1 year of experience working with children and youth and their families is required. About Our Church First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, MS is a welcoming and inclusive, mission-driven congregation committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. We are passionate about nurturing faith across generations and serving our community with love and purpose.