First Presbyterian Church Child Development Center Hiring for Director of Christian Education at Gainesville, GA Full Time

DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

PROPOSED JOB DESCRIPTION

First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA

Position Title: Director of Christian Education

Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA)

Church Size: 800 members

Job Type: Full-time, Salaried

Reports to: Session and Senior Pastor/Head of Staff.

Hours/Days of Week Worked:

This position is full-time, with the incumbent agreeing to invest some 40 hours per week. However, because of seasonal programs, special worship services, occasional mission trips or retreats, and other activities of the church, hours can be long and irregular, with a precise defined schedule difficult to achieve consistently. Upon prior approval of the Senior Pastor, the Director of Christian Education is sometimes granted compensatory time taken within the succeeding fifteen days.

General Function:

The Director of Christian Education plans, coordinates, promotes, implements, and administers programs and ministries in the areas of faith development and fellowship, sometimes leading events that enhance the spiritual life and gifts of congregants. The DCE participates in the total life of FPC’s worship and service.

Essential Functions:

• Informs the congregation of the connectional nature of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
• Establishes and implements goals and programs to develop the faith of congregants and in instructing and guiding the children, confirmands, youth, and adults in faith formation and spiritual development, in all ways reflecting a Reformed understanding of scripture, doctrine, and worship; provides opportunities for spiritual nurture and growth for all in collaboration with other members of the church staff.
• Participates in the regular teaching ministries of the congregation.
• Takes the lead in ministries of Christian Education for the spiritual nurture and growth for children, youth, and their families. Supports and supervises the Director of Children’s Ministry and the Director of Youth Ministry in their work, and ensures that they are trained in the Child and Youth Protection Policy.
• Collaborates with staff to ensure the full inclusion of children in worship.
• Celebrates with and guides families during major rites of passages such as births, baptisms, confirmation, and inclusion in the mission of the church.
• Researches and/or creates curriculum and recruits leaders of confirmation classes, provides guidance for the covenant partners, and celebrates Services of Confirmation.
• Attends and participates in staff and Session meetings. Serves as a staff liaison for various councils/committees, including: Adult Education, Christian Education/Faith Development, Youth Ministry, Children’s Ministry, and Fellowship.
• Participates in the pastoral care of the congregants as coordinated with the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care. In the normal course of pastoral ministry it is appropriate to visit the sick, care for the bereaved, and support those in crisis. While it is assumed that the Director of Christian Education will assist in these endeavors, pastoral care will not be a main focus of this position.

The Director of Christian Education carries out the responsibilities required of this position which are consistent with the best interests of the congregants and the mission of Christ at FPC. The DCE maintains professional standards and ethics and participates in ongoing continuing education to enhance skills to carry out the tasks of the position.

Position requirements:

A Master’s Degree in Christian Education or professional experience in Christian Education is required. A qualified candidate possesses knowledge of Reformed theology, the Holy Scriptures, human growth and development, education theory, and practical experience as a Christian Educator. It is preferable for the DCE to have three to five years of experience in Christian Education with demonstrated expertise and skill in the tasks of this job.

Specific Tasks:

• Works with the Director of Children’s Ministry to equip teachers for all Sunday School classes for children ages two through grade five.
• Orders and distributes curricula and supplies as needed.
• Works with the Director of Youth Ministry to equip teachers for all Sunday School classes for youth grades 6-12.
• Orders and distributes curricula and supplies as needed.
• Plans, coordinates, and teaches annual Confirmation Class in collaboration with church staff and lay leadership.
• Plans, coordinates, and teaches weekly WOW adult programs (September through May) in collaboration with church staff, community volunteers, and lay leadership.
• Oversees Wednesday night children’s ministry programs and youth programs (such as small groups) in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry and Director of Youth Ministry.
• Plans and oversees annual Easter Egg Hunt, typically on Palm/Passion Sunday, in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry.
• Plans and oversees annual Trunk-Or-Treat, typically held on the Wednesday closest to October 31, in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry.
• Plans and oversees the Annual Advent Workshop, typically on a Sunday morning during Advent, in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry.
• Plans and oversees weekly youth small groups, Sunday night youth group, and youth Sunday School, in collaboration with the Director of Youth Ministry.
• Assists in the coordination and leadership of local mission opportunities for children and youth, in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry and Director of Youth Ministry.
• Assists in the coordination and leadership of summer youth trips, events, and conferences in collaboration with the Director of Youth Ministry.
• Assists in the integration of children and youth into the leadership of worship, leading and planning services such as Children’s Sabbath and Youth Sunday.
• Maintains an awareness of parents’ and families’ needs for nurturing children and youth in the Christian faith.
• Attends regular meetings including weekly staff, Faith Development (Christian Education), children and youth sub-committees.
• Periodically plans meetings with teachers and coordinators to facilitate the implementation of programs and ministry goals.
• Shares responsibilities with staff and lay leadership for scheduling events to avoid conflicts, secures and coordinates use of supplies and equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 – $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

COVID-19 considerations:
Masks are currently highly recommended, but not mandatory.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gainesville, GA 30501: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

Experience:

• Christian Education: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location