THE MISSION: Faith Development: helping boys and girls, men and women, to put on the ways of Jesus so that they may share in word and deed, God’s reconciling love that ‘makes all things new’. Rev. 21:5

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To find fresh ways to help children grow in Christian Discipleship through the church’s teaching ministries and through Salem’s worship life (such ministries include but are not limited to drama, puppet ministry and other arts). To provide support and to work collaboratively with both staff and lay teams to coordinate all aspects of Salem’s Christian Education.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

1. To coordinate all Children’s Ministry areas from birth to 5th grade
2. To assist the ministers and staff in the intentional faith development of our children
3. To be a model of Christian discipleship for the people of Salem by remembering your membership vows
4. To increase the number of laity brought into Children’s Ministries
5. To utilize the Exploration Place and Studio to its fullest technological potential
6. To work with families with young children to find ways to help nurture them to grow in Christian discipleship

RESPONSIBILITIES:
With 1,400+ members, the director cannot, as a minister of one, do the needed Children’s Ministry at Salem. The director will, in conjunction with the Children’s Ministry Team, and the Salem Staff, design structures through which the laity may be meaningfully involved and utilized to establish a vital ministry. The objective is to empower the laity to carry forward the ministry of healing and care of the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

1. Design new and grow existing structures for lay involvement in Salem’s Children’s Ministries by identifying, recruiting, training and assigning laity to carry out the ministry.
2. Staff representative to and member of the Children’s Ministry Team and will attend the team’s meetings
3. Staff representative to the preschool board
4. Maintain a regular weekly schedule that expresses to the lay staff the passion for excellence
5. Attend Administrative Council meetings and report on Children’s Ministry activities and needs
SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
· Proven success with children’s ministry
· Deep commitment to children
· Ability to work well with others
· Demonstrate a growing relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Willingness and ability to enthusiastically welcome people into our church home
· Proficient computer skills
· Ability to conduct oral presentations and training sessions
· Commitment to continuing education and professional development
· Ability to meet deadlines and complete projects
· Commitment to a lay “spiritual gift-based” ministry.