Minister to Children

MINISTER TO CHILDREN

First Baptist Church - Lafayette, LA

First Baptist Lafayette, nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Lafayette and just three blocks from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has been a steadfast witness in Acadiana for almost 120 years. Lafayette, known for its unique blend of urban amenities and rich Cajun culture, was recently named the “Happiest City in America” by the Wall Street Journal’s marketwatch.com. Our church has witnessed remarkable growth and blessings, including over 150 baptisms last year and a record number of contributions. As we look to surpass these achievements, we are seeking a dedicated and passionate Minister to Children to join our team. This role is pivotal in nurturing spiritual development, fostering community connections, and advancing our mission to share the Gospel and serve the Acadiana region.

The objective of the Minister to Children is to provide visionary leadership, spiritual guidance, and compassionate support for the Children, and the community of First Baptist Lafayette. This role involves creating and implementing dynamic programs and initiatives that foster spiritual growth and help Children live out their faith in practical ways. The Minister to Children will work collaboratively with the Next Gen Pastor and volunteers with an outstanding ability to build relationships, inspire and guide others, and support the vision for Children's ministry that aligns with the church’s mission.

Job Summary: The Minister to Children assists the Next Gen Pastor in providing leadership, support, and direction for the Children’s Ministry (1st-6th Grade).

Major Responsibilities:
- Lead in the planning, conducting, coordinating, and evaluating of a comprehensive program of ministry to children (1st-6th grades).
- Oversee the Children's Department of the Sunday School.
- Oversee Discipleship Programs (Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors).
- Organize and lead weekly Tuesday night visitation for the Children’s Ministry.
- Plan and lead Camps, Vacation Bible School, and other special events.
- Coordinate with the Worship Ministry to develop Children's Worship
- Supervise and work with the Children’s Ministry Team to develop and execute vision.
- Enlist and equip lay leaders to serve.
- Work to engage parents in the disciple-making process.
- Manage budget, resources, and space for respective ministries.
- Assist in pastoral ministry (i.e. counseling during worship invitations; hospital visitation).

General duties:
- Serve as staff liaison for assigned church committees and ministry teams.
- Keep informed on methods, materials, principles, procedures, promotions, and administration related to pertinent ministries.
- Cooperate with associational, state, and national programs and leaders. Be involved as time permits, giving priority to the church.
- Maintain openness to new ideas and flexibility in adopting new ministry strategies.
- Participate in weekly visitation program.
- Provide support when needed to other departments with “all hands on deck” ministries (i.e. Vacation Bible School).
- Be present and available to support all church-wide services (Sunday AM/PM and Wednesday PM) and events.
- Work with other ministry staff when responsibilities overlap.
- Perform other duties and assignments as requested by the Senior Pastor.

Working Conditions:
The Minister to Children shall be responsible as an employee to the Senior Pastor through the Next Gen Pastor and Executive Pastor. The Minister to Children will coordinate with the Pastor, Executive Pastor, Next Gen Pastor, and Church Staff to discharge all duties and responsibilities.
- Observe regular office hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except as required by the needs of the carrying out of assigned responsibilities or as provided in the general personnel policies.
- Vacation, holidays, and other circumstances related to working conditions are determined by general personnel policies.
- The Next Gen Pastor must approve participation in conferences and conventions.

Qualifications:
- Be a Christian of high moral character who has demonstrated loyalty to God, the church, and his Pastor, and who expresses a call to the ministry.
- Able and willing to sign FBC Lafayette’s Staff Covenant.
- Has evidenced a heart’s desire to win people to faith in Christ and to see them following Him.
- Has demonstrated a work ethic characterized by punctuality, integrity, honesty, diligence, excellence, and industriousness.
- Has demonstrated the ability to lead and work with volunteer workers of all age groups of the church in a spirit of harmony.
- Has demonstrated the ability to work cooperatively with other church staff members.
- Has demonstrated a high level of confidentiality concerning all areas of ministry, especially personal contributions, benevolence, and personal information.