Director of Family Ministry

The First United Methodist Church, in Harlingen, is seeking a Director of Family Ministries.

Job Overview
The Director of Family Ministries is responsible for development, administration, supervision, and leadership of programs for children, youth and families in the areas of Christian education, discipleship, mission, and outreach.

Spiritual Characteristics:
• A deep Christian faith and a commitment to making disciples
• Commitment to God-honoring professionalism, personal spiritual growth, and an appreciation for the United Methodist Church.
• Consider this position a life ministry, not just a job
• Model standards and expectations of church leaders within our fellowship, including worship attendance, small group participation, lifestyle of generosity, and serving out of call and giftedness

Job Expectations:
• Build and oversee Children and Youth programs, in alignment with the FUMC Harlingen’s mission and vision.
• Provide direction, guidance and vision for Christian education of Children and Youth, such as Sunday school, youth fellowship, Bible studies, prayer groups, Confirmation and other special programs.
• Prepare, train, and equip volunteers for children’s and youth ministry – ensure that volunteer have all the resources needed to lead ministry. Create and implement appropriate policies, training and rules to ensure the safety of all persons involved in youth and children’s ministries (including volunteer background checks).
• Assist in the spiritual equipping of parents with ministry tools they can use with their families at home.
• Lead a Youth Council with a focus on empowering youth leadership. Lead a Children’s Ministry Advisory Council with a focus on equipping members of the congregation to lead children’s ministry. Encourage the creativity and development of leadership skills in your team members.
• Evaluate and purchase appropriate resources and educational materials to achieve ministry goals.
• Regularly assess program effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Make recommendations to the Pastor regarding issues that may need to be addressed for the future development of the church ministries.
• Maintain registration information for each child and family that participates in family ministries. Communicate with all parents about upcoming ministry activities.
• Oversee the planning, coordination and volunteer recruitment/training for seasonal activities pertaining to Family Ministry (Lent/ Easter, Vacation Bible School, Pumpkin Patch and Advent/ Christmas).
• Serve as a staff connection between FUMC and Journey Pre-School children and families.

Additional Responsibilities:
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Contribute to FUMC communication channels such as weekly announcements and emails, church website, social media postings, bulletin boards.
• Coordinate nursery needs of the church.
• Chaperone and direct youth retreats and mission trips.
• Connect graduating seniors from our church with college scholarship opportunities offered through our church and conference.

Committee and Ministry Team Responsibilities:
• Church Staff Meeting – weekly
• Bi-monthly Church Council meeting
• Children and Youth Council
• Additional weekend or evening hours required for Retreats and Mission Trips.

Candidate Requirements:
• At least 2 years experience leading Children or Youth ministries
• Highly skilled at engaging and equipping adults for ministry
• College degree or comparable formal education required (ministry programs/certifications preferred)

Salary: Up to $50,000 with benefits, depending on candidate experience

How To Apply
Email a resume and cover letter to office@fumcharlingen.org In your cover letter, please include details about your call to family ministry specifically.