Director of Family Ministry

Job Summary

Job Description

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Church, a pastoral sized parish located in southwest Houston, is seeking a full-time Director of Family Ministry (DFM) to steward the growth and development of their children’s and youth ministries. Saint Thomas’ is a traditional Episcopal parish grounded in the liturgy of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. The DFM will guide children and youth birth through grade 12 in living out the church’s mission to welcome, inspire deep learning, and joyful service. The director does so first and foremost by connecting with the children, youth and parents of Saint Thomas’ to instill a lifetime of faith and to nurture Christian relationships. These goals are achieved through handling the day-to-day operation of the children’s and youth ministry, striving to be exceptionally effective.

Primary responsibilities of this position can be defined in three major categories:

Relationships

• Know children, youth and parents who are members


• Welcome first-time visitors and seek to involve them in the life of Saint Thomas’


• Communicate with children, youth and parents pastorally


• Pray for all in their ministry


• Connect families to the community of Saint Thomas’ and other ministries

Programs & Events

• Create a welcoming environment for members of all ages to participate with enthusiasm, support, learning, and fun


• Build and expand upon Sunday morning Children’s Chapel and Sunday School as well as other children’s formation offerings, including family-based events


• Design and implement programs for youth that follow a clear and sustainable Christian formation path including education, fellowship, and outreach


• Advocate for children and youth in the context of the whole church community

Volunteers

• Build relationships with parishioners to learn where they may feel called to serve


• Recruit volunteers with various gifts to fill roles in education, fellowship, encouragement, service, and events


• Provide ample training and continual support to volunteers


• Communicate with ministry leaders regarding both logistics of events and lessons as well as personal and spiritual encouragement


• Ensure adherence to best practices and trainings for Safeguarding God’s Children for all volunteers


• Work alongside the Christian Education Committee, seeking support and advice where needed, and incorporating their oversight of various aspects of the ministry

Qualifications

• Understanding of the Episcopal tradition, experience in formation ministry preferred


• Strong relational and communication skills


• Talent for engaging young people


• Commitment to growth and experience leading programs towards sustainability


• 3-5 years experience in children, youth, and/or family development


• Bachelor’s degree preferred, emphasis given to those with a Master’s or concentration in related field (religion, education, child/youth development, etc)