Upper Elementary Lead

The Upper Elementary Lead plays a crucial role within our Children’s Ministry, providing leadership for the 3^rd to 6^th grade program. This leader acts as a pastor/shepherd, caring for their "flock," which includes both the volunteer staff and the children. They nurture the spiritual growth of the children by overseeing the classrooms and inspiring the teachers and volunteers to teach about faith, prayer, God's love, and serving others. At the heart of this role is the building of relationships with children, parents, and volunteers to create a safe and welcoming environment where kids can learn about God, grow in their faith, and feel valued and loved. This lead position is responsible for inspiring and equipping teachers and youth volunteers to serve and invest in the next generation, ensuring that each child experiences the love of Christ in a meaningful way that can transform their lives.

This is a non-exempt, full-time position reporting directly to the Children’s Pastor.

Job Responsibilities:

Classroom and Resource Management:

• Create and decorate the classroom to support the monthly curriculum theme, making it an inviting and engaging environment
• Printing and distribution of curriculum monthly for 3^rd to 6^th grades
• Organize workroom, storage rooms, and Boardwalk classroom, ensuring that all areas are tidy and well-maintained
• Maintain an inventory of supplies needed for the classrooms and special projects. Communicate with the Purchasing Coordinator to ensure timely replenishment
• Clean and maintain game equipment weekly in the Boardwalk Classroom.

Ministry Support and Development:

• Support 3^rd to 6^th-grade teachers by providing visual aids that will enhance the weekly lesson
• Plan and develop support activities such as crafts, memory verse, and review games for each weekly lesson in the 3^rd to 6^th-grade classes
• Plan, design ministry and volunteer appreciation events
• Equip and help execute the Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers with a comprehensive teacher, training program
• Develop and create backdrops and decorations for VBS and other special events
• Create and develop a puppet ministry
• Create and develop an "Adopt a Missionary" program and organize Missions Day activities for the ministry
• Create and establish a foundation of prayer curriculum and standard in each classroom and among the volunteers

Volunteer Coordination and Training:

• Collaborate with the Children’s Ministry Pastor to ensure consistency and alignment with the ministry’s vision
• Coordinate teachers and youth volunteers in the 3^rd to 6^th grades, which includes scheduling, communicating, and encouraging everyone
• Maintain and update the volunteer handbook and procedures for volunteers
• Support the Pastor in the sending out of newsletters and personal correspondence to staff and volunteers within the ministry

Program Leadership:

• Plan, organize, and lead the weekly 3^rd to 6^th grade children’s ministry program, on Sunday and Wednesday
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for all children, fostering their spiritual growth and development

Working Relationships:

• Maintain open communication with children, parents, and volunteers
• Collaborate closely with the Children’s Ministry Pastor and other ministry staff to ensure the successful operation of the overall ministry

The list of duties above summarizes the main responsibilities of the employee and is not intended to be exhaustive in nature. This list can be adjusted by the employee’s supervisor to help the department be more productive.

Experience:

• At least 5 consecutive years of experience in children’s ministry or other related field working with children

Volunteer Management:

• Adept at mentoring and training volunteers serving the 3^rd to 6^th grade

Software Proficiency:

• Experience in Microsoft 365

Attention to Detail:

• Highly detail-oriented, capable of independent work, with strong proofreading skills

Organizational Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills with a consistent ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Team Collaboration:

• A strong team player, working closely with others to achieve ministry goals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Leadership Empowerment:

• Ability to empower volunteers to lead classes, ensuring effective leadership and supervision

Problem-Solving:

• Skilled at addressing issues or challenges that may arise in the classroom