Application for Families Worker at Cowplain Evangelical Church. Thank you for your interest in the position of Families Worker for children, youth and families at Cowplain Evangelical Church (CEC). Cowplain Evangelical Church is an independent evangelical church part of the FIEC and who place a high value on the work with children, young people and families. Our passion is to have a vibrant, engaging and thriving children s and youth work at the very heart of church life. The post of Families Worker will be suitable for a self-starter with some previous leadership in this area ready to take on the task of heading up the work with children and young people up to the age of 18. They will be supported by a team of workers who share a passion for the development of work with this key age group. A busy programme already exists, but we believe there is much scope for development both in the areas of evangelism and discipleship. The successful candidate will have a passion for Jesus, commitment to the gospel, be active in their present church setting and display good interpersonal and leadership skills. In this pack/email you will find: The role and responsibilities of the appointment, appointment procedure. About Cowplain Evangelical Church. About you: Application form. FIEC Statements on Gospel unity, Women in ministry, Same sex marriage. A Self-Declaration Form that must be completed by all applicants. (As per the DBS Code of Conduct the form needs to be completed and put in a sealed envelope separate from the application form marked for attention of Amanda Simmons, DBS Recruiter, Cowplain Evangelical Church, Durley Avenue, Cowplain, Hampshire.) We would ask you to read through all the pack. Also have a look at the church website www.cowplainchurch.co.uk as that will give you more information about the church, our current teaching series, what's going on etc. We also encourage you to listen to some of the recent messages on the website or to go to YouTube and type in Cowplain Evangelical Church videos to watch the latest messages. This will give you a 'feel' of the style of the church and the teaching and preaching. Once you have read through this pack and you feel that God has drawn your heart to us and to the role, we invite you to fill in the application form and return it to our Pastor Phill Brown either via email: revphillbrown@btinternet.com or post: Rev Phill Brown, Cowplain Evangelical Church, Durley Avenue, Cowplain, Hampshire. PO8 8XA. If any of the pack is unclear, or you would like to have a telephone conversation before you apply, please contact our Pastor on the church office number: 023 9226 2188. The role and responsibilities of the appointment. The primary role is to develop the work with children, youth and families both inside and outside CEC. This is our greatest area of need and opportunity. To build on the already excellent work in our children's and youth ministries. We are looking for someone to spearhead the work and to bring direction, cohesion, training and vision to all the various ministries under the umbrella of children, youth and families. We have an increasing connection with many families who are on the fringe of CEC. There are also lots of opportunities at local Infant and Junior schools where we already have a good connection. We also believe that there would be other schools that would open up to a Families Worker too. There are more families at CEC who need support, discipleship and teaching in parenting etc. The role is split into three areas of responsibility. 1. Children's ministries. To oversee all the children's work at CEC by providing support, advice and hands on leadership. R o l e a n d R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e F a m i l i e s W o r k e r Page 1
To help in leading and developing the children's ministry. This will be done by developing the Children's teams and by providing leadership and advice on children's ministry, resources and leadership training. To support and encourage the team leaders and teams. To develop a clear pathway between the various children's groups and ministries, to develop a good team work between the various groups. To resource the work of the children s programme; by sourcing suitable material, finding team members to fulfil the roles and training them. To encourage and pastor the children and families connected to the various ministries at CEC. We currently run various children's clubs and activities: Sunday: during the 10.30am Discovery Service Crèche: For Ages 0-4 years Our Crèche ministry runs during the Sunday morning Discovery Service. The Crèche provides care for young babies and children, so that parents can stay in the main worship service without having to look after their young child. Some parents stay for the first couple of times in the crèche with their child, but we encourage them to eventually leave their child. Sunday Club: Ages 4-6 & 7-11 Sunday Club runs during the Sunday morning Discovery Service. The children remain in the first part of the service until the service leader explains at a certain point in the service as to when the children go out to their activities. There are two age groups and the activities are specifically tailored to each age group. It s a mix of Bible stories, discussion, drawing, fun activities and games, activity sheets and refreshments. Wednesday: 5.30-6.30pm Kings Kids. Ages 3-11 (During School Term) Kings Kids is a fast paced evening of games, crafts, music, stories, tuck shop, and prizes. There are a number of children who come from families whose only connection to CEC is Kings Kids. We have a great team of leaders who love being involved in our children s ministry. Thursdays: 9.30-11.30am Toddlers. For preschool children and their parents/carers (During Term Time) This is a very large and established group. Includes free play, snack time, crafts, songs. Almost all the families that come to Toddlers are unchurch people. Fridays: 10am Bumps and Babes A group for expectant mums and new mums. This is a group for mums to spend time with others while their child plays. There are also various activities that are planned from time to time, including advice on caring for a baby. 2. To oversee all the youth work at CEC by providing support, advice and hands on leadership. To lead and develop the youth ministry. We would expect more hands on leadership with the youth than the children's ministry. This will involve coming alongside the existing youth team and taking on overall responsibility but also to support and encourage the existing team leaders and teams. To provide advice on resources and leadership to the members of the youth team. R o l e a n d R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e F a m i l i e s W o r k e r Page 2
To encourage and pastor the youth. To be the focal point of all the work with young people. To plan and deliver with the volunteer team the teaching programme, focusing on what the Bible teaches and how to apply it to everyday life. To develop the young people spiritually and to encourage them to have active involvement in church life To plan and deliver an enjoyable programme including events, holiday clubs, weekends away and summer camps To develop outreach to youth in schools. Sunday during the 10.30am Discovery Service Relish: for school years 7-11 Relish is our Bible study and discussion group for young people. The aim of the group is to encourage young people to look at what the Bible has to say about issues they face today. Whether a young person has a faith in God, or they are not sure, or have no faith, Relish allows young people to discover the truth of the Bible for themselves. A youth leader guides the discussions and encourages the young people. Sunday evenings after the evening service. After Church. This is for all young people who have attended the evening service first. They meet at a host home local to the church for food and refreshments. It's a time for them to relax and socialise. Often there is a short time of prayer or maybe a discussion based on the evening message. Wednesday 7.30pm CY 15plus Youth Bible Study CY (Cowplain Youth) is our Bible study and discussion group for young people aged 15 plus, whether or not they have a faith in God. The aim of the group is to encourage young people to look at what the Bible has to say about issues they face today, as well as studying books of the Bible. A youth leader guides the discussions and encourages the young people. Fridays 7.30-9.30pm Chilli: for school years 7-11 (During Term Time) Chilli is a safe place where all young people are welcomed, heard and accepted. There are various activities that take place. No evening is the same. Each term there is a mix of games nights, themed nights, special events such as bowling, film nights, night walks to name just a few! Each term there is a programme and newsletter which keeps young people and parents up to date with what is happening when. 3. To develop the work amongst families in the community around the church. To further develop the schools work and create other links with schools in the area. This is to be done in Infant and Junior schools where we already have connections and other schools. To also develop a connection and link to the two senior schools in the area where we currently have only loose links. To build relationships with local schools and organisations as a basis for organising evangelistic activities in the area. To set up and run various courses for families that aims to bring the community into CEC. To develop a strategy and implement it in reaching dads. R o l e a n d R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e F a m i l i e s W o r k e r Page 3
Develop ways in reaching out to families in evangelism and connecting them to the church. To build connections with families through the children and programme family friendly events Further responsibilities: Discipleship and Evangelism: To reach out to the lost and to disciple and deepen the faith of those who express faith. To regularly pray for, care and train both the children, young people and their leaders. To be the focal point of all the work with children and young people up to the age of 18 To be responsible to follow and be committed to the implementation of CECs child protection policy To play an important role in the church, representing the work amongst children and young people to the Eldership team and contributing to the wider vision of the church. The role does not necessarily involve preaching and leading services. However you should be comfortable standing up in front of people. You should be able to give talks to youth and children. If you have a preaching gift we will encourage it, but that's not a primary part of the role. You may lead some services, but again it's not a primary part of the role. The appointment will be for 3 years with an option on both sides to extend to 5 years. The Families worker will report to the Phill Brown, the Senior Pastor, on a day to day basis along with a regular review and meeting with one of the other elders. Qualifications. Candidates will have a good grasp of Biblical truths, demonstrating theological insight, an appreciation of apologetics and an ability to teach. It is desirable that you will have undergone some formal type of Bible College training. You should also desire to grow in theological understanding and training, specifically in children's and youth work. The successful candidate must also be able to demonstrate a personal commitment to the CEC Basis of Faith, mission statement, purposes and vision. You will have a genuine heart for families and have experience of working with children and young people in a church context. Candidates will have a genuine desire to see children and young people s faith develop and flourish. You must have a confidence in the gospel of Jesus and a passion to see children and young people come to personal faith in him. The successful candidate will have the ability to effectively manage time. Key to the role will be for you to have effective and creative communication skills. R o l e a n d R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e F a m i l i e s W o r k e r Page 4
Experience of leading teams and working with volunteers as part of a team is preferred. We would expect you to have had some experience of church leadership. You will be a committed and prayerful Christian, enthusiastic about the vision of Cowplain Evangelical Church. It is essential that you have a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus and a love for God s Word. A full DBS check will be required. It is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a committed and practicing Evangelical Christian. Appointment procedure Appointing a person on staff takes time and involves several stages. Grace, patience and prayer are essential requirements through this process along with regular verbal and written communication with all candidates. Below is the stages we will be following. Stage 1 Discussion and prayer. Once a completed application has been received, as an Eldership, we will prayerfully consider it. Preliminary discussions with several potential families workers may take place. Some could be invited to visit without any expectations on either side. Stage 2 Discovery and focusing on one person at a time Confidentiality is vital at this stage. An informal interview is possible. This stage will include extended periods of prayer. A conviction will be required to move to the next stage or return to Stage 1 Stage 3 Discerning if this is the person the Lord has prepared for us An individual under active consideration will be introduced to the church. A written profile will be made available prior to the visit. A structured interview will take place with the Eldership. An informal meeting will be arranged for people (especially those on the children and youth teams) to discover more about the potential families worker. This will include a conversation to hear more about the candidate s testimony, ministry background and answers to prearranged questions. At this stage, members have a vital responsibility to pray and discern God's will. Feedback to the eldership from the church membership is essential. Stage 4 Deciding In our decision-making we will be seeking a course of action that seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us (Acts 15:27). Should all indications be positive, a proposition from the Eldership Team to invite the candidate to the role of families worker will be considered by the Church Members. For this to be carried, at least 75% of votes cast will be required, although a higher figure is desirable. Unless unavoidable, Stages 3 and 4 should last no longer than three months. Prolonged indecision is unhelpful for everyone. Should a proposition not be passed, or the potential Families Worker declines the invitation, the process will return to stages 1 or 2 Stage 5 Detail: pulling everything together A letter of agreement and a contract of employment between the church and families worker will be prepared. This will include terms and conditions, role description etc. Once agreement has been reached, an announcement concerning the appointment shall be made to the church. A start date will be discussed between the families worker and the Eldership team. A service of induction for the new families worker will be arranged to pray for and set him aside for the role. R o l e a n d R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e F a m i l i e s W o r k e r Page 5