March 17, 2018 FCC Director of Children s Ministries Are you a highly motivated, creative, passionate, loving, energetic, joyful, inspirational, and patient leader looking for an opportunity to invest in the lives of children? If given a chance, could you expand a ministry to children, the impact of which will carry far into the future and serve the common good now? Are you looking to impact the future well-being of the world by depositing a life-giving faith into the youngest minds and spirits among us? Are you looking for a mission rather than just a job? If so, we d love to meet you! We are First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Houston, and we have a dynamic opportunity for a unique person to be our new Director of Children s Ministries. First, a little about us. Our Purpose and Aspiration We are and are becoming more and more, a community of open, welcoming and compassionate individuals pursuing a vital faith and relationship with Jesus. We are called to establish God s will now, in this time, and here, in this place, and in all our spheres of influence. As a result, we regularly ask ourselves questions like: Are we open to the new that God is doing in us and others? Are we receiving others as God has received us? Are we acting in life-giving and nurturing ways toward those in need? So, what would you do with the opportunity to help build a team that s making a deep and longterm impact into the lives of the children (and by extension their parents) making an impact in our community that will still be felt 50-years from now? Below is a pretty thorough description of what this opportunity entails. Take a good look, and if you think that we wrote this for you, please let us know by sending your LinkedIn profile or resume and brief cover letter to jobs.fcchou@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your interest! ###
JOB TITLE LOCATION REPORTS TO SCHEDULE CLASSIFICATION Director of Children s Ministries, First Christian Church (Disciples) Houston, Texas Senior Pastor, First Christian Church (Disciples) Work schedule is flexible, in coordination with the Senior Pastor, and shall average 20 hours per week. The Director of Children s Ministries is expected to lead and attend the Vacation Bible School program for the full week (40 hours +) of the program. Part-Time, Non-Exempt SALARY RANGE $21,600 - $24,000 BACKGROUND: First Christian Church started in the last decades of the 19th Century as the first Disciples of Christ congregation in Houston, where a group of 15 met faithfully in prayer and Bible study for 15 years. The congregation outgrew several locations in the city until, in 1959, it came to its present location, where it became a metropolitan church that cast a wide net of influence throughout the city. After starting as a moms-day-out program, First Christian School became a fully licensed early-childhood education and care program & center in 1988. First Christian is in one of the most strategic areas of the city for ministry and outreach. It sits across the street from Rice University and is surrounded by the Texas Medical Center and Museum District. We are located near a mid-town area that is booming with an influx of new people, many of whom seek a vital life that a relationship with Jesus can bring. We are easily accessible from nearly every point of the compass. In February 2017, after a year of diligent work and prayerful consideration by the church s leadership, FCC adopted a new set of guiding principles called the Genetic Map of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Houston (attached). This milestone achievement in the church s history has reimagined our approach to ministry by bringing clarity to Who We Are, What We Are Called To Do, and What Are Our Most Important Beliefs (Core Values) as a Church Community. What we trust that God has shown us in these areas forms both our mandate for ministry and the very reason for our existence as a church community. MANDATE FOR THE CHILDREN: (Ministry Scope) FCC s children s ministries serve children from nursery through elementary school (5th Grade). One of our core values as a congregation is a commitment to the Christian education and spiritual development of our children and we are mindful that there is no such thing as other people s children. That calls forth support from those active at FCC to come alongside our staff and families in the work of faith formation. We believe a faith that is open, welcoming and
compassionate in the youngest among us offers the greatest possibility for the maximum impact for the common good now and in the future. Children's Worship at FCC is a unique Sunday-morning experience for children ages 3 through 5th grade. In FCC's Children's Worship, we have fun learning about the Bible and how God wants us to live our lives through stories, songs, games, drama, videos, activities and more. Examples of past discovery learning themes include: Athens: Paul's Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity What's In the Bible - The Old Testament Shake it Up Cafe: Where Kid's Carry out God's Recipe Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid Egypt: Joseph s Journey from Prison to Palace Rome: Paul and the Underground Church Camp E.D.G.E. Experience and Discover God Everywhere A Night in Bethlehem Advent Series Veggie Tales Heroes of the Bible Whirl Fruit of the Spirit The Ten Commandments The Lord s Prayer Grow Through the Bible God s People Celebrate The Parable of the Sower First Christian School at FCC impacts up to 145 children (maximum enrollment). Though many families come from a wide geographic region, they often work nearby the church at such institutions as Rice University and the Texas Medical Center. These multi-national, multi-ethnic and multi-faith families participate in a Christian program that respects diversity while teaching the love of God made known in Jesus. Vacation Bible School at FCC is one of our most impactful ministries in terms of lives touched. Currently, we welcome around 240 children into our camp every summer. Because of the high production values of our VBS, planning and preparation starts months in advance and requires the coordination of about 70 volunteers. During VBS week (usually in mid-july), the program runs each day from Monday through Friday, with an evening program on Friday night. We also offer before-care and aftercare each day. POSITION SUMMARY: Using the FCC Genetic Map as a foundational guide, under the direct supervision of the Senior Pastor, and as led by the Spirit, the Director of Children s Ministries leads our teams and designs and builds programs that fulfill the FCC children s ministries mandate stated above. Fulfill First Christian Church s Vision and Mission by modeling its Core Values and using its
Guiding Principles for all decisions made and actions taken. Attend church staff meetings and collaborate with church staff. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may be assigned): PROGRAM PLANNING, COORDINATION & BUDGETING: Create, manage, and oversee the budget for the Children s ministries program, including Sunday school and children s worship, Vacation Bible School, and other special events. Purchase or create necessary materials and supplies. Recruit and lead volunteers to assist in carrying out FCC s children s ministry CHILDREN S WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL: Lead Children s Worship and Sunday school activities weekly on Sundays with the help and support of ministry leaders, including the selection and development of curriculum that is in line with our Genetic Map. Lead or delegate leadership of the Children s moment in Sunday worship. Coordinate publicity of children s-related activities with Director of Operations/Administration. FIRST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Provide programmatic support for FCS in creative partnership with the FCS director. (This does not involve any administrative/operational responsibilities or supervision.) VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Lead the development and production of our one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) summer camp. Collaborate with the Senior Pastor and other staff directors including Operations/Administration, Youth & Community Outreach, and First Christian School Collaborate with the Deacon Chair, Senior Pastor, and Director of Operations and Administration to recruit, coordinate, and supervise all VBS volunteers CHILDCARE SCHEDULING, REPORTING & SUPERVISION After consultation with the Senior Pastor, the Director of Children s Ministries will collaborate with paid teachers from First Christian School, or other qualified persons, to coordinate the provision of childcare for parents participating in certain scheduled events at FCC. OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Collaborate with the Director of Youth and Community Outreach on the development and execution of children s activities that serve to impact our community. Promote opportunities coordinated through the Coastal Plains Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest. QUALIFICATIONS:
To be successful in this role, the candidate must be able to perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. Additionally, the requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. An offer of employment is conditional upon successfully passing a background check. The successful candidate must also complete the Boundaries training offered through the Coastal Plains Area within six months of accepting the position. Experience: Two years experience working with children Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English Ability to converse in Spanish and/or Chinese helpful Interpersonal Skills: Open, welcoming and compassionate Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to our children and their parents Ability to develop effective working relationships with the children, parents, church members, and church staff Management and Supervisory Abilities/Skills: Ability to monitor ancillary activities provided by outside vendors Ability to multi-task Evidence of emotional maturity and sufficient judgment to handle crisis situations Attention to detail Analytical and problem-solving ability Customer orientation Computer Skills: Proficient with e-mail Proficient navigating the internet, including safe practices Proficient in Microsoft Office software suite Comfort in learning new software systems Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment is typical for schools, offices, and churches. The physical demands required to fulfill the duties and responsibilities are consistent with normal office work and that of teachers, guides, or chaperones responsible for young people ages 3 through 5th Grade. The candidate must be able to lift 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The Director of Children s Ministries will perform any other duties necessary to comply with state and local requirements, to collaborate with First Christian Church, to maintain and develop staff, to build rapport with parents, and to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children in her/his care.
The Genetic Map of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Houston Who are we? We are an open, welcoming, and compassionate church family pursuing a joyful relationship with Jesus Christ. What are we called to do? We bring ourselves and others into a vital faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. We act on Christ's commission to share God's Good News to all people everywhere. As catalysts for transformation, we work to establish God s will now, in this time, and here, in this place, and in all our spheres of influence. day. We respond to God s Holy Spirit Who propels us outward toward others in love every WHAT ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT BELIEFS (CORE VALUES) AS A CHURCH COMMUNITY? As Christians: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and we accept him as Lord and Savior of the world. Each one of us has the freedom and the responsibility to study God s Word, to follow their conscience as guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, and prayer, and to extend that freedom to others. God s grace demands a response of faith and discipleship initiated by baptism. Maturity in our faith is evidenced by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, benevolence, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. By God s invitation, everyone who desires to draw closer to Jesus may partake of the Lord s Supper (also known as communion ) as often as possible. We hear a special calling to make visible the unity of all Christians, proclaiming that in our diversity we belong to one another because we commonly belong to Christ. Both ordained ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth.
As Neighbors To serve God is to impact those in need in our local community, and to make familiar the strangers among us through life-giving relationships. In all circumstances, we will be known by our faith-filled, optimistic, solution-oriented, and participatory attitude toward each other, within our local community, and throughout the world in which we live. As a Congregation We are Christ-led and congregationally governed. We are the church every hour of every day, not just on Sunday mornings. We are committed to the Christian education and spiritual development of our children and are mindful that there is no such thing as other people s children. Our worship experience emphasizes substance vitality, passion, creativity, authenticity, and vibrancy over style. The Lord s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and is open to all. We practice baptism by immersion and recognize baptisms performed in other churches. We are a congregation of the Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. GUIDING PRINCIPLES So, how do we bring ourselves and others into a vital (life-giving) faith and relationship with Jesus Christ? By faithfully asking ourselves these questions to guide our every thought, decision, and action as a church community: OPEN Are we open to the new that God is doing in us and others? Are we listening to the God who still speaks? Are we looking for the places where the Spirit is establishing God's Kingdom on Earth as it is in heaven? Are we open to others and what God wants to show us through them? Are we present to the vital faith God is growing in us so that we might be a source of vital faith for others?
WELCOMING Are we creating a community for people to belong, live and learn? Are we receiving others as God has received us? Are we opening ourselves to others, risking vulnerability and authenticity? Are we fostering a safe space where people can become friends? Are we honoring and celebrating all the ways people are different? COMPASSIONATE Are we entering into the suffering and joy of others as God has entered ours? Are we acting in life-giving and nurturing ways toward those in need? Are we serving others in a way that leads to transformation for us and the ones we serve? Are we responding to the hurt of others by acting in word and deed? Are we giving ourselves for the healing and well-being of another who is suffering, marginalized or broken?