Pastor of Children & Families

Pastor Of Children And Families

Shepherd Staff is partnering with Faith Bible Church in DeSoto, Texas, to find their next Pastor of Children and Families. This ministry has historically been a key part of the church's outreach, distinguished by its large community events, creative ministry spaces, long-running Awana club, and discipleship in all ages; all nestled on a 46-acre wooded campus with athletic fields. While it benefits from a strong legacy and a dedicated volunteer team, there is opportunity for adjustments with this new ministry season.

The incoming pastor's initial priority would be to shepherd the existing volunteers, focusing on relationship building.

The Pastor of Children and Families directs all children's programs, including Sunday, mid-week, and outreach events. This role oversees preschool through elementary staff and volunteers, promoting teamwork and spiritual growth. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, ensuring Ministry Safe compliance, and aligning curriculum with church values. A key focus is partnering with parents for faith development through communication and discipleship. The pastor also collaborates with the senior pastor and staff on church planning, occasionally assisting with broader ministry.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Relational Shepherd and Encourager – A warm, approachable leader who builds trust, cares for volunteers and families, and fosters a culture of belonging and spiritual growth.
• Visionary Innovator with Respect for Legacy – Honors the ministry's rich history while bringing fresh ideas and a clear, forward-looking vision for growth and renewal.
• Skilled Communicator and Change Leader – Leads with clarity and empathy, guiding long-time volunteers through transition and inspiring unity in a new ministry season.
• Organized Builder of Teams and Systems – Evaluates current structures, strengthens volunteer engagement, and implements sustainable systems for lasting impact.
• Community Champion – Passionate about outreach programs to make Faith Bible Church a welcoming hub for families.

This is a wonderful opportunity to water and cultivate the Children's and Family Ministry for future growth and disciple-making, while helping a beloved Children's pastor of 41 years transition to retirement. He began ministering at Faith while in seminary at DTS and grew it into a thriving ministry, ready for the next generation to step into. You would be learning from his years of ministry experience both at Faith Bible and as an award winning speaker and writer for Walk Thru the Bible.

The new pastor will have the opportunity to assess, implement change, and lead the ministry forward, while honoring its legacy. The ideal leader must be relationally wise to shepherd dedicated, long-term volunteers and adaptive to creatively adjust programming where needed to serve the church and community.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead & Supervise Children's Ministry
• Direct all children's ministry programs (Sunday classes, mid-week, children's church, Awana) in alignment with church mission.
• Supervise preschool/MDO and elementary leaders/staff.
• Recruit, train, support, and appreciate volunteers; provide clear roles, onboarding, mentoring, and feedback.
• Maintain volunteer safety compliance through Ministry Safe.
• Select curriculum consistent with church beliefs.
• Keep classrooms stocked, organized, safe, and collaborate with facilities on space needs.

• Partner with Parents & Families
• Communicate clearly with parents about curriculum, events, and opportunities.
• Equip parents to lead their children spiritually through regular updates, meetings, and milestone classes.
• Lead or co-teach a Gospel Project/Bible Foundations class for parents.

• Design & Lead Special Events
• Oversee major children's ministry events (Kickoff, summer outreach, VBS/camps, Trunk or Treat).
• Evaluate childcare needs for other ministries and staff appropriately.

• Staff & Team Collaboration
• Participate in staff meetings and church-wide planning.
• Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor for alignment and development.
• Preach occasionally when requested.