Director of Children's Ministries, Fairhope UMC; Fairhope, AL

Director of Children's Ministries, Fairhope UMC (Fairhope, AL)

2/23/2026

Fairhope United Methodist Church in Fairhope, AL has an open position for a director of children's ministries. Fairhope UMC exists to love boldly, casting the light of Jesus into the world. Our ministry with children is essential to this mission.

FUMC averages 430 people in weekly worship attendance, with outstanding facilities and strong teams of volunteers. We also have a strong track record of local missions and community support. Our weekly children's ministries have average weekly attendance of 20 on Sundays and 50 on Wednesdays, welcoming about 200 individuals over the course of the year. Fairhope is located in the sixth‑fastest‑growing metro of the US and is routinely listed as a top‑10 location to live in the South.

The Director of Children's Ministry leads the spiritual development of children (infants through sixth grade) so that these children may accept God's grace for themselves, profess their faith openly and lead a Christian life. This includes leading, staffing and resourcing the spiritual formation programs designed for children:
Sunday school, VBS, etc. Skill in the recruitment, equipping and effective engagement and encouragement of parents and teachers/leaders is an essential part of the job.

The director of children's ministries works closely with the children's ministry leadership team and other ministry volunteers, while also developing relationships within the larger church membership. This position oversees a staff that includes the children's ministry assistant, nursery coordinator, and ministry interns. As part of our discipleship ministry, children's ministry often collaborates with our adult and youth staff as well.

• Effective leadership: Prior experience and evidence of effectiveness in ministry with children (infants‑sixth grade).
• Management: A track record in the recruitment, equipping and encouragement of adult teachers/leaders.
• Team building: An ability to build relationships with parents and equip them as partners in the spiritual development of their children.
• Casting vision: Ability to lead a team with a positive spirit that supports the mission, vision, and core values of Fairhope United Methodist Church.
• Planning and Execution: Ability to lead people in short‑term planning and especially in long‑range planning.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition. Although current membership in a United Methodist church is not required, the director of children's ministries will be expected to become a member of Fairhope UMC upon employment.

Applicants for this position should email a letter of interest with an attached resume to Dr. Kristen Curtis Wright, pastor of discipleship and worship, ght. Questions can be directed to the church office at 251‑928‑1148. Applications should be submitted by March 17. We anticipate a negotiable start date of June 1.