Associate Director of Children's Ministry

Associate Director of Children’s Ministry Franklin First United Methodist Church – Franklin, Tennessee – Full Time, On-Site

Job Title: Associate Director of Children’s Ministry, Education and Faith Development

Classification: Exempt

Hours: Full-Time

Reports to: Director of Children’s Ministry

Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Job Summary &

Description:

The Children’s Ministry Associate Director of Education and Faith Formation focuses on the ministry mission of fostering the faith journey of children. The role provides Christian education, fellowship, worship, and outreach opportunities in a loving and accepting environment. It involves working with children ages birth to 6th grade and their families to passionately share the Gospel, develop the next generation of disciples, and cultivate a love for God’s children in a safe and supportive environment.

Responsibilities also include advancing children’s spiritual education and programming that progresses faith formation.

• Must be present for Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, First Kids events, and during preschool chapel times unless previously arranged.
• Promotes spiritual growth by creating a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere through faith‑building experiences.
• Creates a proactive, evolving, and engaging Children’s Ministry program.
• Partners with families to build each child’s faith and strengthen family units in their walk with God.
• Equips and develops lay leadership for Children’s Ministry programming.
• Manages approximately 150 children’s ministry volunteers to coordinate Sunday morning and Wednesday night programming schedules.
• Reaches out to children and families to build personal connections and foster community.
• Works with Children’s Ministry staff and team to accomplish all programming goals.
• Connects with the preschool and PDO families to introduce them to church and member families.
• Completes administrative duties to achieve ministry goals.
• Coordinates faith‑building experiences for children including Sunday morning and Wednesday night programming (focusing on Preschool‑4th grade) and other discipleship opportunities such as family or grade‑level events.
• Evaluates and implements all children’s curriculum and programming to align with United Methodist theology and Children’s Ministry goals.
• Provides lay leadership and teachers with training, enrichment, and leadership opportunities to better serve in Children’s Ministry.
• Plans and directs preschool and PDO chapel to create faith‑building experiences for all children.
• Works with staff to implement Children’s Ministry events.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• 3–5 years of paid or volunteer experience in children’s spiritual formation.
• Excellent organization, leadership, and communication skills. Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database programs, and social media.
• Passion for sharing the Gospel, developing disciples, and love for God’s children.
• Understanding of and commitment to the UMC Safe Sanctuary Policy; ability to maintain a clear background check, Safe Sanctuary Training, and CPR training.
• Member of United Methodist Church with demonstrated knowledge of the church’s structure, beliefs, and organization.

• Ability to work in a high‑energy environment, lift 50 pounds, and move freely for long periods.