Position Description

Waverley Church has a vision for reaching children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and discipling children towards an intimate relationship with God. Waverley Church is positioned in a growing community where there is great opportunity to minister to children. We consider children’s ministry as a vital part of our calling to glorify God in all things. We are looking for the man God has called to help us fulfill this mandate in the power of Christ so that children will be discipled, families will be strengthened, parents are encouraged, and as a church we grow in a manner that honours God as he enables us.

This is a full-time and permanent ministry position designed to minister to children from 6 months through sixth grade and to provide intentional support to their parents. This ministry is currently made up of approximately 80 volunteers and 70 children. The man called to this position will be working closely with the lead pastor and will be accountable to him. It is expected that the Children’s Ministry Pastor at Waverley Church will be in full agreement and supportive of our vision, doctrinal statement, and goals (see our website at waverleychurch.ca). He is expected to endorse our emphasis on Christian private schooling and homeschooling over public education. The man God calls to this ministry will be expected to become a member of Waverley Church, participate fully on the Pastor/Elder team, and undergo police background checks and Planned to Protect training.

Spiritual Life

• Actively seeking a strong faith in Jesus Christ with an emphasis on knowing God deeply.
• Demonstrating Christ centred character that exhibits the fruit of the Spirit.
• A strong desire to maintain a life of integrity, humility and teachability.
• A strong emphasis on the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God with significant theological understanding.
• A focus that places prayer central in their ministry and personal life.
• A mind set towards reaching the lost for Christ and a strong Gospel emphasis for unbelievers and believers alike.
• A desire for discipleship that leads to a sanctified life.
• A heart inclined towards community and caring for others in physical and spiritual need.

Personal and Ministry Skills

• Have the ability to teach and develop and/or adapt biblical curriculum.
• Clearly demonstrate leadership gifting.
• Demonstrate the ability to connect with and engage children on a highly relational and personal level.
• Ability to connect with parents for pastoral care, resourcing and encouragement.
• Recruitment and mentoring of volunteers along with delegation of tasks that encourages participation and use of spiritual gifting.
• Ability to administrate and organize the various aspects of the Children’ ministry.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly with children and adults.
• Have the ability to vision for the future, implement clearly stated goals and maintain the ministry.
• A personal ambition, enthusiasm and energy for ministry to children.
• Be able to work in a multi-staff environment with a cooperative team approach.
• Desires continued upgrading and education.

The over-riding goals for this position will include, but not be limited to:

1. The implementation of a strong over-riding Philosophy of Children’s Ministry that emphasizes Christian Education, Spiritual Discipleship, Parental Assistance and Evangelistic Outreach.
2. The development and oversight of a healthy and growing Children’s Ministry Leadership Team, with an emphasis on identifying, training and empowering of volunteers. This team will assist the Children’s Pastor in the development of the Children’s Ministry vision, goals, programming and day-to-day operations.
3. The development of a sustainable strategy for the regular training and empowering of all our Children’s Ministry volunteers so that they are equipped, encouraged and motivated to carry out the vision and goals of Waverley Church.
4. The development and implementation of opportunities for parents to receive teaching and guidance through regular instruction as well as special seminars to assist them with raising their children with a biblical world view and in a Christ honouring manner.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Sunday Morning Children’s ministry which includes Sunday School, during service care and teaching and nursery.
2. Mid-week Kids ministry.
3. Participate and contribute as member of the Pastor/Elder team to provide spiritual care with particular emphasis of families with applicable children, and to minister relationally to children.
4. Pastoral care and relational interaction with parents and their children.
5. Annual Summer Vacation Bible School.
6. Annual holiday events—Christmas program, Easter features and features for Mother’s day and Father’s day.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate growth in the spiritual qualifications identified in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 for a pastor/elder.
• Preference will be shown to candidates who have acquired a Bachelor’s or Masters degree pertinent to the role of a Children’s Ministry Pastor. Theological training is an asset.
• It is desired that he have at least three years of related ministry experience.
• Shares theological beliefs that align with a baptistic reformed biblical understanding.
• The ideal candidate will also have first aid and CPR training or be willing to pursue such training.

If you believe God is calling you to apply for Waverley Church’s Children’s Ministry pastor position please provide a cover letter, resume with references, personal testimony of saving faith, philosophy of children’s ministry and personal doctrinal statement to: tony@waverleychurch.ca