Director of Children's Formation

We are grateful to God for entrusting our church with the joy and care of children. We believe that our kids are full members of the body of Christ and are committed to training them to love what is true, and good, and beautiful. We are committed to their spiritual and moral formation as disciples of Jesus in ways that are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. We also want them to love the church, not merely because it’s fun, but because they encounter the Living God among us and have a growing awareness that they are known, valued, and integral to our life together.

To that end, we are seeking a Director of Children’s Formation who will lead and grow a vibrant ministry for over 40 children, shaping their discipleship through Scripture, worship, and community while equipping volunteers and parents for long-term formation.

The Ideal Candidate

  • Is a maturing disciple of Jesus who loves God, loves the church, takes prayer and worship seriously, and longs for children and families to know and follow Christ.

  • Has a compelling vision for gospel-centered formation of children and their full inclusion as members of Christ’s body in an Anglican context

  • Loves children and people and has a pastoral heart, with the ability to teach and connect with kids, care for families and volunteers, welcome newcomers, and serve as the “face” of children’s formation offerings at Incarnation.

  • Is a relational leader and equipper, able to recruit, train, encourage, and empower volunteers and paid caregivers while building a healthy, sustainable culture of ministry.

  • Is a creative, strategic, and organized builder, able to envision what could be, solve problems, plan for the long term, manage details and systems, and translate vision into effective ministry.

  • Communicates clearly and collaborates generously, while also being self-motivated and able to work independently; listens well, receives feedback, adapts, and brings clarity and momentum to a team.

  • Understands children and children’s ministry, including child development and spiritual formation, and has experience in Christian education or a similar ministry setting; is willing to become proficient with Planning Center and other ministry systems.

  • Is or is eager to become an active participant in the life of Incarnation, wholeheartedly embracing our vision, values, and theological convictions.

Areas Of Responsibility

1. Form Children in the Gospel

  • Pray regularly for the children of Incarnation and seek the Lord’s guidance, power, and presence for ministry to them.

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive and cohesive approach to children’s discipleship that is attentive to children’s various stages of development.

  • Oversee children’s formation throughout the year, including regular Sunday programming and special events/services, paying particular attention to the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year.

  • Collaborate with clergy and staff to ensure that children’s ministry is theologically and pastorally aligned with the broader ministry and vision of Incarnation.

  • Understand and apply principles of child development and Christian spiritual formation in the ministry’s teaching and programming.

2. Equip and Lead a Ministry Team

  • Build, recruit, train, encourage, and equip a team of dedicated volunteers who understand and embody the vision for children’s ministry and are empowered to serve sustainably.

  • Communicate regularly and effectively with volunteers, providing the support, encouragement, and clarity they need to serve well and with joy.

  • Plan and lead regular training for volunteers and ensure that new caregivers receive appropriate training and orientation.

  • Maintain all required safeguarding clearances, child-abuse prevention training, personnel records, and ministry protocols in accordance with diocesan requirements.

  • Oversee the systems and practices necessary for a safe, healthy, and well-run children’s ministry, including child check-in and release, security, allergies, first aid, and other health and safety needs.

  • Manage the children’s ministry budget and maintain clear and accurate financial records.

3. Partner with Parents and Care for Families

  • Build meaningful relationships with children and their parents and offer a warm, consistent pastoral presence within the life of the parish.

  • Treat parents as the primary disciplers of their children and equip them with resources, tools, encouragement, and opportunities to nurture faith at home and in community.

  • Communicate regularly with parents about their children’s formation, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in the life of the church.

  • Provide pastoral care to children and families, particularly in times of trial or crisis, and coordinate with clergy and staff when additional pastoral support is needed.

  • Work with clergy and staff to source and develop educational opportunities and resources for parents and families, including courses, workshops, and other forms of support.

  • Interact pastorally with children in the parish in both formal and informal settings, including church and home.

4. Welcome and Engage Children and Families

  • Welcome new families, establish meaningful relationships with them, and help children and parents find belonging in the wider life of Incarnation.

  • Develop additional opportunities to engage children and families beyond regular Sunday programming, in collaboration with clergy and staff.

  • Bring the perspective and needs of children and families to broader parish conversations and planning, including questions related to facilities, activities, and the life of the parish.

  • Help cultivate a church culture in which children and families are known, welcomed, cared for, and fully included as members of the body of Christ.

Role Specifics

The Director of Children’s Formation can be a part-time or full-time exempt position depending on the candidate’s availability (the role and responsibilities will scale accordingly). They will report to the Rector. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience. We anticipate this key role beginning in early 2027.

The Director will meet quarterly with the clergy to discuss strategic planning and any support or care that may be needed. There will be an annual job performance evaluation, along with yearly compensation adjustments based on the recommendation of the Rector to the vestry. In addition to salary and benefits, the Director will have access to resources and time for relevant training and development.

How to Apply

Please send us your contact information and upload a PDF of your resume and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and sense of call to this role here.