SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
(An actual job description in a United Methodist Church. Used with permission.)
The primary responsibility of this staff person is to reveal a faith in Jesus Christ. Sharing of
this faith is fundamental to accomplishment of all other responsibilities assigned. In this
manner, tasks become a ministry.
The Director of Children’s Ministries is directly responsible to the Director of Christian
education and to the senior minister. In volunteer relationships, the Director is responsible to
the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries and the Work Area Chair on Education.
Serves as a member of the educational staff team; resources and skills are used in guiding
youth and adult ministries but not with specific responsibilities in these areas.
Gives leadership, coordinates, and supervises the total ministry with children.
Serves as a resource person for all leaders in the children’s ministries; in spiritual
guidance, study, techniques of teaching, and innovations in ministry.
Works closely with the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries, the children’s Council, age-level
counseling teachers, and parents in planning, supervising, and carrying out the ministry with
children. Specifically, that includes:
Sunday School
Sunday expanded sessions and special education classes
Childcare: paid personnel, facilities, schedule, policies
Parents’ Day Out
Nursery Home visitation
Leadership recruitment
Leadership training and development
Study groups for teachers, workers, and parents
On-the-job training with teachers
Weekday education
Summer ministries
Long-range planning
Intergenerational meetings
Recreation activities
Camping
Informal sessions
Acolytes
Elementary VI Confirmation Preparation
Orientation of Elementary VI students prior to promotion
Equipment, literature, and supplies for children’s ministries
Provides personal contact through individual conferences and home visitations with children,
leaders, and parents.
Implements plans for enabling children to be in ministry.
Works closely with the Director of Music, especially when children are involved.
Consults with the Audiovisual and Library Committees in meeting needs for children’s
ministries.
Cooperates with the Director of Youth Ministries in planning and implementing any activities
that cross children/youth age lines.
Works with the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries planning the agenda for the Children’s
Council meetings.
Serves as staff person to Family Ministries. As such is resource person to the Coordinator of
Family Ministries and the Family Council and assists them in the development of program.
Keeps the church membership informed of the Christian education program for children
through the church bulletin and newsletter, and finds ways to inform the community of
opportunities and importance of Christian education of children.
The Director of Children’s Ministries may assume that the Christian education of children is
extremely important to the membership of this church; that there are scores of volunteers
willing to give generously of their time and abilities in return only for a sense of satisfaction and
joy; that other staff members are willing and anxious to give cooperation, help and support in
any way possible. The Director is encouraged to be open to both volunteers and other staff
members in order that warm, helpful human relationships may exist.
The Director of Children’s Ministries should take time for and advantage of opportunities for
professional development. He or she is encouraged to attend at least two major conferences
and/or workshops annually; to hold membership in Christian Educators Fellowship; to read
widely in professional journals both in the fields for religious and education, an in other related
subjects; and to cultivate any personal talents such as writing for publication. She or he is
encouraged to share experience, knowledge, and skills by teaching in leadership
training enterprises beyond the local church.
