Director of Children’s Ministry
Department: Faith Formation
Reports to: Pastor of Faith Formation
Supervises: Rutabaga Director, Childcare Coordinator
Salary and Benefits: Full-time position, $ commensurate with experience. Position includes health, pension, and vacation benefits
Position Summary:
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and deeply relational Director of Children’s Ministry to lead and grow a vibrant, inclusive ministry serving children from infancy through 5th grade.
The Director of Children’s Ministry is responsible for providing theological education, spiritual development, and support to children, individuals with special needs, and their parents. This leader will cultivate a welcoming environment where children and families experience belonging, spiritual growth, and joyful connection. The Director of Children’s Ministry ensures developmentally and theologically-appropriate materials and activities are utilized in all children’s and special needs activities. This includes cultivating a relationship with St. Paul’s School students, families, and staff and providing leadership in its worship programs.
The ideal candidate will bring both strategic leadership and a warm, charismatic presence that connects naturally with children, parents, volunteers, and staff in a collaborative manner.
About St. Paul’s Kids:
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is both an established and an evolving congregation. Founded in 1906 and in our current location and building since 1929, our congregation has a rich history within the city of Houston. Since the 1980s, we have worshipped in an Anglican-style and emphasized sacred music for all ages. Even as we maintain these traditions, we seek to be responsive to the world around us, culturally relevant, and able to speak to a new generation. A successful leader at St. Paul’s will be able to honor the tradition, will be comfortable with our worship style, and will embrace change, growth, and innovation.
Children are valued members of St. Paul’s, not just for their future potential, but for their present gifts. They are essential to our celebration of God's presence in our midst. As participants and leaders, children are an integral part of worship, learning, caring, and missions at St. Paul’s. To that end, St. Paul’s offers a variety of opportunities for kids to learn, play, engage, and lead. Weekly Sunday School classes for all ages, monthly Kid’s Night Out, and seasonal children’s worship services are part of the rhythm of children’s ministry. St. Paul’s Kids also includes creating bridges with St. Paul’s School, a NAEYC accredited preschool on campus, and Rutabaga, an after school care program serving 1st-5th graders from MacGregor Elementary.
Key Responsibilities
Vision and Leadership
Develop and articulate a compelling, Christ-centered vision for children’s ministry aligned with the mission and theology of The United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Lead long-term strategic planning for children’s ministry growth.
Serve as an advocate for children and families within the broader church.
Program Development and Oversight
Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate programs including educational experiences, Sunday School for children and special needs, seasonal events, and special programming (e.g., Vacation Bible School, holiday services).
Ensure curriculum reflects developmentally appropriate messaging that theologically aligns with The United Methodist Church.
Integrate faith formation opportunities that are engaging, relevant, and developmentally appropriate.
Collaborate with Children’s Council.
Maintain an awareness of broader trends in children’s ministry across denominations and within the city of Houston.
Monitor metrics (attendance, visitors, overlap with SPS) to evaluate ongoing effectiveness of programming.
Foster appropriate partnerships to serve the St. Paul’s community. Examples might include with those children’s organizations that meet in our building (Houston Children’s Chorus, Math Circles of Houston) or our immediate neighbors (MFAH, Children’s Museum, etc.).
Acts as a bridge between St. Paul’s School and the church, including providing leadership for chapel.
Provides supervision and support for Rutabaga After School program.
Collaborates with and supervises the Childcare Coordinator to ensure the nursery provides a safe, friendly, well-staffed environment for infants and toddlers.
Volunteer Recruitment and Development
Create and implement an aggressive and sustainable plan for recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining volunteers.
Foster a culture of teamwork and encouragement among volunteers.
Seek appropriate opportunities for youth ministry to interface and volunteer with children’s programming.
Family Engagement
Build strong, authentic relationships with families.
Create opportunities for parent involvement and faith formation at home.
Collaborate with church leadership in charge of adult programming for parents of young children – find synergistic opportunities for events, activities, and initiatives involving parents.
Support and expand upon existing ministries for families including but not limited to St. Paul’s Moms events, Parents of Young Children Sunday School class, Kids Night Out, and baptism classes.
Work with the clergy team to continually assess and address needs of families within the congregation.
Provide care for families and children, including but not limited to creating systems for follow up after birth, extended absence from church, or hospitalization.
Work with youth director to ensure a seamless transition for children into the youth program.
Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and caregivers.
Administration, Budget, and Safety
Maintain and enforce child safety policies and procedures, including but not limited to Safe Sanctuary policies.
Oversee ministry logistics including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Demonstrate strong financial stewardship and responsible budget management.
Maintain accountability for program expenses, ensuring alignment with approved budgets.
Coordinate with church staff to ensure smooth operations and alignment across ministries.
Communication
Develop a communication strategy that keeps families connected and aware of upcoming events, initiatives, and lessons.
Work with the communications team to utilize a variety of communication methods, including church newsletter, social media, printed collateral, and other methods.
Qualifications
Commitment to a growing Christian faith and alignment with the values of The United Methodist Church
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred (education, ministry, child development, or related field ideal), advanced degree a plus.
3-5+ years of experience in children’s ministry preferred.
Proven leadership ability (please provide specific examples) with experience building and guiding teams.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; handles conflict in a timely manner and maintains appropriate confidentiality.
Strategic thinker with the ability to cast vision and execute effectively.
Experience working in diverse and multicultural environments.
High level of organization, initiative, work efficiency, and adaptability
Personal Attributes
Love for children and their families
Warm, energetic, and relational – naturally connects with both children and adults; has a charismatic presence and sense of humor
Creative and forward-thinking with a passion for innovation in ministry
Emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, thoughtful, and kind
Collaborative team player who thrives in a staff environment and values the feedback of parents, families, and other staff.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Rev. Trey Burns, Pastor of Faith Formation and Rev. Brandi Horton, Executive Pastor at pastor@stpaulshouston.org by May 22.