Children’s Ministry Director

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 1,200

Meet The Story Church

Founded in 2015, The Story Church in Houston, Texas, is a church that centers its message on the belief that “God Speaks Through Your Story.” They aim to create a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life, from those who are skeptical or new to faith, to those who have been following Jesus a lifetime. They boldly seek out and explore the most challenging faith questions in a thought-provoking manner. No question is too big or too uncomfortable.

They have recently moved into a new building and are excited for all the growth and excitement. Inside the church, is a long-tenured, well-respected preschool program that is a pillar in the community in early childhood education.

About the Children’s Ministry Director

The Children’s Ministry Director at The Story Church will play a vital role in shaping the spiritual growth of children within a dynamic, growing church environment. This individual will lead and develop age-appropriate, Bible-centered programs for children from birth through 5th grade, while recruiting, training, and managing a dedicated team of volunteers and staff. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with elementary age students who possess strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. The Director will foster a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment where children can grow in their faith, while building relationships with families and equipping them to spiritually nurture their children at home. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next generation of believers at a church committed to intellectual engagement, truth, and community.

The Children’s Ministry Director responsibilities include:

• Develop and Lead Children’s Ministry Programs:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of age-appropriate programs for children (birth through 5th grade).
  
• Ensure programs align with the church’s mission, vision, and theological beliefs, emphasizing Bible-based teaching and Jesus-centered messages.
  
• Create engaging and interactive activities that encourage children’s spiritual development and understanding of biblical principles.
  
• Recruit, Train, and Equip Volunteers:
  
  • Recruit, train, and develop a team of volunteers to serve in children’s ministry roles, including teachers, assistants, and nursery staff.
    
  • Provide ongoing support, encouragement, and training for volunteers to ensure they are equipped to effectively teach and care for the children.
• Develop and Manage Budget:
  
  • Oversee the annual budget for children’s ministry, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately for programming, resources, and staff needs.
    
  • Monitor spending and make adjustments as needed to stay within budget.

• Create Safe and Welcoming Environments:
  
  • Ensure that all children’s ministry environments are safe, clean, and welcoming.
    
  • Implement and enforce child safety protocols, including volunteer background checks and procedures for drop-off/pick-up.
    
• Coordinate with Families:
  
  • Build strong relationships with families, offering support, encouragement, and resources to help them spiritually nurture their children at home.
    
  • Communicate regularly with parents regarding upcoming events, milestones, and opportunities for involvement.
    
• Collaborate with Other Ministries:
  
  • Work closely with the Executive Pastor, other ministry directors, and staff to ensure the children’s ministry aligns with the overall church strategy and initiatives.
    
  • Coordinate transitions for children as they grow into different ministry programs (e.g., from children’s ministry to youth ministry).
    
• Plan Special Events and Outreach:
  
  • Plan and coordinate special events, such as Vacation Bible School (VBS), holiday events, family nights, and outreach opportunities.
    
  • Lead efforts to connect with the community and invite families from outside the church to participate in children’s ministry activities. 

• Evaluate and Improve Ministry Effectiveness:
  
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of children’s ministry programs through feedback from volunteers, parents, and children.
    
  • Implement changes and improvements based on evaluation results to ensure the programs remain engaging and impactful.
    
• Maintain Curriculum and Resources:
  
  • Select, purchase, and manage curriculum materials for children’s ministry, ensuring they are consistent with the church’s doctrinal beliefs and age-appropriate.
    
  • Keep track of inventory and order new supplies as necessary to support ministry activities.

• Provide Pastoral Care to Children:
  
  • Offer support and care to children and their families as needed, including addressing spiritual concerns, prayer requests, and personal challenges.
    
  • Work with other staff to ensure children’s spiritual needs are met in a holistic, caring manner.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Children’s Ministry Director:

Education and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Education, Child Development, or a related field. A degree in biblical studies is not necessary, but the candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of Scripture and the ability to teach biblical truths in a clear, engaging way.
• Children’s Ministry Experience: Experience in leading or managing children’s ministry programs is highly preferred, with a track record of building and growing effective, age-appropriate programs.
  
• Leadership Experience: Previous experience in managing teams or volunteers, particularly in a ministry setting, is essential. The Director should be skilled in recruiting, training, and developing leaders.
  
• Experience with Families: Experience in connecting with families, offering pastoral care, and supporting parents in their children’s spiritual development is valuable.
  
• Cultural Fit: Experience working with a predominantly young family demographic and understanding the nuances of ministry in such a context is important for success in this role.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the Bible and ability to teach biblical truths in an age-appropriate way.
  
• Knowledge of child development and educational best practices for children’s spiritual growth.
  
• Familiarity with child safety protocols and the church’s doctrinal beliefs (Arminian, cessationist, evangelical).
  

Skills:

• Leadership skills to recruit, train, and inspire volunteers and staff.
  
• Excellent communication skills for teaching children, leading teams, and engaging with families.
  
• Organizational skills to manage programs, budgets, and events.
  
• Creative problem-solving and event planning abilities.
  
• Conflict resolution and pastoral care skills.
  

Abilities:

• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and volunteers.
  
• Adaptability in meeting diverse needs and adjusting programming.
  
• Team collaboration with staff and other ministries.
  
• Ability to implement the church’s mission and vision within children’s ministry.

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• Spiritual Maturity: A deep personal relationship with Jesus and a passion for leading children to know and follow Christ.
  
• Relational: Approachable, compassionate, and able to build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and volunteers.
  
• Culturally Aligned: A good fit with The Story Church’s values, emphasizing intellectual engagement, truth, and conservative evangelical beliefs.
  
• Energetic and Creative: Enthusiastic, creative, and able to engage children in meaningful, fun ways that foster spiritual growth.
  
• Organized and Detail-Oriented: Capable of managing multiple programs, events, and teams with excellent organizational skills.
  
• Team Player: Collaborative, able to work effectively with other church staff and ministries to ensure the success of the children’s ministry.
  
• Leadership Ability: Strong leadership skills with experience in recruiting, training, and empowering volunteers and staff.
  
• Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in education, child development, or a related field, with experience in children’s ministry and a strong alignment with the church’s theology and mission.

What it’s like to live in Houston, TX

Living in Houston offers a unique blend of urban energy and Southern charm. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. reflected in its vibrant restaurant experiences..  Its abundance of recreational activities, from exploring the Museum District to enjoying the city’s many parks and green spaces,  make it an appealing place to call home.   The church’s main location is in the River Oaks area  of Houston.   The River Oaks area is a beautifully established neighborhood characterized by its grand, mature trees and well-landscaped streets. Residents can enjoy access to high-end shopping experiences, exquisite dining, and many upscale amenities. A strong sense of community prevails, fostered by well-attended events and beautifully displayed holiday decorations.  The neighborhood is  centrally  located  within Houston’s inner loop and provides convenient access to the entire city.