Kids Pastor

Role Overview

We are inviting applications for the position of Kids Pastor at River Church Ipswich, where you'll lead and expand our dynamic ministry for children aged 0-11 and their families. This role offers a full-time position with consideration for part-time applicants, featuring a competitive salary up to £32,500 depending on experience.

Key Functions

• Provide strategic leadership and pastoral care for the church's Kids Ministry, significantly growing both participation and discipleship depth among children and families.
• Guide, support, train, and develop the River Kids team, enhancing their skills and engagement.
• Organize and lead children-focused elements during Sunday worship services to increase capacity and community involvement.
• Design and manage midweek programs such as Baby Love for parents and toddlers, Parenting Courses, and launch new initiatives including a fresh kids and families’ service.
• Extend outreach by conducting activities in local primary schools and nurseries, including assemblies, clubs, and religious education lessons, while fostering new partnerships.
• Engage with families who are unaffiliated or disconnected from the church, guiding them through discipleship with support from the Kids Team.
• Create opportunities for parents and carers to participate in Alpha courses by offering childcare and scheduling at suitable times and locations.
• Collaborate closely with the Social Transformation department to align efforts serving children and young families to the church's community.
• Mentor River College student interns within the Kids Team, preparing them for leadership roles.
• Participate actively in church-wide events, including Alpha, staff and departmental meetings, prayer gatherings, annual church holidays (Focus), and special services.
• Manage the Kids Ministry budget responsibly, uphold safeguarding and health and safety regulations, coordinate DBS checks, and ensure compliance with safer recruitment policies.
• Work jointly with the Communications and Media Manager to curate content for River Kids’ social media platforms.
• Support the Student Pastor in bridging the ministry between River Kids and River Youth fostering smooth transitions for young people aged 11 to 18.

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Possess a mature and personal Christian faith consistent with the church's doctrine and the Equality Act 2010's genuine occupational requirements.
• Demonstrate commitment to River Church’s mission and enthusiasm for advancing children’s spiritual growth and discipleship.
• Exhibit leadership capabilities within ministry teams and contribute to the church’s spiritual vision.
• Exceptional ability to teach, develop volunteers, and administrate the ministry with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with children, families, volunteers, and other church staff.
• Flexible, self-motivated, teachable, with a detail-oriented approach and a sense of humor and humility.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience leading children’s worship, prayer, and teaching Christian principles tailored to young audiences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of child protection and safeguarding laws and best practices.
• Confidence in ministering under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
• Desirable qualifications include degrees related to children, education, or theology and the ability to utilize Mac OS tools and ChurchSuite software.
• Familiarity with digital media for ministry and skills in preaching to adults as well as children are valued.

Additional Information

• Location: River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ.
• Employment Type: Full-time is standard though part-time applications will be considered.
• Salary: Up to £32,500 per annum, based on experience.
• Holiday entitlement is 25 days annually plus bank holidays, on a pro rata basis.
• Probationary Period: 6 months.
• The schedule is primarily Sunday through Thursday, with the expectation to be available for special church events including Christmas, Easter, annual meetings, and the summer church holiday week (Focus).
• Travel may be occasionally required.
• The post-holder must be a committed member of River Church, actively involved in church life through prayer, service, giving, and community groups.
• A DBS check must be completed prior to employment.