Director of Children and Youth Programs

The Director of Children and Youth Programs is responsible for the ministries of Brookhaven Christian Church (“BCC”) and Chestnut Ridge Christian Church (“CRCC”) for children in pre-K through grade 12. This will be a shared position with two churches that have similar needs, goals, and theology. The two churches have previously shared supervision of a seminary intern, so they have experience working together.

About BCC and CRCC

BCC is located in a suburban setting in Brookhaven, Georgia and welcomes all individuals into full participation in the life of the church. Our mission is to connect – serve – grow – and love as the Body of Christ in the world as we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Sunday School/Small Groups for Children (using Orange curriculum) and Youth (using a variety of curricula) have been provided by volunteers on Sunday mornings and through activities such as Vacation Bible School. The Children and Youth Director will facilitate those ongoing ministries, overseeing and resourcing the volunteers. BCC seeks to grow its ministry to Children and Youth, and the Children and Youth Director is encouraged to think creatively about new possibilities for programs and events that align with the overall mission and ministry of BCC.

CRCC is located in Marietta, Georgia is an Open and Affirming congregation in a suburban setting. Programs for Children and Youth have been provided by volunteers, and while the volunteers will continue to be involved, CRCC seeks to grow its ministry to Children and Youth to provide regularly scheduled meetings and programs. CRCC uses the Children Worship and Wonder program for children, and that program will continue with the support of the Director and volunteers. There is room in this position for innovation and creativity.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the churches. The Director will work with each church’s Senior Minister and program team to develop the programs at each church. The churches anticipate that some overlap in curriculum is possible between the various programs offered at each church, particularly in the Youth area.

Hold monthly meetings at each church. The Director will hold monthly meetings for the Youth at each church. Youth Groups are for 6th graders to 12th graders, with occasional events for high-school youth only. The meetings will have times of study to engage in faith formation, but there will be times for play and for special events and outings.

Hold joint youth-group meetings. The Director may also hold joint youth-group or high-school-group meetings periodically, particularly if an outing has been scheduled.

Develop relationships. The Director will work to develop relationships with the Children and Youth of each church and their families.

Encourage participation in worship. The Director will encourage the Children and Youth to be involved in each church’s worship life. This could include planning a Youth Sunday or encouraging Children and Youth to attend and participate the worship services in other ways.

Participate in Regional activities. The Director will encourage the Children and Youth to participate in Regional Children and Youth events, including the Annual Youth Assembly for the Region and Camp Christian. The Director will attend the Youth Assembly with the Youth.

Encourage service. The Director will develop service opportunities for the Children and Youth in conjunction with the Outreach team at BCC and the Community Engagement service team at CRCC.

The Director will also:

• Participate in the life of each church, attending services regularly, including occasional worship leadership.
• Seek out leadership training.
• Meet regularly with the Senior Pastors.
• Periodically meet with parents to discuss the Children and Youth programming.• Provide reports to each church’s leadership. For BCC this means at least quarterly reports to BCC’s executive team, and reports to CRCC’s board, which meets about 8 times a year.
• Be an advocate for our Children and Youth in the life of the church.
• Recruit and train volunteers to work with Children and Youth.
• Comply with BCC’s Safe Sanctuary Policy and CRCC’s Safe Church Policy (as amended from time to time).
• Take Healthy Boundaries training as soon as practicable.
• Submit to periodic criminal background checks.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience: Experience working with Children or Youth in a church setting is preferred.

Skills:

• Ready to take initiative in developing programs for the Children and Youth.
• Able to relate and work well with Children, Youth, and their families.
• Work well with Pastoral Staff and volunteers.

Personal Characteristics:

• Professes a Christian faith and exhibits a faithful background.
• An understanding that we are all God’s children and that BCC & CRCC welcome all into community.
• Abiding by BCC’s vision for welcome and belief, found at: https://www.brookhavenchristian.org/visior-faqs and https://www.brookhavenchristian.org/what-we-believe
• Abiding by CRCC’s Welcoming Statement, found at https://www.chestnutridgechristianchurch.com/welcoming.

Hours & Benefits

This is a paid, full-time, salaried position for an average of 40 hours a week. Pay is commensurate with experience and skills. Paid vacation is provided. Stipend for insurance can be discussed.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to the Senior Pastors at Brookhaven and CRCC: Rev. Beth Wendl at info@brookhavenchristian.org and Rev.Byron Wells at pastor@chestnutridgechristianchurch.com. In your cover letter, please include your experience and skills that qualify you. You may also include references.