Minister for Children, Youth and Families

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Contact: The Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde; mebudde@stjohns-mpls.org

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, a congregation of 225 households in Southwest Minneapolis, is looking for a new leader (full time lay professional) for its ministries with children, youth and families. The person we hire will be Christ-centered, compassionate, a good organizer and communicator, and able to equip our youngest members and their families in the discovery and exercising of their spiritual gifts. Children and youth comprise nearly 50% of our congregation and we are excited to further develop this essential area of ministry. To learn more about the St. Johns community, please visit our newly updated website. http://www.stjohns-mpls.org

OBJECTIVES: 

1. To equip the members of St. John’s to fulfill our baptismal covenant to nurture children and youth, and to help foster in them a lively and joyful Christian spirituality.
2. To be a teacher among us, inspiring us to know and live by the great spiritual truths of the Christian faith, and to equip and encourage those among us called to teach and mentor our young people.
3. To establish strong pastoral and social relationships with children, youth and families through small groups, inter-generational social gatherings, and peer ministry.
4. To promote the full participation of children and young people in worship and other areas of congregational life and to facilitate their regular participation, service and leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversight and supervision for all Christian Faith Formation for children and youth, including the identifying, training, and support of parish teachers; the hiring, training and supervision of paid nursery staff; oversight of Children’s Chapel; and leadership of the Youth Ministry Program. To build a healthy, enthusiastic team of teachers and leaders for children and youth.
2. Work with teachers and youth leaders to evaluate existing curriculum and program offerings, make necessary changes, and establish annual ministry objectives.
3. Build pastoral relationships with families to help them live spiritually grounded lives, and in particular, to draw connections between what is learned in faith formation and how we live each day. To promote conversation between Christian Education classrooms and family life.
4. Welcome the children and youth of visitors and newcomers, and assist in the integration of new families into the parish.
5. Guide St. Johns in active discernment about the ministry needs and opportunities for children with special needs. 
6. Oversee the liturgical participation of youth and young adults in all aspects of liturgical leadership. Guide the planning and implementation of intergenerational liturgical and community events, including the Christmas Pageant and Holy Week celebrations. 
7. Work collaboratively with parish leaders to actively engage children, youth and families in all areas of the church’s ministry; in particular, to find ways for families to engage in justice ministries, hospitality, and small groups.
8. Serve as a resource to other parishes and encourage youth participation in diocesan and regional events.

Additional Information:

• Full-time position
• College degree and experience in church ministry required. Professional training in Christian Education and/or Youth Ministry preferred.
• Salary range: $40,000-45,000
• 4 weeks vacation per year
• Health care insurance
• Access to pension plan after one year
• Access to continuing education funds and in-service training relevant to job functions and responsibilities

To apply for this position, submit your resume to The Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde; mebudde@stjohns-mpls.org