Hire a Youth Pastor

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Kids’ Ministry provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of the kid’s programs (birth through 5th grade) at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, creating environments where kids and volunteers can grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. This role directs and equips kids and volunteers, develops curriculum, and plans engaging programs, events, and activities that support spiritual formation and align with LJPC’s vision.

REQUIREMENTS (Non-negotiable qualifications needed to be considered for the role):

● A devoted follower of Jesus Christ with the ability to lead and equip others in their faith. ● Bachelor’s degree ● 3 or more years of leading, managing a fully developed Kids’ ministry. ● Demonstrated ability to teach Scripture with clarity and creativity, helping kids understand and apply biblical truths to their everyday lives. ● Mature Christian faith and servant-hearted leadership with integrity, humility, and a clear calling to mentor and disciple children and families.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS (Preferred attributes that enhance effectiveness):

● Biblical Teaching & Discipleship – Ability to communicate Scripture in an engaging, age-appropriate way and help kids grow in their relationship with Jesus. ● Leadership & Team Development – Ability to recruit, train, encourage, and lead staff and volunteers effectively. ● Parent Partnership – Strong relational skills for communicating with parents and equipping them as the primary spiritual influence in their kids’ lives. ● Volunteer Management – Ability to schedule volunteers, provide clear expectations, resolve challenges, and build a healthy volunteer culture. ● Organization & Administration – Strong planning, scheduling, budgeting, recordkeeping, and follow-through skills. ● Program & Curriculum Development – Ability to select or develop curriculum and create engaging Sunday, midweek, VBS, and special-event programming. ● Communication Skills – Excellent written and verbal communication with kids, parents, volunteers, staff, and church leadership. ● Child Safety & Risk Management – Understanding of child protection practices, check-in/check-out procedures, volunteer screening, emergency procedures, and mandated reporting requirements. ● Conflict Resolution & Pastoral Care – Ability to respond graciously and appropriately to behavioral concerns, parent concerns, volunteer issues, and family needs. ● Creativity & Innovation – Ability to create fun, welcoming, developmentally appropriate environments where children want to participate. ● Collaboration – Ability to work closely with other Family Ministries staff and the broader church staff. ● Technology Skills – Comfortable using church management software, registration systems, email, social media, Microsoft/Google applications, and other ministry communication tools.

RESPONSIBILITIES (What is expected):
All essential functions must be performed safely, accurately, efficiently, effectively and within management’s standards/directives in order to meet the requirements for this position.

● Oversee all Kids Ministry programming for children from nursery through elementary age, including Sunday mornings, special events, VBS, and other ministry gatherings. ● Recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers, making sure each ministry area is adequately staffed and volunteers understand expectations and safety procedures. ● Develop and oversee biblical curriculum that is age-appropriate, engaging, and consistent with the church’s theology and Family Ministries vision. ● Build relationships with children and families, providing pastoral care, encouragement, and support while partnering with parents in the spiritual development of their children. ● Maintain child safety policies and procedures, including volunteer screening, check-in/check-out systems, mandated reporting requirements, emergency procedures, and appropriate adult-to-child supervision. ● Manage the Kids Ministry calendar and annual programming plan, coordinating events, teaching schedules, volunteer needs, and church-wide activities. ● Oversee the Kids Ministry budget, including supplies, curriculum, events, equipment, and other ministry expenses. ● Create welcoming and engaging ministry environments that help children feel safe, known, included, and excited to participate. ● Communicate regularly with parents and volunteers through email, newsletters, registration materials, social media, and other church communication channels. ● Collaborate with the Family Ministries team to provide a consistent ministry experience as children transition from Kids Ministry into Middle School Ministry. ● Plan and lead special events such as VBS, family events, holiday programs, parent gatherings, outreach opportunities, and camps as applicable. ● Evaluate the effectiveness of Kids Ministry programs and make adjustments based on attendance, volunteer feedback, parent feedback, ministry goals, and the changing needs of families.

La Jolla Presbyterian Church

La Jolla Presbyterian Church (LJPC), located in the heart of La Jolla, California, is a multigenerational congregation rooted in the Reformed tradition and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Our mission is to provide a place where people can experience and express the transforming love of Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, authentic relationships, and service to others.

LJPC is a unique congregation made up of individuals and families representing a broad spectrum of political perspectives and theological convictions. Our membership includes those who hold more conservative, moderate, and progressive viewpoints, both politically and theologically. While we may not always agree on every issue, we seek to remain united through our shared faith in Jesus Christ, our commitment to Scripture, and our desire to love and serve one another. We recognize that differing perspectives can create both challenges and opportunities for meaningful dialogue, spiritual growth, and greater understanding.

Our church offers both traditional and contemporary worship experiences, along with ministries for children, students, young adults, families, and older generations. We value biblical teaching, meaningful relationships, community outreach, and opportunities for people of all ages to grow in their faith.

As we look toward the future, LJPC is committed to honoring its rich history while thoughtfully embracing new opportunities to reach younger generations, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and serve the changing needs of our community. Our desire is to be a church where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can worship together, grow as disciples of Jesus, and demonstrate Christ's love to the world.