Job at St. John's Episcopal Church

Associate for Children, Youth, and Families

Job Description

Associate for Children, Youth and Families
St. John’s Episcopal Church
McLean, VA

Located one mile within the DC Beltway, for decades St. John's Church has been a regional leader in the ministry to children, youth, and their families. Like so many faith communities, in coming out of the pandemic we are rebuilding beloved ministries and discerning new opportunities.

Since the fall of 2022 we have seen tremendous growth and the happy return of many of the familiar traditions and celebrations in our parish life. We are ideally situated for growth and expansion. With abundant property and well-maintained classrooms and ministry-space, there is every potential for robust ministry opportunities in the years to come.

We look for a team member who will love us and challenge us; who will serve God and our neighbor; and who will teach the youngest among us the love of God for all and in all people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Relationship • Collaborate with clergy and lay leaders to develop and articulate a vision for faith formation at St. John’s, regularly discerning the changing needs of the parish • Pursue the goals of St. John’s programs for families, children, and youth • Recruit, train, and empower Sunday school teachers and other volunteer leaders for ministry with children and youth • Build personal and pastoral relationships with children, youth, and their families • Participate in regional and diocesan formation ministries Program Management
• Work with clergy and Family Ministries Committee to provide relevant and engaging formation content for children and youth, evaluating existing, returning, and new programs • Provide leadership and logistical support for youth group events • Coordinate children and youth aspects of inter-generational events (Welcoming Sunday, Harvest Gathering, Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, etc.) • Work with clergy and Director of Music to develop creative worship opportunities for children and youth, as well as integrating children and youth participation in existing worship services • Work with clergy to develop and execute a program to prepare youth for confirmation, and then continue engaging them through high school, including youth group

Outreach • Identify existing St. John’s outreach ministries that are age-appropriate and serve as a bridge for children, youth, and family involvement • Collaborate on youth involvement in annual intergenerational mission trip • Plan and execute summer youth outreach opportunities (possible youth mission trip, local days of service)

Administrative • In partnership with staff and ministry volunteers, utilize all parish communication tools to provide information about children, youth and family ministries • Regularly support and attend parish events and Sunday worship • Keep regular office hours, including Sunday mornings, and working closely with other staff leaders • Collaborate with clergy to provide leadership to the Family Ministries Committee • Ensure that parish leaders and volunteers are up-to-date with Safe Church trainings and policies • Attend weekly staff meetings and occasional Vestry meetings

Special Talents, Skills Preferred: • At least three years ministry or education experience • A passion for spiritual formation for children and youth • A mature and contagious faith and the ability to confidently tell the story of their faith journey • An energetic self-starter who can move into highly regarded existing programs for children and youth and add strong vision of how these programs can develop further • Possessing a clear understanding of young people and their spiritual needs and the ability to recognize and channel the gifts of youth • Exceptional communication and organizational skills • Demonstrated creativity with strong leadership qualities • A strong sense of self • An ability to recruit and engage volunteers • Team player able to work collaboratively with both lay volunteers and other members of the parish staff • An ability to find joy and humor in day-to-day ministry • An ability to encourage youth and adults to take leadership • Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, Episcopal tradition and practice • A personal commitment to the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ persons in the Church

The position will ideally be ¾ time with competitive compensation commensurate with experience and the location of the faith community.

Inquiries: www.stjohnsmclean.org or [email protected] To apply: Send cover letter and resume to [email protected]