Director of Children and Youth
First Presbyterian Church, Grapevine
POSITION SUMMARY
First Presbyterian Church, Grapevine (PCUSA) seeks a faithful, energetic, and relational leader to serve as Director of Children and Youth. This individual will provide vision, leadership, and coordination for children (birth–5th grade), youth (6th–12th grade), and their parents - nurturing them in Christian faith within the Reformed tradition.
The Director will cultivate a joyful, welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment where young people grow in worship, service, community, fellowship, and discipleship. This is an exciting opportunity to step into all that God has for this ministry during a season of renewal and growth. The role offers space for thoughtful, creative leadership in partnership with a dedicated and supportive team of volunteers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision & Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive ministry plan for children and youth.
- Articulate a clear philosophy of ministry grounded in Reformed theology.
- Set annual goals and evaluate ministry effectiveness.
- Collaborate with the Pastor, Christian Formation Committee, and Session.
Christian Education & Faith Formation
- Plan and oversee Sunday School and establish eventual midweek programming.
- Curate from existing curricular resources or develop new curriculum to contextualize Christian formation.
- Coordinate seasonal programming (i.e. Advent, Lent, Vacation Bible School, Youth Sunday).
- Integrate children and youth into intergenerational worship and congregational life.
Youth Fellowship & Discipleship
- Plan and lead regular youth gatherings (middle school and high school).
- Organize retreats, mission experiences, conferences, and service opportunities.
- Encourage youth participation in church, presbytery, synod, and national PCUSA events.
- Support confirmation classes in partnership with the Pastor.
Volunteer Recruitment & Support
- Recruit, train, and support volunteers.
- Ensure compliance with Safe Church/Child Protection policies.
- Provide ongoing spiritual and practical support to ministry volunteers.
Family Engagement
- Foster ongoing communication with parents.
- Be the point of contact (POC) for prospective members who have children.
- Provide faith resources for families.
- Offer occasional parent gatherings or educational opportunities.
Administration
- Maintain ministry calendar and monitor budget in conjunction with the Christian Formation Committee.
- Track attendance and participation.
- Ensure proper supervision and safety protocols for all activities.
- Coordinate background checks and training.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- A vibrant and growing Christian faith.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Theology, or related discipline. Degrees in process will be considered.
- Experience working with children and/or youth in a church or educational setting.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and parents.
- Commitment to maintaining healthy boundaries and Safe Church practices.
Preferred
- Experience in a PCUSA or other mainline Protestant congregation.
- Familiarity with Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity.
- Certification in youth ministry or Christian education.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Relational and approachable
- Creative and adaptable
- Spiritually mature and fun
- Dependable and organized
- Welcoming and inclusive
- Passionate about nurturing faith in young people
POSITION DETAILS
- Status: Part-time (20 hours per week)
- Reports to: Pastor
- Supervises: Volunteers
- Compensation: Commensurate with experience
- Benefits: Flexible schedule, Continuing Education opportunities, and two weeks’ vacation
TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:
L. Lary-Shipley, PhD - FPCGV Administration/Personnel Committee Co-Chair
l.lary.shipley@gmail.com
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
