Children’s & Youth Minister - St Paul’s, Dorking
Children’s and Youth ministry is in the DNA of our story as a church and so we are seeking God for a leader to join the team and help develop and grow our emerging generation of disciples inside and outside the church. We recognise that with so many opportunities for disciple making across the church and wider community this ministry will grow out of the leading of God’s Spirit and the shape of the appointed minister and teams they lead. We would love to explore with you, what that mission and ministry might look like as we better understand your calling, skills and experience.
St Paul’s is a charismatic evangelical church in the market town of Dorking, surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills. We long to see Dorking and the places God calls us daily, to be fully for Jesus and so we are learning to grow in our love of God; live as His disciples (who make disciples) and pray for His Kingdom to come, all in the power of His Spirit. We are so grateful for the strong partnerships we have with our other local churches, organisations and schools (both primary and secondary) and try to serve them and our own staff team with love, generosity and collaboration.
In recognition of the importance we place on this ministry, the role comes with a good package and includes a church house.
PRIMARY ROLE
Oversee, develop and grow children and youth discipleship & evangelism at St Paul's church.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To lead the vision, strategy and management of children’s and youth ministry at St Paul’s Church, Dorking in line with the church’s broader vision and mission.
Specifically:
1. Develop and shape a fresh vision for our children’s and youth ministry at St Paul’s as part of the wider vision we have for the church.
2. Envision, lead and develop our children’s and youth volunteer teams for a new season.
3. Design, lead and manage age-appropriate activities and programmes for children and youth (E.g. Sunday mornings, midweek groups, schools work).
4. Work in partnership with the established relationships we have with other Dorking churches, local primary schools, secondary school chaplaincy team & Diocesan Youth Hub Catalyst project.
5. Work closely with the church safeguarding team to ensure best practice at all times.
6. Oversee and manage the administration of the children’s and youth ministry, including the budget, resources and day to day practical work.
7. Work alongside and part of a wider team with the vicar and associate vicar in our primary school ministry and associate vicar who oversees the young families ministry at St Pauls
8. Operate as part of the staff team, working in a broader capacity to resource the vision and mission of the church.
The postholder will be encouraged to:
● Guard and pursue your personal spiritual growth and make space for personal prayer, including time for retreat in consultation with the Vicar.
● Continue growing and learning in the area of children’s, youth and families ministry, building on existing skills and drawing on the expertise of others to develop the work.
● Undertake regular supervision and appraisal (we understand the importance of this and will fund 6 supervision / counselling sessions a year)
● Be proactive in ensuring personal support networks, e.g. a mentor and/or a cell group
and/or spiritual director
QUALITIES OF THE CANDIDATE
Essential
● A committed Christian with a passion for working with children and young people in the context of a charismatic evangelical church.
● A level of maturity and experience in working with children and young people, preferably in a church setting.
● A collaborative team player, able to work well with the rest of the staff team and with parents, volunteers and church members.
● Has the necessary leadership skills to build teams, train, release and work with volunteer workers, as well as the ability to line manage interns.
● Able to build effective and positive relationships with the wider community, including St Paul’s church school and the Priory chaplaincy team.
● A pastoral sensitivity in working with young people & kids.
● An effective self-starter with a can-do attitude and evidence of constant up-skilling.
● Effective and creative communication skills.
● Basic IT skills.
● Dedicated to growing in their personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study and engagement with the Holy Spirit.
● Commitment to be a regular worshipper and member of St Paul’s church
Desirable
● Relevant qualifications in theology, youth work, or education.
● First Aid qualification
REQUIREMENTS
● A satisfactory DBS check.
● Right to work in the UK.
● An Occupational Requirement exists for the post-holder to be a practicing Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Salary: £30,000 with church house
Hours of work: This is a full-time post of 40 hours per week, to include Sunday and evening and other weekend work as necessary.
Pension: The organisation will fulfil its obligations under the pensions auto enrolment legislation. You will be notified of any entitlement you may have under that scheme.
Holiday entitlement: 25 days holiday and 8 Bank Holidays (pro-rata)
Employer: St Pauls Church Dorking, PCC
Responsible to: Vicar, priest in charge or church wardens in a vacancy
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send a Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter by Monday 27th January 2025.
Your covering letter needs to include observations on, why are you interested in this role and how you think your faith and experience would shape your ministry here if you were to get the position.
References. Please include the names, telephone and email contact details of three references. These need to include your most recent employer and a character reference from someone who has know you for over 3 years.
You will be required to complete a Confidential Declaration Form as part of the recruitment process
Interviews will be in week commencing Monday 9th February
Please apply to Jackie Goel, Operations Administrator, parishadmin@stpaulsdorking.org.uk