Children’s and Families Pastor

St John's Egham is a large evangelical, charismatic church within the Diocese of Guildford.

With a thriving children's ministry and strong local reputation, we are entering an exciting new season and we are seeking a Children and Families Pastor to lead and grow our ministry to primary age and their families.

Job purpose

To lead and develop the children's and families ministries at St John's, helping children and families grow in their faith and engaging new families within the church and local community.

Employer: St John’s Egham Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Role reports to: Vicar, Curate or another member of the Clergy

Direct reports: Relevant volunteer leads

Key Relationships: Youth Pastor, Staff & Clergy team, Playbox Nursery, relevant volunteer teams.

Key Responsibilities

Children and Families Ministry

• Lead and develop Sunday and midweek children's and families ministries including All-age services.
• Oversee the spiritual direction, discipleship, and programme content of children's groups.
• Build relationships with parents and carers, including families on the fringes of church life.
• Create a joined-up approach to children's and family ministry including pioneering new initiatives.
• Recruit, train, support, and encourage volunteer leaders.
• Plan and lead Holiday Club and other events throughout the year.
• Ensure effective transitions into children's ministry and onward into youth ministry.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and GDPR requirements

Leadership and Administration

• Contribute to the strategic development of children's and families ministry.
• Lead communication and promotion through church channels, including social media and the website.
• Manage ministry budgets in partnership with the Operations Manager.
• Provide regular reports, updates, and relevant statistics.
• Participate fully in staff meetings, church events, and wider church life.
• Support the oversight of interns working within the ministry.
• Work collaboratively with ministry leaders, especially the Youth Pastor and Playbox Nursery and external Hirers as appropriate.

Community Engagement

• Develop links with local schools, with a focus on Manorcroft, organisations, and community groups serving children and families.
• Plan and deliver outreach events that engage the wider community.
• Participate in diocesan, deanery, and other relevant networks and training opportunities.
• Support and provide leadership to midweek activities run by staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Stay informed about developments and best practice in children's and families ministry.

Person Specification

Essential

• A vibrant Christian faith and commitment to the vision, values, and ethos of St John's.
• Passion for children, families, discipleship, and Word-and-Spirit ministry.
• Ability to recruit, release, and develop volunteer teams.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• A natural communicator who can engage warmly with children, parents and volunteers, write clearly, and speak confidently in front of groups and at services.
• Confident planning, organisation, and administrative abilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding requirements and good practice.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently.
• Visionary, apostolic, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Experience in children's and families ministry (paid or voluntary).
• Visual communication skills.
• Experience using ChurchSuite.
• Budget management experience.

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, including Sundays.
• Based primarily on site at St John's.
• Five weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Flexibility to work key church events, including Christmas and Easter, with time off in lieu where appropriate.
• Enhanced DBS and right to work in the UK required.
• It is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian committed to the teachings of the Church of England.
• We are open to discussing a substantial part-time arrangement for the right candidate.

To apply, or further information – Contact Sally.Gregory@stjohnsegham.com with your CV and covering letter explaining your vision for this role.

Closing date: 31st October 2026. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close applications before the closing date should sufficient suitable applications be received.