Children's and Families Leader

Summary:

To lead the church’s outreach and discipleship ministry amongst primary school aged children and their families

Who are we looking for:

A passionate, inspiring and Christ centred person who wants to see every child and family flourish and thrive.

Main areas of responsibility

We work on the assumption that no one person can do all this alone, nor can it all be done instantly – and so St John’s are committed to providing the support and resources needed.

Visionary leadership of the church’s ministry among children and families. This will involve….

·      Praying passionately and listening to God.

·      Seeking God’s will.

·      Working closely with the church leadership team.

·      Envisioning and including the wider church in children’s and family ministry.

 Leadership / Oversight of church- based children’s ministry. This will involve:

·      Aiming for Sunday groups to be a highlight of a child’s week.

·      Creating a positive, safe and fun environment where all children feel welcomed and valued.

·      Encouraging a sense of friendship and community amongst the children and families within the church.

·      Enabling opportunities for children to worship, learn and grow in their faith.

·      Safely recruiting, training and leading volunteer teams.

·      Encouraging strong connections between children’s and families ministry and the wider church.

·      Developing church services that are led for children – and services that are led by children.

·      Resourcing and encouraging families to develop their faith at home.

·      Encouraging a sense of community and support amongst families.

·      Running holiday clubs and / or special events for children and families.

·      Working to ensure that all Children and Families work adheres to current Church of England Safeguarding Policy and Processes.

Leadership / Oversight of outreach work. This will involve…..

·      Leading / overseeing our existing weekly Parent and Toddler Group (Little Fishes)

·      Identifying local needs and seeking to respond to them

·      Developing support groups / courses for parents.

·      Developing evangelistic events / groups for children.

·      Being prepared to liaise and collaborate with other childcare professionals ( eg CAMHS, the school, Council, local charities)

Working with St John’s Primary school. This will involve

·      Leading Collective Worship on a regular basis – either alone, with the Vicar or as part of a team.

·      Helping with the School services that take place in the church (Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Leaver’s Service).

·      Developing a strong working relationship with the School Chaplain, once they are in post.

·      Representing the church and developing the already strong links between the school and church.

Person Specification

Essential

·      A committed Christian who is; prayerful, committed to the centrality of the Bible and open to the Holy Spirit.

·      A calling to ministry with children and families

·      Leadership gifts and experience.

·      Self-motivated and hard working.

·      Relevant experience of working with children and families.

·      A good and clear communicator.

·      Able to build and nurture teams.

·      Committed to the highest standards of Safeguarding practice and development.

Desirable

·      Specific experience of Christian-based school’s ministry

·      Experience of working with / in a primary school

·      Relevant qualifications

·      Experience of leading children in worship.

·      Experience of working with other agencies.

·      Competence in use of social media.

What we offer

·      A church who are with you and for you.

·      A supportive team who will support you personally and professionally.

·      Supportive line management and supervision.

·      Opportunities for further training and time for retreat.

·      A fantastic group of children and families who can’t wait to meet you.

·      Willing and able volunteers.

·      Genuine opportunities to make an impact in the local community and school.

·      A church with a good reputation and relationships with other local agencies.

·      An office based at Hope House with administrative support.

·      The use of three buildings ( St John’s Church, Hope House and The Park Church Centre) allowing you to use the venue that is most appropriate for the particular thing you are doing.

We are offering a salary range of £28-30kpa pro rata, a pension scheme and a flexible working week (including Sundays, some weekday evenings and Saturdays).

The hours are 20- 25 hours per week. The exact hours can be discussed with applicants.

The post holder will be an employee of the Parish of Radipole and Melcombe Regis with Chickerell of which St John’s Church is a part.

The Parish of Radipole and Melcombe Regis with Chickerell is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practices. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced check with Child Barring prior to commencement of the role and be prepared to undertake mandatory safeguarding training.

There is a genuine occupational requirement that the person appointed to this post should be a Christian with a living faith. It is also expected that the post -holder will also be a committed member of St John’s Church.

You can find out more about the church by visiting www.stjohnsweymouth.co.uk

How to apply

Please send us

·      A full CV

·      A covering letter expressing why you think you would be suitable for this role.

·      Names and email addresses of two referees.

Please email the above to Abs Oxley – St John’s Administrator: office@stjohnsweymouth.church

Deadline for applications:    Mon 23rd November 2026

Interviews:                               Mon 30^th November 2026