Job Overview

FULL-TIME DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Read the full job description document at www.kearneyfb.org/childrensdirector.

This salary range is $45,000-65,000 (the Gospel Coalition website doesn't have this exact range choice).

Kearney First Baptist Church is seeking a full-time Director of Children's Ministry to lead and implement a dynamic program for children from birth through 6th grade. Responsibilities include developing age-appropriate curriculum, recruiting and training volunteers, sharing enthusiasm for the Gospel, and working with church leadership to align ministry goals. The Director will also ensure a safe, welcoming environment, manage the ministry budget, and uphold child safety policies in line with the church's mission to make disciples for Jesus.

Kearney First Baptist Church is located in the center of Kearney, Nebraska, in the beautifully renovated former Kearney High School, serving a congregation of about 450. Our campus features a full-sized, wood-court gym, 15 acres of lawn, frisbee golf course, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, climbing wall, industrial kitchen, and more. Read more about our mission, ministries, and staff at www.kearneyfb.org.

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee Children's Ministries

• Collaborate with the Senior Pastor to develop and implement a discipleship plan for children at First Baptist that emphasizes fun and play as vital tools for building relationships and spiritual growth.
• Communicate and implement the plan with Children's Ministry leaders, parents, and the Nursery Committee to maintain a unified vision.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, ensuring they understand their role and purpose in discipling children.
• Promote Children's Ministry opportunities within the church and to the broader Kearney community, creating and maintaining outreach efforts that share the Gospel and invite community involvement.
• Ensure a safe, welcoming environment by upholding the church's Abuse Prevention and Risk Management policies; attend related meetings to support ongoing safety standards.
• Coordinate ministry efforts and facility use with other church staff.
• Manage and oversee the Children's Ministry budget.

Be a Full Participant in the Life of the Church

• Participate in church life in a way that exemplifies Hebrews 10:24-25.
• Be supportive of wider church efforts and vision.
• Use any gifts to the service of the church, as able.

Maintain a Healthy Spiritual Life

• Practice regular fellowship with other staff by regularly attending staff prayer planning.
• Practice regular habits of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
• Use social media responsibly as a representative of Christ, interacting with all people with grace and respect.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Christian of good reputation; trustworthy of confidences
• Contagious energy and enthusiasm for the Gospel
• Ability to relate and communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing
• Able to teach the Scriptures to children
• Provides leadership through example and actions

SALARY

Range is $45,000 – $65,000 commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position, with benefit package.

EVALUATION

The Senior Pastor, with oversight from the Personnel Committee, will evaluate the Director of Children's Ministry based on performance goals agreed upon at the start of the calendar year. Similarly, the Director of Children's Ministry will conduct an annual evaluation of the Nursery Coordinator, also with oversight from the Senior Pastor and Personnel Committee, using the same goal-based approach.

Periodic check-ins by the Pastors will serve to enhance effectiveness, strengthen communication, and celebrate accomplishments. They also provide an opportunity to address unmet goals or leadership challenges in a spirit of love and with a focus on growth and improvement.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KEARNEY, NEBRASKA

Kearney, Nebraska, is a mid-sized, growing city of 33,000 in central Nebraska, situated on I-80, about two and a half hours west of Omaha and five hours east of Denver. Read more about our city at www.visitkearney.org.

• A massive Arch spans I-80, serving as a multi-level museum that tells the story of the adventurers who followed the Great Platte River Road to help build America.
• Kearney is proud to be the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World. Each spring, over half a million cranes—about 80% of the global population—gather in the Platte River Valley, with many viewing experiences available.
• The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), home of the Lopers, gives the town a lively, student-driven vibe with plenty of great food options.
• Downtown Kearney, known as "On the Bricks," features locally owned shops, seasonal events, murals, museums, restaurants, and a theater.
• Kearney boasts a dozen museums and cultural exhibits, including the Museum of Nebraska Art, Ft. Kearny Historical Center, Kearney Area Children's Museum, and Trails & Rails Pioneer Museum.
• Enjoy the outdoors with over 20 miles of paved trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, splash pads, fishing, camping, and birdwatching in beautiful parks and wildlife areas.
• As Nebraska's cultural heart, Kearney hosts theater, concerts, and performances year-round at venues like Viaero Event Center, Merryman Performing Arts Center, and the World Theatre. Summer brings outdoor theater and weekly live music.
• Our annual events give people a reason to come visit year after year. Cruise Nite, State Cross Country, Cattlemen's Classic, Shrine Bowl, Sandhill Crane Migration, Art in the Park, and Nebraska Senior Games are just a few of the epic events hosted right here in Kearney.
• Tempt your palate with an assortment of restaurants featuring local flare, international, cafes and bakeries, and good ol' Nebraska beef. Kearney has loads of unique local eateries, food trucks, and an impressive food scene.
• The city hosts numerous sports tournaments and events with top-notch facilities, including the Kearney SportsPlex, Ernest Grundy Indoor Tennis Center, premier Little League complex, and the USHL's Tri-City Storm. You'll also find BMX, golf, drag racing, and slower-paced options like frisbee golf, pickleball, and footgolf.