Director/Pastor of Upper Elementary (Kids for Christ)

Job Overview

Position Title: Director/Pastor of Upper Elementary Children's Ministries (Kids for Christ, KfC)

Position Type: Full-Time (Includes office hours and Sundays; occasional evening events for family visitation/pastoral care as needed)

Ministry: Kids for Christ (Grades 4–6)

Reports To: Children's Ministry Pastor

Purpose

The Director/Pastor of Upper Elementary Children's Ministries (Kids for Christ, KfC) will disciple ODPC's 4th–6th grade children, preparing them for the transition to Youth Ministry. This role includes weekly teaching, curriculum oversight, volunteer leadership, parent equipping, and pastoral care. A distinctive feature of this role is leadership of the annual Mission Possible discipleship program, which trains upper elementary students to follow Christ and live missionally. In addition, the KfC Director/Pastor leads major children's ministry events (VBS, Fall Family Festival, Christmas Program), supports CM-wide programs, and develops weekday discipleship resources.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Ministry Leadership & Administration
  • Develop and implement a dynamic, Christ-centered vision for the KfC Ministry.
  • Collaborate with CM Pastor and CM Team toward ODPC's CE/CM vision.
  • Maintain KfC's roster and children's information in the church database.
  • Serve as liaison between CM Pastor, volunteers, and parents.
  • Develop and manage ministry budget, curriculum, and supplies.
  • Ensure compliance with ODPC's child protection policies.
  • Keep regular office hours during the week and actively participate in staff meetings.
  • Coordinate teacher/volunteer training and regular team meetings
  • Collaborate across other CM ministries such as KC/EC Fruitful Vineyard (Kindergarten) and Kids for Christ (4–6th graders)
  1. Sunday Ministry (Weekly Worship & Teaching)
  • Prepare and deliver weekly Bible messages.
  • Coordinate logistics of Sunday services (praise, lessons, slides, materials).
  • Oversee volunteer rotations, substitutes, and praise team practices.
  • Welcome and integrate new families into the ministry.
  • Lead annual 6th grade transition to Youth Ministry (graduation, summer retreat, transition program).
  1. Friday Ministry
  • Actively cooperate with current Friday Night Program, AWANA, fostering close partnership with the Awana Commander and directors.
  • In coordination with CM Pastor, develop and manage a weekly Friday night program during summer season, such as Bible Study, Christian worldview sessions, Children revival or similarly themed gatherings.
  1. Volunteer Development
  • Recruit, train, and shepherd ministry volunteers (teachers, TAs, youth helpers).
  • Provide spiritual encouragement and discipleship for volunteers.
  • Build strong community among volunteer staff.
  1. Parent & Family Engagement
  • Communicate weekly with parents about lessons, activities, and upcoming events.
  • Support parents in their discipleship role through encouragement, resources, and seminars.
  • Build connections among KfC families to strengthen church community.
  • Provide pastoral care and family visitation (home or hospital) as needed and scheduled with the CM or GC Pastor, especially during transition-to-Youth years.
  • Maintain confidentiality and appropriate pastoral boundaries.
  1. Major Annual Events (in collaboration with CM Team)
  • Teacher/ TA Training: Participate in planning and execution of joint training in Spring, and lead KFCministry volunteer training in Fall
  • Vacation Bible School (VBS): Lead planning, recruitment, and implementation of KFC VBS activities in coordination with CM Pastor and other CM directors.
  • Fall Family Festival: Support planning and oversight of activities, outreach, and volunteer coordination for this community-wide event.
  • Christmas Program: Coordinate with CM Pastor and other CM Directors to develop and direct the KFC children's Christmas worship program, involving parents and volunteers.
  • Support other CM-wide events including Passion Week/Easter, Graduation & Promotion Sundays, New Year's Eve, and other church-wide activities as needed.
  1. Weekday Ministry Development & Discipleship Training
  • Prepare and develop devotional content, Bible study lessons, or discipleship resources for children and families.
  • Contribute to curriculum and teaching material development, with a focus on Christian worldview and spiritual formation for upper elementary students.
  • Lead the annual discipleship program, "Mission Possible," training children to grow in faith and apply the Gospel in daily life.
  • Collaborate with the CM Pastor to create discipleship pathways that prepare students for Youth Ministry.

Qualifications

  • Seminary education required: M.Div., M.A. in Theological Studies, M.A. in Christian Education, Counseling, or equivalent.
  • A born-again Christian with a growing relationship with Christ.
  • Love for children and passion for guiding upper elementary students in faith formation.
  • Strong teaching/preaching skills appropriate for upper elementary students.
  • Excellent administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to recruit, equip, and lead volunteer teams.
  • Commitment to the authority of Scripture and ODPC's mission.
  • Minimum two-year commitment.

Application Materials Required

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Personal Testimony of Faith
  • Statement of Faith / Philosophy of Ministry
  • Two References (pastoral and peer)
  • One or two Teaching/Preaching Samples

Accountability

The Director/Pastor of the KfC Ministry is accountable to the Children's Ministry Pastor, who serves as the primary supervisor, and works under the oversight of the CE Elders.

Church Name: Open Door Presbyterian Church
Location: Herndon, VA
Website: https://odpcec.org/

Job Type: Full-time
Role: CHILDRENS MINISTRY
Salary: $51,000 - $74,000

Date Posted: 2 days ago