Job Title: Children and Families Pastor
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Part-Time may be considered and working hours agreed with the successful candidate. Sundays are considered a working day and there will also be some occasional evening requirements.
Salary: £26-28k p.a. FTE (depending on experience)
Work base: St. Faith’s Church, Moncktons Lane, Maidstone ME14 2PY
Closing date: 11 May 2025
Interview dates: 15/16 May 2025
Introduction
This new role is part of a really exciting project which looks to grow the church in the Ringlestone and Springfield area of Maidstone. God is doing some great things here at St Faith’s and we’re really excited about the future as we build relationships with our neighbours.
Following God’s call to relocate from the town centre to the heart of the parish, a brand new Church and Centre has been built, with multiple rooms and a café; creating opportunities to serve and engage with the local community. Part of this new stage for St Faith’s has seen a new Vicar appointed who brings with him a passion to see young people engage with their faith. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic Children and Families Pastor keen to engage with the community and pioneer something new and creative.
St Faith’s has faithfully included, and often prioritised, the provision of groups and activities for young children, and this heart to connect with children in and around the parish shapes the desire for a Children and Families Pastor. The church run toddler group called ‘Ringletots’ has run for several years, with a regular attendance of approximately 20 children plus carers/parents. There is also an independent nursery on site and several child focused hall hirers. In addition to ‘Ringletots’ St Faith’s run several events that focus on the children in the parish including Easter and Advent trails, Christingle, Nativity services and more.
Although there are no mainstream schools in the parish, there are good connections with schools in the neighbouring parish which many of the local children attend, and this may present opportunities both in and out of the centre. There is also a private SEN school in the parish, who are keen to work with us. Additionally, there is a potential partnership with The Family Trust (familytrust.org.uk) a local schools ministry and we have a Brownies and Guides group that use the centre mid-week.
Whilst we would love the successful person to develop the vision for ministry and mission related to children and families, we do not expect you to do it all, but rather empower teams of volunteers as the ministry grows. The right candidate will find support, encouragement and prayer in this new venture.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading, building, and growing a vibrant children and families ministry both inside and outside the church.
Due to the varied nature of church ministry and mission, this list of responsibilities and tasks is not exhaustive, but aims to provide an overview of what this new pioneering role may involve.
- Lead and oversee the 0’s -10’s ministries and mission at St Faith’s, including Sunday Services, mid-week groups, and outreach events.
- Develop creative, engaging, and fun programs which encourage children to explore their faith and grow spiritually as appropriate for their age and stage.
- Lead special events such as holiday activity sessions, family services, and outreach programs designed to engage the wider community and connect families to the church.
- Build strong relationships with local community groups, including those hiring the venue and beyond.
- Recruit, support and mentor a team of volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped and empowered to lead ministries effectively.
- Provide pastoral care for children and their families, including supporting parents in the spiritual development of their children.
- Foster an inclusive environment where all children, including those with special educational needs, feel welcomed and valued.
- Promote health and safety, welfare and safeguarding best practices, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all, especially children, at St Faith’s. St Faith’s safeguarding policies are in line with those of the Canterbury Diocese and national Church of England.
- Contribute to the wider mission and vision of St Faith’s as key member of the leadership team through participation in regular team meetings and other activities.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with a heart to see families engaged and growing in their faith and who, motivated by their own faith in Jesus, is keen to see children flourish in their faith and fulfil their potential in God. With a compassionate and evangelistic heart, you will always be looking for opportunities to engage and connect with children and their families through the centre activities and in the wider community.
We are a small, yet growing team at St Faith’s so it is important we find a team player who will enjoy working collaboratively, and who shares our commitment and enthusiasm for the vision for St Faith’s as we seek to achieve our mission goals. Committed in your faith, you will be enthused by God’s Word, open to the Spirit’s leading and seek God in prayer for his guidance and strength in this ministry.
Skills and Experience
The skills and experience we are looking for include:
- A proven track record of children’s work in a church setting (employed or voluntary), preferably with a children’s work or teaching qualification/training, offering vibrant and engaging ministry activities.
- A Creative and imaginative thinker who can develop and deliver engaging programs for all ages 0-10.
- Experience of identifying, planning and leading new projects or initiatives.
- Strong leadership skills, including the ability to recruit, train, and motivate volunteers.
- Good time management skills with an ability to prioritise while being flexible.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage children, parents, the wider church community and beyond.
- Ability to build partnerships with local community organizations and families to develop outreach initiatives.
- A commitment to safety and safeguarding, ensuring the welfare of children in all aspects of church life.
- A willingness to learn and grow in your own gifts through training, conferences, reading where appropriate.
- Competency with IT and social media is preferable.
- A genuine, loving, personal relationship with Jesus and desire to make him known.
Terms of Employment
Hours: Full Time is 37.5 hours per week.
Part-Time may be considered and working hours agreed with the successful candidate.
Sundays are considered a working day and there will also be some occasional evening requirements.
Salary: £26-28k p.a. FTE (depending on experience)
Work base: St. Faith’s Church, Moncktons Lane, Maidstone ME14 2PY
Holidays: Pro-rata allocation of 25 days (FTE) per annum plus bank holidays
Pension: St. Faith’s will pay the equivalent of 8% annual salary with a 2% personal contribution into the church’s nominated Pension Scheme.
DBS : This post is subject to an enhanced DBS and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Occupational Requirement
Please note that there is a genuine occupational requirement that the holder of this post is a committed Christian and will need to be, or become, a member of St. Faith’s Church.
St. Faith’s Church is committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Completed forms should be emailed to stfaithsvicar@gmail.co.uk by the closing date: 11 May 2025