Kids Ministry Director

Kids Ministry Director

Denver United Church | Denver, Colorado

Help the next generation know Jesus, grow in faith, and flourish.

At Denver United Church, we have a rich history of healthy, vibrant, and intentional ministry to children. We believe deeply in the care and spiritual formation of the next generation, and we have invested in building a ministry where children are loved, families are supported, and leaders are equipped to make a lasting impact.

The person who steps into this role will inherit something special: an established and thriving ministry, a committed leadership team, dedicated volunteers, and a strong foundation to build upon. This is not a role that requires starting from scratch. It is an opportunity to steward what has been built, strengthen what is working well, and bring fresh vision, creativity, and leadership to the next chapter of United Kids.

We are looking for a leader who loves Jesus, loves children, and loves developing people. Someone who can bring energy and creativity to a room full of kids, build meaningful relationships with families, and cultivate a team of volunteers who are excited and equipped to serve. Most importantly, we want someone who sees children's ministry as more than providing excellent Sunday programming. It is an opportunity to help children discover who Jesus is, experience the love of His family, and begin to live out their faith in the world around them.

At Denver United, we are committed to three simple but formative practices:

LIVE WITH JESUS. LIVE IN FAMILY. LIVE ON MISSION.

We want these commitments to shape every part of our church, including United Kids. We believe children are not simply the future of the church; they are an important part of the church today.

If you are excited to lead a healthy ministry, invest in people, partner with families, and help children grow into a lifelong relationship with Jesus, we would love to hear from you.

Role Summary

The Kids Ministry Director provides vision, leadership, and oversight for United Kids, serving children from birth through 4th grade. Building on an established ministry and committed team, the Director will create engaging, welcoming, and safe environments where children are known, loved, discipled, and invited to follow Jesus.

This leader will equip and develop staff and volunteers, partner with parents and caregivers in the spiritual formation of their children, and lead the ongoing development of Sunday morning experiences, curriculum, and family engagement. The Director will balance thoughtful stewardship of the ministry's existing strengths with the creativity and initiative needed to lead it into its next season.

What You'll Lead

1. Vision & Ministry Leadership

• Lead United Kids with a clear vision for helping children know Jesus, grow in faith, and experience life in His family.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term ministry plans that advance the vision and mission of Denver United.
• Translate our commitments to Live with Jesus, Live in Family, and Live on Mission into meaningful experiences for children, families, and volunteers.
• Build on the ministry's existing strengths while discerning new opportunities for growth, engagement, and spiritual formation.
• Lead with a pastoral heart, cultivating a culture where children and families feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
• Explore opportunities to engage children and families beyond Sunday mornings, including the surrounding community and the broader city of Denver.

2. Volunteer Leadership & Development

• Cultivate a thriving team of volunteers who are equipped, encouraged, and excited to invest in the lives of children.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, and develop volunteers while identifying and empowering emerging leaders.
• Build strong relationships with volunteers through consistent communication, encouragement, and pastoral care.
• Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing training in classroom leadership, child development, behavior management, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Create a culture where volunteers feel valued, connected to the mission, and supported in their service.

3. Sunday Morning Experiences

• Provide leadership and oversight for all Sunday morning Kids Ministry environments, from birth through 4th grade.
• Create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that help children learn about Jesus, participate in worship, build relationships, and grow in faith.
• Coordinate teaching, curriculum, kids worship, classroom leadership, volunteer schedules, and communication with parents and caregivers.
• Develop, curate, and adapt curriculum that is biblically grounded, theologically aligned, and appropriate for the developmental needs of each age group.
• Ensure classrooms and ministry spaces are welcoming, organized, well-equipped, and ready for children each week.
• Maintain a consistent focus on child safety, classroom quality, and a positive experience for children, families, and volunteers.

4. Family Partnership & Spiritual Formation

• Build meaningful relationships with parents and caregivers, recognizing them as essential partners in their children's spiritual formation.
• Create practical opportunities and resources that help families nurture faith at home.
• Communicate clearly and consistently about ministry activities, upcoming events, and opportunities for family engagement.
• Develop an intentional curriculum scope and sequence that supports children's spiritual growth over time.
• Plan and lead seasonal experiences and special initiatives, including Christmas, Easter, summer programming, and other opportunities to bring families together.
• Know and care for children and families personally, bringing a pastor's heart to the everyday moments of ministry.

5. Collaboration & Church Life

• Work closely with Pastor Lucy to carry out the overall vision and direction of United Kids.
• Collaborate with the Next Generations team on shared goals, seasonal initiatives, and churchwide ministry.
• Contribute to a healthy, collaborative staff culture marked by wholeheartedness, interdependence, honor, camaraderie, innovation, and sustainability.
• Participate fully in the life of Denver United and contribute to the broader mission of the church.
• Support churchwide events and initiatives as part of a team committed to serving Denver together.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who combines a genuine love for Jesus and children with the ability to lead people, build healthy teams, and create environments where faith can flourish.

Character & Calling

• A committed follower of Jesus whose life reflects the beliefs, values, and practices of Denver United Church.
• A clear sense of calling to ministry with children and a passion for their spiritual formation.
• A relational, humble, and emotionally grounded leader who brings a steady, non-anxious presence to challenging situations.
• Someone who leads with integrity, warmth, initiative, and a genuine desire to see others flourish.
• A team-oriented leader who values collaboration, welcomes input, and empowers others to contribute their gifts.

Experience & Practical Skills

• At least two years of experience working with children, in ministry, or in a related field; a degree in a relevant discipline is also welcome.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with both children and adults.
• The ability to teach children in an energetic, engaging, positive, and age-appropriate way.
• The ability to develop and adapt curriculum that is biblically faithful, theologically sound, and developmentally appropriate.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to plan ahead, manage details, and coordinate multiple moving parts.
• Comfort with Google Workspace and Mac systems, along with the ability to learn and use digital platforms such as Planning Center, Grow Curriculum, Canva, and MailerLite.
• Sensitivity to the varied developmental needs, abilities, and experiences of children and families.

Leadership & Ministry Development

• The ability to communicate vision and inspire children, parents, and volunteers to participate in the ministry.
• Experience recruiting, equipping, encouraging, or developing volunteers and leaders.
• A self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and follows through on commitments.
• The ability to lead effectively in a dynamic, high-energy ministry environment.
• A commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where children and families can thrive.

Working at Denver United

Denver United is a diverse, urban church in the heart of Denver, committed to being a church for Denver. We believe Jesus calls people from different backgrounds and walks of life to unite around