Kids Ministry Director

ABOUT MISSIO DEI CHICAGO Missio Dei Chicago is a church made up of congregations rallying around the singular vision of joining God in the renewal of all things in the city of Chicago. Each congregation is committed to making disciples of Jesus in its context by intentionally engaging the holistic needs of their neighbors and neighborhoods. Missio Dei is a neighborhood-focused, elder-led, missional church in Chicago. Each neighborhood congregation has its own budget as well as elders and leadership team that care for the spiritual direction of its people and make every effort to see people follow Jesus. Missio Dei holds to the essential Christian doctrines as best expressed in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. ROLE SUMMARY The primary focus of this role is to build strong relationships with kids, families, and volunteers, and to ensure a consistent, welcoming Sunday experience. Other responsibilities support these core priorities. This person will report directly to the Missio Dei Wrigleyville Congregational Lead, working closely with her to lead the MD Kids ministry in line with our mission, vision, and values. An ideal candidate is passionate about Jesus, loves children of all ages, and is hospitable. He or she deeply desires to invite families into the life of the church through fun, creative, and engaging Sunday services and special events for families, and to lead as an equipping and encouraging resource for parents. This work can’t be done alone and will include identifying, raising up, and multiplying volunteers to champion the MD Kids vision of partnering with parents to show and tell the good news of Jesus to our kids. We have about 35 kids currently, with an average Sunday attendance of 8-15 children. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree and experience in an urban church context preferred (either as staff or volunteer) Strong in hospitality, implementation, and communication. Agreement with Missio Dei Chicago’s Statement of Belief and Bylaws AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Vision and Stewardship of MD Kids Ministry Ministry Leadership and Implementation Parent Connections and Equipping Special Seasonal Programming (Christmas, Easter, All Family Gathering, Child Dedications) SCOPE OF ROLE WITHIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The following reflects our long‑term vision for the MD Kids Director role as the ministry grows. The specific responsibilities, priorities, and pace of implementation will be determined collaboratively with church leadership based on the director’s experience, gifts, and available hours. Strategic Vision and Stewardship Partner with the Congregational Lead and elders on the strategic vision for MD Kids as our congregation grows (currently birth–5th grade; long‑term vision through middle school and beyond) Contribute to the broader life and mission of Missio Dei Wrigleyville as a member of the staff team Steward the MD Kids budget with care and transparency Kids Ministry Leadership and Execution Oversee the details of all Sunday morning kids programming, including check‑in, classroom flow, teaching, and dismissal Build genuine relationships with kids and families—knowing them by name and keeping a pulse on their spiritual and relational health Pray regularly for the children, families, and volunteers of MD Kids Lead our volunteer team by recruiting, equipping, and shepherding a volunteer team of teachers, helpers, and support personnel Lead team rhythms of training, feedback, and appreciation Create a Sunday experience that kids love walking into that serves as a welcoming and inviting point of entry for new families Be a welcoming, hospitable presence for congregants and visiting families on Sundays, with an expectation of presence (even if not serving), a minimum of 36 Sundays per year (average 3 per month) Review, select, and adapt curriculum in coordination with the Congregational Lead Ensure classroom spaces are set up, clean, well‑resourced, and safe each week Work with the scheduling coordinator to adjust rooms as needed, depending on volunteer availability Serve in a classroom at least once a month Prepare materials, supplies, and technology needed for teaching and activities Be available and prepared to fill in where needed across classrooms and roles Maintain and enforce child safety policies, including background checks, check‑in procedures, and volunteer training Oversee onboarding, background checks, and ongoing child safety training in partnership with staff Partner With and Equip Parents Resource parents as the primary disciple‑makers of their children Communicate regularly with families about what kids are learning and how to continue the conversation at home Along with other congregants and staff, offer other family‑friendly events—family fun nights, park playdates, and other gatherings that strengthen our community Seek to build relationships with parents and visitors, especially those newer to the church Special Events and Seasonal Programming Plan and lead child dedications in partnership with the Congregational Lead Plan and lead special events throughout the year (Christmas program, Easter egg hunt, back‑to‑school, end‑of‑school, etc.) in coordination with congregational staff (sometimes leading, sometimes as leadership presence) Lead volunteer meetings ahead of major events to introduce themes, clarify responsibilities, and reinforce safety expectations Additional Details This is a part‑time position with an expected commitment of 60 hours per month at $25-$30 per hour based on experience. The targeted start date is August 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr