Preschool Minister

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Preschool Minister

Severns Valley Baptist Church – Elizabethtown, KY

Full-Time Staff Position

Role Overview

The Preschool Minister provides visionary leadership, spiritual care, and administrative oversight for the preschool ministry (birth through pre-K) at Severns Valley Baptist Church. This role is essential in advancing our church’s mission to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples and our vision of equipping families to live in the hope of the gospel, connected in biblical community, and actively growing in their faith.

This leader will foster a safe, joyful, and gospel-centered environment where young children can begin to know and love Jesus. More than a program manager, the Preschool Minister is a shepherd of volunteers and families—someone who leads by investing deeply in volunteer leaders, equipping them to create flourishing ministry environments, and coming alongside parents as they lay strong spiritual foundations in the lives of their children.

This is a hands-on ministry role that blends relational leadership, teaching, administration, and team development. The Preschool Minister serves under the Lead Pastor as a key member of the SV Staff Team, working in close collaboration with the SV Kids Team and other ministry leaders to help families pursue God, connect with others, and make disciples.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Leadership & Team Development

This is the heartbeat of the role. The Preschool Minister leads primarily through volunteer leaders, not instead of them.

Recruit, train, encourage, and develop volunteer leaders and paid childcare workers to serve faithfully, joyfully, and with increasing ownership.

Identify and invest in high-capacity volunteers who can lead rooms, train others, and carry the vision of the ministry.

Create a culture of care, encouragement, and teamwork where volunteers feel known, equipped, and empowered—not just scheduled.

Provide clear communication, practical resources, and ongoing spiritual encouragement to all team members.

Spiritual & Programmatic Leadership

Champion the gospel-centered vision of SVkids within the preschool ministry.

Lead and teach regularly in preschool environments on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, ensuring biblical truth is presented in engaging, age-appropriate ways.

Develop and implement strategies that equip preschoolers and families to take their next steps in faith.

Provide spiritual leadership and direction for all preschool ministry programming and activities.

Family Engagement

Build meaningful relationships with preschool families, supporting them in their spiritual journey.

Provide resources and encouragement that help parents be the primary disciplers of their children.

Be present at key family and church events to foster connection and community.

Operational Oversight

Oversee classroom setup, curriculum preparation, seasonal environment updates, and overall ministry space management.

Ensure all preschool and childcare spaces are safe, clean, organized, and welcoming.

Manage childcare requests for church ministries and events, approve work hours, and maintain clear communication with ministry leaders.

Team Collaboration & Events

Collaborate closely with the SV Kids Team to ensure alignment and shared vision across all children’s ministry environments. Partner with other ministry staff and teams to support the broader mission of Severns Valley Baptist Church. Participate in weekly staff meetings, ministry planning sessions, and strategic conversations. Support and help lead special ministry events such as VBS, preschool family events, seasonal programs, and outreach opportunities.

Qualifications & Characteristics

Faith & Character

A committed follower of Jesus Christ who affirms the Baptist Faith & Message (2000). Active member (or willing to become a member) of Severns Valley Baptist Church. Demonstrated passion for the spiritual development of young children and the families who love them. Dependable, flexible, and motivated by a servant’s heart and a team spirit.

Leadership & Ministry Experience

Experience in ministry leadership with preschool-aged children and volunteer teams. Strong understanding of preschool child development and age-appropriate teaching methods. Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and empower volunteers—not just manage schedules. Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to balance hands-on ministry with relational leadership and administrative responsibilities.

What Success Looks Like

We want you to thrive in this role, not just survive it. Here’s what a successful first 12–18 months looks like:

First 90 Days – Learn & Connect

Build genuine relationships with current volunteers, paid childcare workers, and preschool families. Know their names, their stories, and what keeps them serving.

Observe and understand the existing rhythms, systems, and culture of the preschool ministry before making changes.

Meet with key ministry partners (SV Kids Team, other staff, key volunteer leaders) to understand how preschool ministry connects to the broader church.

Develop a clear picture of current volunteer capacity—who’s thriving, who’s stretched thin, where the gaps are.

Months 4–9 – Build & Strengthen

Establish a sustainable volunteer recruitment and development pipeline. The goal is a growing team of equipped leaders, not one person carrying the load.

Implement clear, consistent communication rhythms with volunteers and families so people feel informed, valued, and connected.

Refine classroom environments, curriculum flow, and operational systems to reflect both excellence and warmth.

Begin identifying and investing in potential volunteer team leaders who can own specific areas of the ministry.

Months 10–18 – Multiply & Flourish

Volunteer leaders are taking meaningful ownership of key areas (rooms, events, training), not just filling slots.

Families are engaged and connected—not just dropping kids off, but growing in their role as the primary disciplers of their children.

The ministry can sustain a Sunday morning absence from the minister without missing a beat, because the team is equipped and empowered.

A clear, gospel-centered vision for the preschool ministry is understood and carried by the volunteer team, not just the staff leader.

What You Can Expect from Us

We believe in investing in the people who lead our ministries. The Preschool Minister will receive regular one-on-one support, access to ongoing training and development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment where you are known, encouraged, and equipped to grow. You won’t be expected to figure it out alone.

Reporting & Relationships

Reports To: Lead Pastor

Works Closely With: SV Kids Team, SV Ministry Staff, Volunteer Leaders & Paid Childcare Staff, Parents & Families of Preschoolers, Other Ministry Departments and Church Leaders

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application at: