Pastor/ Director for Lower Elementary (1st – 3rd Grade)

Purpose

The Director/Pastor of Lower Elementary Children’s Ministries (Little Lights, LL) will serve as a shepherd, teacher, and leader for ODPC’s 1st–3rd grade children. This role provides spiritual leadership, oversees volunteers, partners with parents, and ensures a safe and Christ-centered environment where children can grow in their love for Jesus and His church. As a full-time pastoral position, this role combines weekly teaching, weekday discipleship resource development, major event leadership (VBS, Fall Family Festival, Christmas Program), and pastoral care for children and families.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Ministry Leadership & Administration

• Develop and implement a dynamic, Christ-centered vision for the Little Lights Ministry.
• Work collaboratively with the CM Pastor and CM Team toward ODPC’s overall CE/CM vision and interdependence.
• Maintain LL’s roster and children’s information in the church database.
• Serve as liaison between CM Pastor, volunteers, and parents, coordinating necessary meetings to encourage mutual cooperation
• 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 (4–6^th graders)

2. 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.

3. 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 other similarly themed gatherings.

4. Volunteer Development

• Recruit, train, and shepherd ministry volunteers (teachers, TAs, youth helpers).
• Provide spiritual encouragement and discipleship for volunteers.
• Foster a healthy team culture through relationship building and training opportunities.

5. Parent & Family Engagement

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding lessons, activities, and events.
• Support parents in their discipleship role through encouragement, resources, and seminars.
• Build community connections among LL families.
• Provide pastoral care and family visitation (home or hospital) as needed and scheduled with the CM or GC Pastor, focusing on prayer, encouragement, and short-term care.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate pastoral boundaries.

6. Major Annual Events (in collaboration with CM Team)

• Teacher/ TA Training: Participate in planning and executing Joint training in Spring, and lead Little Lights ministry volunteer training in Fall
• Vacation Bible School (VBS): Lead planning, recruitment, and implementation of VBS ministry activities for LL 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 Little Lights ministry 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.

7. Weekday Ministry Development

• Prepare for a weekday group meeting highlighting discipleship and spiritual formation for students
• Prepare and develop devotional content, lesson resources, or creative activities for children and families during the week.
• Contribute to curriculum or teaching material development (e.g., discipleship program for children, Christian worldview resources for families).
• Collaborate with the CM Pastor to create family discipleship tools that equip parents to nurture faith at home.
• Attend weekly and/or Monthly CM staff meetings.