Working collaboratively with the Rector and parish members of St. John the Evangelist, build and support Christian Formation programs for children and young people that inform and empower them to live into their baptismal covenant (Book of Common Prayer, p. 304-305).
Goals
- Help children and young people experience the presence and love of God.
- Help children and young people develop a feeling of belonging within the church community, and a sense of involvement in parish life and worship. Integrate children and children’s activities into the overall life of the parish.
- Help parishioners grow in their awareness of and enthusiasm for the ministries and formation of children within the parish.
- Teach children and young people the formative stories of the Christian faith from Scripture and the history of the church.
- Instill in children and young people a sense of Christian mission and responsibility and provide opportunities to exercise that responsibility.
Qualifications
- A love of Christ and a commitment to the church as the Body of Christ.
- A commitment to children and young people as full members and participants in the Body of Christ.
- Imagination and creativity.
- Good communication skills.
- Good organizational skills.
- Willingness and skill in recruiting, motivating and supporting adult volunteers.
- Experience and training in children’s education or Christian education is highly desirable, but not necessary.
- A respect for, and preferably familiarity with, the theology and worship of the Episcopal Church.
Specific Job Duties
- Develop, oversee and support Sunday Christian Formation classes for children ages 3 through middle school.
- Supervise the Nursery Director.
- Recruit and support teachers and adult volunteers. Encourage participation in teacher training and formation events.
- Develop and program occasional formation and service opportunities for high school aged young people.
- Communicate with parents, parish and Rector about Christian Formation activities.
- Ensure that adequate supplies and furnishings are maintained in Christian Formation classrooms. Maintain classrooms as neat and functional.
- Oversee children’s chapel program.
- Develop and administer annual Christian formation budget.
- Attend occasional diocesan Christian formation events.
- Pray for the parish, especially children and young people.
Expectations and Accountability
- Work ten hours per week, including presence for worship and programs on Sundays and at least five hours of regularly scheduled office time per week.
- Attend a Diocesan Training event on sexual abuse prevention. Undergo a background check. (Both are required by the Diocese of Chicago for all church employees.)
- The Director of Christian Formation will report to the Rector on all program and personnel matters. By church canon, the Rector has ultimate responsibility and oversight for all Christian Education programs. The vestry is responsible for financial management, including salaries and money allocated through the program budget.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary and vacation negotiable, depending upon qualifications and experience.
- No health or pension benefits are provided.
Application
Please send a résumé with at least three references to:
The Rev. Kristin Orr
St. John the Evangelist
P. O. Box 25
Flossmoor, IL 60422
sje2638@gmail.com
(708) 798-4150
