Trinity Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey is seeking a part-time Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries to become a part of our creative, collaborative staff and clergy team. Trinity is a vibrant Episcopal parish that strives to share God’s unconditional love with our community and the world. We embrace diversity, and we are known for our progressive outlook in theology, liturgy, and social values. We are a trusted institution in an urban, seaside community that is home to a large LGBTQ+ population, dynamic creative scene, and booming housing and retail/dining sectors. It is also, unfortunately, a place of deep economic inequality and a history of de facto segregation.

The congregation is thriving, with a growing membership and expanding community programs. The Director will have primary pastoral responsibility for our growing Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. Over the past 5 years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of young families attending Trinity. Last year, the bishop confirmed 13 teenagers (and 5 adults), our largest youth confirmation class in decades. We also have a large group of younger children who love Sunday school. We need to better serve all these children and youth, as well as the numerous children who are not yet ready for Sunday school. Our vision is to create a comprehensive family formation program from baptism through high school youth group. Additionally, an increasing number of families of LGBTQ+ children are finding Trinity a refuge in a challenging national political climate. We seek an energetic and highly relational professional to build relationships with the children, youth, and families in our parish and community.

– Develop and implement Christian formation programs for children birth through High School, including Nursery, Pre-K, and School age. We currently use Progressive Christianity’s Inner Wisdom Series, A Joyful Path curriculum for Sunday school, which comes with well-developed lesson plans

–  Schedule adequate coverage for each level of Sunday School instruction and arrange for  substitutes as needed

– Maintain a presence each Sunday during instruction and assist with transitions as needed

– With the clergy, coordinate Youth Confirmation program, and plan for the regular participation of youth in the worship life of the parish (i.e. acolytes, children’s  choir, youth Sundays, readers, children’s processions, etc.)

– With the Director of Music and Arts, design and implement avenues to include children and youth in a choral music program.

– Develop and implement family engagement programs

– Ensure the safety of the children and adults involved in all CYF programs

– Develop and implement safety protocols and standards

– Hold regular listening sessions with parents and guardians to gain input on needs

– Communicate with parents and guardians on a regular basis

– Ensure that teachers and assistants have the supplies and support needed

– Coordinate children and youth activities for various parish events

– Plan for the inclusion of children and youth of all abilities in programs

– Serve as the contact person for Diocesan children/youth events, education, and trainings

– Responsible for developing, training, supporting and nurturing a children/youth ministry staff of  volunteers to assist in every aspect of the CYF ministry, including Nursery, Sunday School, and middle and high school programs

– Responsible for staffing the nursery with trained, competent, nurturing staff, both volunteer and  paid

– Develop and implement seasonal programs and events

– Manage the CYF page of the parish website

– Prepare and manage the approved CYF program budget.