Lone Oak First Baptist Church of Paducah, Kentucky, seeks a new Minister to Children (or Director of Children’s Ministry). The Children’s Minister will have oversight of the biblical education and discipleship of kids from birth through fifth grade, with direct involvement and leadership of elementary grades.
As shepherd to children and their families, the Children’s Minister will ensure that all children’s ministries—from preschool through 5th grade—are gospel-centered, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with the church’s mission to EXALT CHRIST, MAKE DISCIPLES, and to PASS THE TORCH of faith. He or she will equip families to nurture the spiritual growth of children and partner with parents as the primary disciple-makers of their homes.
As a team member, the Children’s Minister will work closely with the pastoral staff to ensure that the children’s ministry reflects the heart, theology, and vision of the broader church body. He or she will actively support the mission and values of Lone Oak First Baptist Church through collaboration, creative and innovative programming, and servant leadership.
As a disciplemaker, the Children’s Minister will lead children to know and love Jesus, developing age-appropriate programs, teaching plans, and outreach strategies that connect children to God’s Word. He or she will foster a ministry culture that is safe, welcoming, biblically sound, and filled with joy and compassion.
As a developer of leaders, the Children’s Minister will recruit, select, train, and develop volunteers and staff, equipping them to serve confidently and effectively. He or she will also oversee curriculum choices, child safety protocols, and special events to ensure excellence and consistency in all aspects of the children’s ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Gives testimony to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear call to full-time gospel ministry, with a passion for children and families.
- Meets the Biblical qualifications for pastoral ministry (if male) or otherwise exhibits strong Christian character and servant leadership (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in children’s ministry in a church staff setting of similar size and scope as Lone Oak FBC, preferably within a Southern Baptist context.
- Bachelor’s degree required; seminary training or theological education is strongly preferred.
- Committed to the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Bible.
- Agrees with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and will lead the children’s ministry on the firm foundation of biblical truth.
- Demonstrated ability to teach the Bible in a way that is engaging and accessible to children, while also equipping parents to do the same.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan events, manage volunteers, and develop curriculum strategies.
- Gifted in relational ministry—able to build trust with children, parents, and volunteers alike.
- A heart for evangelism and missions, including creative ways to involve children and families in both local outreach and global missions awareness.
ABOUT PADUCAH
Paducah is a mid-sized town with most of the "big city" resources available right here in West Kentucky. Downtown Paducah sits on the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers and is home to several big industries. About 122,000 people live within a 20-mile radius of Lone Oak First Baptist Church. Paducah is a UNESCO "Creative City," and is home to two theatre companies and the Carson Center for the Performing Arts. We're also twenty minutes from Kentucky Lake, Land Between the Lakes, and Grand Rivers (lake resort area). And, Steven Curtis Chapman is from here, so that's cool.
HOW TO APPLY
Send a cover letter and resume to the Children's Minister Search Committee via e-mail at hgarner@loneoakfbc.org.