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St Luke’s United Methodist Church

Director of Elementary Ministry

  • Orlando,
  • FL
  • Full-Time
  • United Methodist

Job Summary

Description

The Director of Elementary Ministry supports St. Luke’s mission and vision by leading the spiritual formation, discipleship, and community-building efforts of children in Kindergarten – Grade 5 and their families.

As a member of the Grow Ministries team, the Director provides leadership and oversight for Elementary Ministry, equipping volunteers, partnering with parents, and creating engaging environments where children can grow in faith and experience Christian community. The Director serves as a leader of leaders who develops volunteers, builds relationships with families, and champions a clear pathway of discipleship from preschool through student ministry.

The Director collaborates closely with the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Next Generation Ministries, Preschool Ministry, Student Ministry, Worship, and Adult Discipleship to ensure a unified and intentional approach to spiritual formation across generations.

REPORTS TO

Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Next Generation Ministries

Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Recruit, equip, develop, schedule, support, and retain volunteers serving within Elementary Ministry.
  • Develop volunteer leaders who can provide ministry leadership, coaching, and support for teams and ministry programs.
  • Supervise interns and part-time staff assigned to Elementary Ministry, when applicable.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative ministry culture among volunteers, families, and staff.

MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Champion the vision, mission, and values of St. Luke’s and align Elementary Ministry with the church’s overall discipleship strategy.
  • Develop and implement strategic ministry plans that support the spiritual formation of children and families.
  • Plan, lead, staff, and evaluate all Elementary Ministry programming for Kindergarten – Grade 5, including Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, Vacation Bible School, camps, retreats, milestone events, seasonal programming, and special events.
  • Create and maintain annual ministry calendars, event plans, volunteer schedules, and ministry timelines.
  • Select, evaluate, and oversee curriculum and teaching resources that support biblical learning and spiritual growth.
  • Intentionally build relationships with children and families while equipping parents as the primary spiritual influence in the lives of their children.
  • Create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for children, families, volunteers, and guests.
  • Provide vision and leadership for the Treehouse as the primary large-group ministry environment for Elementary Ministry, developing engaging worship, teaching, and creative experiences that leverage the gifts and talents present within the St. Luke’s congregation and the broader Orlando community.
  • Collaborate with Preschool Ministry and Student Ministry to provide a seamless transition between ministry age groups.
  • Develop intentional experiences that prepare fifth-grade students and their families for the transition into Student Ministry.
  • Stay current with trends and best practices in children’s discipleship and ministry leadership while evaluating effectiveness and sustainability within the St. Luke’s context.

COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Communicate regularly with parents, volunteers, church staff, and the congregation through approved communication channels.
  • Work closely with the Communications team to develop and execute ministry communication plans.
  • Maintain ministry records, attendance data, volunteer information, schedules, budgets, and planning documents.
  • Provide regular reports, updates, evaluations, and ministry metrics to the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Next Generation Ministries.
  • Attend staff meetings, leadership gatherings, retreats, and other meetings as assigned.
  • Maintain consistent office presence and availability as established with the supervisor.

MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

  • Develop annual ministry goals, objectives, and action plans.
  • Monitor ministry participation, volunteer engagement, and ministry effectiveness.
  • Prepare and manage the Elementary Ministry budget
  • Continually evaluate ministry environments, programming models, and volunteer resources to ensure St. Luke’s facilities and creative gifts are being utilized effectively to support discipleship and ministry growth.
  • Steward ministry resources responsibly and in alignment with church policies.
  • Advocate for the spiritual needs of elementary-aged children and their families.
  • Participate in continuing education, professional development, and spiritual growth opportunities.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

  • Demonstrates a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to Christian discipleship.
  • Supports the mission, vision, values, theology, and ministry philosophy of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.
  • Participates regularly in worship and the life of the church.
  • Maintains a collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented approach to ministry.
  • Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Utilizes technology effectively for communication, planning, and ministry administration.
  • Represents St. Luke’s and Elementary Ministry positively within the church and community.

Desired Skills

  • Passion for Jesus Christ, discipleship, and the ministry of the local church.
  • Experience leading children’s ministry, Christian education, or a related field.
  • Proven ability to recruit, equip, develop, and lead volunteers.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with children, parents, volunteers, and staff.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to create engaging and creative ministry experiences for elementary-aged children.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
  • Ability to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and develop leaders.
  • Comfortable utilizing technology, social media, and digital communication tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Collaborative team player who works well with staff and volunteers.
  • Commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all children and families.
  • Creative thinker with the ability to leverage worship, storytelling, drama, music, and other arts in ministry.
  • Experience developing and managing ministry budgets and resources is preferred.
  • United Methodist experience is helpful but not required.

INCLUSION

Full Inclusion

Salary

$50,000-$60,000

Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Professional development and continuing education opportunities
  • Supportive and collaborative ministry team
  • Opportunities for creative and innovative ministry leadership
  • Meaningful work in a vibrant, growing, progressive, and inclusive congregation
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