Children and Families Pastor (4-11's)

Godalming Minster; Godalming; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community church in Godalming is seeking a passionate Children and Families Pastor to oversee children's ministry activities and partner with families. The successful candidate will engage in leading Sunday groups, recruit volunteers, and foster community outreach initiatives. A commitment to safeguarding and an active Christian faith are essential. Full-time position preferred, with consideration for part-time options.

Qualifications

• Committed follower of Jesus, passionate about children and families' faith.
• Experienced in leading children's ministry with a track record of developing volunteers.
• Relational and collaborative, able to build partnerships with schools and families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Sunday groups and midweek activities.
• Recruit, equip, and inspire volunteers.
• Lead outreach opportunities like holiday clubs and parenting courses.
• Manage the 4–11s budget for sustainable ministry.

Skills

Leadership in children's ministry

Creative communication

Relational and collaborative skills

Education

Experience in children's ministry or teaching

Job description

Children and Families Pastor – Godalming Minster

Full‑time preferred | Part‑time or job share strongly considered

Join Our Team!

Hello! Thanks for checking out this opportunity — we’re so glad you’re here. This is a really exciting moment in the life of Godalming Minster, and we’re looking for a passionate, creative, and faith‑filled Children and Families Pastor to help shape the future of our ministry with 4–11s.

If you love seeing children encounter Jesus, thrive in faith, and bring joy and life to the church, we’d love to meet you!

You won’t be doing this alone — you’ll be part of a supportive, fun, and collaborative team that believes ministry works best when we do it together.

Our Vision

At Godalming Minster, our heart is to follow Jesus, love people, and renew faith in Godalming and beyond. Children are not the church of tomorrow — they are a vital part of the church today.

We long to see them:

• Come to know Jesus personally
• Grow in confidence as Spirit‑filled disciples
• Discover the Bible’s relevance for everyday life
• Live out their faith confidently in school, home, and community

Schools’ work is central to this vision. We already have strong relationships with two Church of England schools in our parish, and active engagement with two other local primaries through regular assemblies, prayer spaces, and seasonal celebrations.

The Role

In partnership with the Director of Youth and Children, you will:

• Oversee Sunday groups and midweek activities, including after‑school clubs, assemblies, and seasonal events.
• Recruit, equip, and inspire volunteers, ensuring teams are supported, trained, and flourishing.
• Lead creative outreach opportunities such as holiday clubs, Messy Church, parenting courses, and community events.
• Strengthen partnerships with local schools and pioneer new missional opportunities.
• Champion safeguarding and best practice at every level.
• Equip and encourage parents/carers to disciple their children at home.
• Communicate clearly with families and volunteers, building trust and partnership.
• Manage the 4–11s budget to ensure a sustainable and well‑resourced ministry.
• Contribute fully to the wider life of Godalming Minster as an active member of the church family.

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll be:

• A committed follower of Jesus, passionate about seeing children and families grow in faith.
• Experienced in leading children’s ministry or with equivalent experience (e.g. teaching), with a track record of developing volunteers.
• A creative communicator who makes faith engaging, fun, and theologically rich.
• Relational and collaborative, able to build strong partnerships with schools, families, and the wider community.
• Committed to safeguarding and excellence in children’s ministry.

The Essentials

• There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the postholder be a practising Christian, fully supportive of the ethos and beliefs of the Church of England.
• Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor visa applications.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.
• A full driving licence and access to a car are essential.
• The successful candidate will be expected to become an active member of the worshipping community of Godalming Minster.
• Hours: Full‑time (37.5 hrs/week) preferred, though part‑time or job share will be considered — please get in touch to discuss.
• Reporting to: Director of Youth and Children
• Employer: Godalming Minster PCC
• Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, Friday 14th November

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Ben Barnes, Director of Youth and Children: [e-mail]

For more information, visit our website www.godalmingminster.org

Godalming Minster is a family of four Anglican churches united in one parish. We're dedicated to growing intentional disciples, growing younger, with a sharpened focus on mission and evangelism. We are for Godalming, for life!