Director/Pastor of Discipleship Ministries

outh Carolina United Methodist Conference; Sherrills Ford (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A thriving church in Sherrills Ford, NC, seeks a Director/Pastor of Discipleship Ministries to foster a welcoming environment for all ages. The successful candidate will develop and implement programs that build faith within the community and lead various intergenerational ministries. This full-time role requires a strong commitment to the United Methodist faith and effective leadership methods to inspire congregation involvement and spiritual growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in church ministry, especially discipleship development.
• Background in Christian Education and/or Spiritual Formation.
• United Methodist theological beliefs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement spiritual development activities for all age levels.
• Engage and train leaders across various ministry teams.
• Oversee the budget for children's and youth ministries.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Spiritual Guidance

Education

Minimum college degree in ministry or related field

Master’s level education preferred

Job description

Director/Pastor of Discipleship Ministries

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church is a historical, multigenerational congregation located in the rapidly growing community of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, on the northwest edge of Lake Norman. The greater metro area of Charlotte has now reached this area and we are positioning ourselves to continue serving the community into our 3 rd century with all the people who are beginning to call this place home. Tying together the best values of our past and strength of the congregation in the present, we are seeking a staff person who can help build a strong ministry for the future.

The Director/Pastor of Discipleship Ministries will foster an atmosphere that is welcoming for all ages, stages, and forms of families in our community, with the primary focus of inviting, teaching, equipping, leading, and making disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). The emphasis will be on building faith and leadership teams among the laity.

This full-time position works under direct supervision of the Pastor and is overseen by the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). This staff member will oversee ministry of the church from birth through adults, working closely with church staff (Pastor, Music Director, Church Administrator, Preschool and Study Buddies staff) and volunteer children’s ministry, youth ministry, young adult ministry, adult ministry, and older adult ministry team leaders.

Duties and responsibilities

These are the main responsibilities of the Director/Pastor of Discipleship Ministries. During the annual review period, the Pastor and an SPRC member will discuss any adjustments or improvements to the following items.

• Provide a Christ-like example in speech and actions serving as a spiritual role model.
• Design and grow ministries that focus on age-appropriate faith development, experiential learning, community-building, and Christ-centered relationships.
• Invite, train, and engage leaders in each of the age-level ministry teams. Spend extra time developing the spiritual lives of existing leaders and potential leaders for church ministry.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate activities and events for the spiritual development of the congregation, at all age levels and inter-generationally.
• Activities in the life of the congregation include, but are not limited to, Sunday School, Bible Studies, small groups, Vacation Bible School, youth ministry, community programs, discipleship, missions/ service, and worship/fellowship.
• In coordination with the age-level ministry teams, plan, implement, and evaluate service projects, mission trips, retreats, and community activities.
• With the Children & Youth Ministry Teams, plan, implement, and evaluate events such as but not limited to: Fall Festival, Easter EGGstravaganza, Children’s Christmas Play, Walk thru Bethlehem, Mission Trips, etc.
• With the Young Adults Ministry Team, plan marriage and parenting growth activities, community involvement, and other ways of building community with existing and potential participants.
• With the Older Adult Ministry Team (Keenagers), assist as needed in planning and supporting their monthly activities.
• Provide content for the church website, and be an administrator for the social media sites of the congregation (ie: Facebook, Band App).
• Maintain and publish children & youth calendars.
• Participate in Sunday morning worship services and Sunday School activities as a present member of the church staff as this is the best time of the week to connect with the members of the congregation.
• Oversee Sunday School, including curriculum selection and teachers for all age levels.
• Co-lead Confirmation Classes with the Pastor as needed.
• Intentionally engage in relational ministry beyond the walls of the church, ie: sports programs, school events, family events, etc. when possible.
• Create and oversee the annual budget for these ministries in cooperation with the ministry teams, as well as working with the finance committee.
• Help coordinate fundraising activities to supplement the budget as needed.

Related Duties:

• Participate in administrative committees and ministry teams related to discipleship, or as assigned by the pastor.
• Train and equip leadership under the conference Safe Sanctuary guidelines on an annual basis and at other times if-and-when needed.
• Participate in staff meetings with the pastor, worship leaders, secretary, and others when scheduled.

Qualifications:

• A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ that is growing and sustained by spiritual practices.
• United Methodist theological beliefs and ability to lead others in Wesleyan perspectives.
• Organized and effective leader who can recruit and equip laity for servant ministry.
• Ability to facilitate spiritual growth opportunities emphasizing involvement in worship, small groups, and service/missions.
• Experience with and desire to work collaboratively for developing team ministry.
• Experience in church ministry, especially discipleship development.
• Excellent communication skills to keep parents, children, youth, and congregation current on all activities.
• Minimum college degree in ministry or related field
• Master’s level education is preferred
• Ordained Deacon or candidate is preferred, but experience and best fit for the congregation is most important.

Specialized knowledge – Show a passion for ministry to all ages, seeing adults, children, and youth grow in their faith. Must fully embrace the vision, values, and statement of faith of MPUMC and show an understanding of the doctrine of the United Methodist tradition and child development. Must understand and keep current on issues related to safety and security for activities and safeguards, following the Safe Sanctuaries Policy of the church.

Skills/Abilities – Have proven leadership skills utilizing a cooperative, collaborative team leadership style and have the ability to build and foster relationships with all ages and stages of life. Efficiently develop and execute plans in a timely manner. Genuinely demonstrate care and concern for all members of the church and community. Ensure timely, effective implementation of children and youth ministries, seeking opportunities with the preschool, afterschool (Study Buddies), scouts, and other groups who are present on our campus. Work well with families, lay leadership, and staff. Ability and willingness to help the church develop an online ministry that both connects the congregation and reaches beyond our campus to new persons.

Personal Characteristics – Be servant-minded with a heart for ministry. Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, be outgoing and be able to communicate with all ages. Reliable, trustworthy, self-starter with the ability to embrace innovation and creativity while adapting to growth and change. Must possess the ability to use appropriate judgment, discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality. Must be able to communicate well with a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds. Be flexible enough to work with staff, congregation, and community groups using church facilities throughout the week in order to uphold the mission of the church.

Experience Required – A background in Christian Education, Discipleship, and/or Spiritual Formation.