First Kids Pastor

Donelson First; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Donelson First is seeking a The First Kids Pastor to provide leadership for children’s ministry from infancy through fifth grade. You will work with the Senior Pastor, lead volunteers, and partner with families to nurture spiritual growth in kids.

You will oversee preschool and elementary programs, recruit and train volunteers, coordinate events, ensure safety policies, and manage the ministry budget within church guidelines to advance evangelism and discipleship at home and church.

Qualifications

• Ordained, college degree or higher preferred; leadership exp in children’s ministry.
• Strong biblical teaching, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
• Ability to respond calmly under pressure, receive feedback, and exercise initiative.
• Working familiarity with Planning Center, church management software, Mac, and Microsoft Office, or willingness to learn.
• Commitment to confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, child safety, and responsible stewardship.
• Include an Enneagram number in the résumé or cover letter.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead Sunday morning First Kids Worship and age-appropriate programming for infants through fifth grade.
• Organize and lead an ongoing Wednesday evening ministry for children.
• Select, prepare, and distribute biblically sound curriculum, teaching materials, and classroom supplies.
• Develop and implement evangelism and discipleship pathways with families to guide children toward faith, baptism, and ongoing discipleship.
• Develop and implement guest engagement and follow-up pathways for welcoming first-time families and building connections.
• Recruit, screen, schedule, equip, and care for volunteers; provide quarterly training and ongoing coaching.
• Maintain current background checks and applicable first aid/CPR readiness.
• Implement and document child protection, classroom supervision, secure check-in, and custodial dismissal procedures.
• Develop meaningful relationships with parents through clear communication, personal contact, and family-focused events.
• Plan and lead approximately three to four major annual children’s events (Kids Camp, Sports Camp, etc.).
• Coordinate holiday celebrations, age/grade promotions, and childcare for churchwide events as needed.
• Maintain connections with local schools and community initiatives serving children and families.
• Oversee children’s ministry interns, when applicable, and collaborate with other ministry leaders and staff.
• Communicate ministry schedules and events to parents, volunteers, visitors, and leadership; maintain First Kids social communications.
• Manage the approved ministry budget, monitor spending, and complete monthly expense reporting.
• Attend weekly team meetings and assist with campus needs.

Skills

Biblical teaching

Leadership

Volunteer management

Communication

Planning Center familiarity

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Planning Center

Church management software

Mac

MS Office

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE

The First Kids Pastor supports the Senior Pastor in accomplishing the mission, vision, and values of Donelson First by providing spiritual and organizational leadership for ministry to children from infancy through fifth grade. The Pastor oversees both preschool and elementary ministries, leads volunteers, equips parents, and works collaboratively with the leadership team. The Pastor helps fulfill the mission of Donelson First to reach people, raise disciples, and send leaders to live on mission for Christ through evangelism, biblical discipleship, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to serve, while equipping parents and guardians to nurture spiritual maturity at home.

SPIRITUAL CHARACTER AND MINISTRY ALIGNMENT

The Pastor must demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, godly character, sound biblical judgment, genuine love for children and families, and a positive, teachable, collaborative spirit. The Pastor must be or become an active member of Donelson First, support the vision of Donelson First, and believe, teach, and minister in accordance with and without reservation the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, consistent with church bylaws.

LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

• Work under the direction of the Senior Pastor and designated executive leadership; communicate ministry priorities, challenges, and progress regularly.
• Lead a comprehensive, gospel-centered First Kids ministry that reaches children and helps them grow as disciples of Jesus.
• Build a healthy, unified volunteer culture characterized by preparation, accountability, encouragement, and spiritual investment.
• Maintain a character that represents Christ and embodies the leadership qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

CORE MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and lead Sunday morning First Kids Worship and age-appropriate programming for infants through fifth grade.
• Organize and lead an ongoing Wednesday evening ministry for children.
• Select, prepare, and distribute biblically sound curriculum, teaching materials, and classroom supplies.
• Develop and implement intentional evangelism and discipleship pathways that identify, track, and nurture each child’s spiritual growth, partnering with families to guide children from initial engagement toward personal faith in Christ, baptism, and ongoing discipleship.
• Develop and implement intentional guest engagement and follow-up pathways that ensure every first-time family receives a welcoming and informative experience, timely personal follow-up, and clear opportunities to build relationships and become connected to the life of the church.
• Recruit, screen, schedule, equip, and care for volunteers; provide quarterly training and ongoing coaching.
• Maintain current background checks and applicable first aid/CPR readiness.
• Implement and document child protection, classroom supervision, secure check-in, and custodial dismissal procedures.
• Develop meaningful relationships with parents through clear communication, personal contact, and family-focused events.
• Plan and lead approximately three to four major annual children’s events, such as Kids Camp, Sports Camp, etc.
• Coordinate holiday celebrations, age/grade promotions, and childcare for churchwide events as needed.
• Maintain appropriate connections with local schools and community initiatives that serve children and families.
• Oversee children’s ministry interns, when applicable, and collaborate with other ministry leaders and staff.
• Communicate ministry schedules and events to parents, volunteers, visitors, and the leadership team; maintain First Kids social communications.
• Manage the approved ministry budget, monitor spending, and complete required monthly expense reporting.
• Attend weekly team meetings, identify facility or campus needs promptly, and assist with churchwide ministry initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Ordained, college degree or higher preferred; relevant children’s ministry leadership experience to be evaluated during hiring.
• Strong biblical teaching, communication, organizational, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately under pressure, receive feedback, and exercise initiative.
• Working familiarity with ministry and office systems such as Planning Center, church management software, Mac, and Microsoft Office, or willingness to learn.
• Commitment to confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, child safety, and responsible stewardship.
• Include an Enneagram number in the résumé or cover letter.

INDICATORS OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

Children experience a safe, welcoming, biblically faithful environment; parents receive dependable communication and support; volunteers are recruited, trained, and cared for; weekly programming and events are well prepared and well attended; and the ministry operates within approved policies and budget.

This description outlines primary responsibilities and is not all-inclusive. Additional related duties may be assigned to meet the needs of Donelson First.