About This Role
Directing Christian education involves supporting and nurturing the spiritual growth of children, youth, and adults within the church community. This part-time leadership position includes developing Sunday school programs, coordinating youth activities, and assisting with adult education.
Responsibilities
- Create a Sunday school program (pre-K to 5), collaborating with the minister on curriculum choice and development
- Acquire any needed materials for Sunday School lessons
- Work with the minister to organize and lead occasional children’s times during worship
- Recruit and coordinate with adult volunteers to lead youth group (middle and high school, grades 6–12)
- Plan and facilitate Confirmation
- Write Graduation announcements and organize the celebration
- Lead community service opportunities
- Explore mission trip possibilities
- Plan general social events for youth
- Continue already-established annual children’s and youth events such as Rally Day, Advent Workshop, Christmas Eve, Palm Sunday, Easter service, and the end-of-year Church Picnic
- Create new traditions for special events
- Attend staff meetings and Christian Education Committee meetings
- Collaborate with church committee chairs
- Cultivate positive relationships with parents and families
- Assist the minister with Adult Education
- Communicate with the congregation through the Christian Education bulletin board and monthly newsletter articles
Requirements
- Training or experience working with children
- A child-centered focus that provides a safe, creative, and well-managed environment
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
- Ability to collaborate with and support other staff members
- Warmth, a sense of humor, and a strong desire to grow and foster relationships with children, youth, and adults
- Commitment to the theology, vision, mission, and ministry of the First Congregational Church
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, consistent with First Congregational Church’s Safe Church Policy
- Three references
Benefits
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Important Details
- Schedule: approximately 20 hours per week, including preparation for and teaching during the Sunday service; summer hours flexible; regular Sunday presence expected, with occasional absences agreed to in advance; attendance at some evening and seasonal events also expected
- Office provided; hybrid hours optional
- Reports to the minister of First Congregational Church and coordinates with the choir director
- Anticipated start date: December 1, 2026
- Application deadline: September 18, 2026
Application Process
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
- Complete an online application and post a cover letter and resume
About the Company
First Congregational Church of Canandaigua values and respects diversity in faith expression, encourages thoughtful dialogue about faith issues, and works for justice and care for people in the community and the world.
