Coordinator of Christian Formation, Kitchener

The Position The Coordinator of Christian Formation at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Kitchener is the key individual who, working with theological guidance from the Lead Minister, provides faith and learning experiences for children, youth, and families, while helping to strengthen the congregation's broader discipleship pathway.

This position reports to the Lead Minister and works cooperatively with the Christian Education Committee, staff, worship leadership, and ministry leaders across the congregation.

This is a permanent part-time position of approximately 20-24 hours per week - primarily onsite but with some opportunity to work remotely.

Nature and Scope St. Andrew's is a large church with a significant television and online congregation and many others who view the church as theirs for services provided. St. Andrew's values its children and families and wants them to be a vital part of the church family.

The focus and scope include children's formation, Sunday School, youth ministry support, family engagement, and intergenerational opportunities. This role is also responsible for helping children, youth, and families become more fully connected to the wider life of the congregation, so that formation is not experienced as a separate program but as part of the congregation's shared life of discipleship.

It is expected that the Coordinator of Christian Formation is available for a minimum 90% of Sunday mornings, excluding vacation time.

Discipleship Pathway and Integration

Support the shift from filling volunteer roles toward nurturing disciples and developing leaders

Support the development and implementation of a discipleship pathway for children, youth, and families

Work to ensure that children's and youth ministry are connected to the broader worship, relational, and ministry life of the church

Responsibilities Sunday School and Children's Formation

Ensure that Sunday School lessons are prepared, led, and appropriately staffed each week

Recruit, train, and resource a team of teachers and leaders

Recommend and implement educational curriculum ideas in alignment with the theological direction of the Lead Minister

Review and develop Sunday School structure and teaching methodology in conjunction with the Lead Minister

Support all children in the Sunday School program, and in particular those children with exceptionalities who may require accommodations to fully participate in programs

Ensure that all teachers and supplies are in place, as needed

Ensure rooms, closets, and materials are organized and clean

Worship and Intergenerational Formation

Prepare and lead "Time with the Children in All of Us" during worship, in consultation with the Lead Minister

Build intergenerational ministry ideas into the worship service and congregational life

Work with the Lead Minister and Music Ministry to support the participation of children, youth, and families in worship

Youth and Family Ministry

Oversee and support ministry with youth, in coordination with the Youth Coordinator where applicable

Plan, promote, and coordinate special events, such as Family Nights, pageants, or similar gatherings, in collaboration with other groups within the church

Introduce or support mid-week opportunities for caregivers and children, where appropriate

Oversee the Nursery Program and coordinate leaders/helpers

Support transitions between children's ministry, youth ministry, and wider congregational participation

Communication and Administration

Communicate frequently with participants and families to ensure an open and inviting environment is maintained

Maintain all pertinent records of participants and families in programs and ensure the church office has this information

Ensure the use of Planning Centre for communications and reporting as required to ensure integration

Procure supplies, maintain display boards, and provide announcements for the church bulletin, website, and social media as needed

Document practices and procedures for ongoing programs and special events

Policy, Safety, and Budget

Consult with the Leading with Care Committee to ensure compliance with Presbyterian Church in Canada policy

Recommend budget requirements in conjunction with the Finance Committee and Lead Minister

Ensure that the Christian Formation program is carried out as approved

Accountability and Support This position reports directly to the Lead Minister.

The Coordinator of Christian Formation will work closely with the Lead Minister, Music Ministry, Youth Coordinator, Christian Education Committee, and Session to ensure that formation is connected to the wider life of the congregation.

Program delivery will include the involvement of teachers, leaders, external resources or organizations, and members/adherents of the congregation.

Reports are to be submitted to the Lead Minister on a monthly basis. Ultimately, this position is accountable to the Session of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Faith Requirements

Have a personal faith consistent with the theology of the Presbyterian Church in Canada

Be familiar with Presbyterian Church polity, history, and beliefs

Be accepting of St. Andrew's policy of being a church open to all and affirming LGBTQ2S+ persons, including marriage and ordination

Be supportive of Presbyterian Church in Canada and community efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

Position Requirements

Demonstrated ability to support the faith development of children and youth within a Christian context

Proven ability to work with others, including staff members, parents, children, youth, and lay leadership

An innovative thinker, flexible, organized, enthusiastic in their work, and able to work with minimal supervision

Capacity to think beyond program delivery toward relational and intergenerational ministry

Ability to recruit, equip, and support leaders in shared ministry

Direct experience in supporting children with exceptionalities would be an asset

Excellent English communication - verbal and written - and presentation skills

Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft applications, internet usage, desktop publishing, and social media

Legally able to work in Canada

Provide formal documentation substantiating an acceptable Police Records Check for Vulnerable Sector

First Aid and CPR-C certificate

Hold a valid driver's license

Educational Requirements

Post-secondary education in education, theology, child/youth work, social sciences, or a related field

Training or demonstrated experience in Christian formation, faith development, or ministry with children and youth

Position Type Part-time, approximately 20-24 hours per week. Primarily on-site but with some ability to work remotely.

Salary Range $25,000 - $35,000 (based on 20-24 hrs/week)

To be determined based on hours, experience, and final approved scope.

Benefits Benefits to be determined in accordance with church policy and eligibility. Vacation - as per church policy, with consideration given to prior experience.

Probation Period A normal probation period of three (3) months commencing on the effective date.

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