Director of Kids Ministry

Mercy Vineyard Church | Northeast Minneapolis

Mercy Vineyard Church is a vibrant, growing, and diverse church community in Northeast Minneapolis with a mission of equipping people to follow Jesus as peacemakers. The Director of Kids Ministry plays a vital role in the life of our church, leading how we disciple kids, partner with parents, and develop the volunteers and leaders who make ministry possible.

The Role

The Director of Kids Ministry leads Mercy’s ministry to children and families on Sundays, Wednesdays, and beyond. This person will shape ministry environments and discipleship opportunities that reflect who Mercy families are while also helping us welcome and serve the families we hope to reach.

This is a leadership role with responsibility for both ministry direction and effective execution. The Director will build and develop healthy volunteer teams, equip others for ministry, and ensure that Kids Ministry is safe, welcoming, organized, and aligned with Mercy’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide vision, direction, and leadership for Mercy Kids Ministry.

• Design and lead engaging, age-appropriate discipleship opportunities for kids.

• Identify, recruit, train, deploy, monitor, and nurture volunteers and ministry leaders.

• Build a healthy volunteer culture in which people are equipped, supported, and empowered to lead.

• Partner with parents and caregivers in the spiritual formation of their children.

• Ensure safe, welcoming, and well-run ministry environments, including implementation of child-safety policies and procedures.

• Coordinate Kids Ministry programming, curriculum, communication, scheduling, supplies, and other operational needs.

• Collaborate with Mercy staff to integrate Kids Ministry into the broader life and mission of the church.

• Provide oversight and direction for paid childcare workers.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to lead people and ministry effectively, including:

• A growing relationship with Jesus Christ expressed through prayer, Scripture, Christian community, and spiritual maturity.

• Passion for Mercy’s mission of equipping people to follow Jesus as peacemakers.

• A genuine passion for helping kids know and follow Jesus and partnering with parents in their spiritual formation.

• Ability to create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments while developing effective discipleship opportunities for kids.

• Excellent relational and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively.

• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take ownership and follow through.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, ministry leadership, and relevant professional experience preferred.

• Three or more years of experience leading teams, volunteers, or ministry programs, preferably in a church or nonprofit environment.

• Experience recruiting, developing, and leading volunteers while working effectively with kids and families.

• Demonstrated understanding of Scripture, age-appropriate discipleship, and collaborative leadership within a staff environment.

Position Details

Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: 32 hours per week, including Sundays and other regular ministry programming
Benefits: Eligible for Mercy’s full-time employee benefits

Mercy Vineyard Church is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a staff team that reflects and serves our diverse community.