At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand ministry for children and families, fostering community connections.
- Company: St Christopher’s Church, a vibrant community focused on growth and inclusion.
- Benefits: Salary of £26,000 - £30,000, mentoring, and a fully-funded qualification in ministry.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and be part of an exciting growth journey.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth ministry and experience working with children and families.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum
Hours: 35 per week (including Sundays)
Location: St Christopher’s Church, Lea
Responsible to: Reverend Joe Houghton
Background and Purpose
St Christopher’s Lea is in an exciting season of growth, with increasing numbers of children and families engaging in church life. The Children’s, Youth and Families Leader will help develop and extend this growth by leading, coordinating and expanding ministry among the 7+ age group, supporting families, and helping establish a new worshipping community serving families in local housing estates.
This role exists to:
- Deepen the discipleship of children and young people
- Strengthen mission and presence in local schools
- Support families and build community connections
- Equip volunteers for sustainable ministry
- Contribute to parish growth and the diocesan vision of engaging children and young people
This new role forms part of Blackburn Diocese’s Ignite Project, funded in partnership with the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) and Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), helping parishes invest in sustainable, long-term children’s, youth and family ministry and includes the offer of a fully-funded, University-validated qualification in Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry provided in partnership with Emmanuel Theological College.
The postholder will receive:
- Weekly team meeting, and supervision from the Vicar who has vast experience in children’s, youth and family ministry.
- Additional mentoring from a churchwarden.
- Integration into a home group for pastoral support and prayer.
- Access to the Forge Community for peer learning and diocesan support.
- Use of the parish office and fully equipped church hall.
- A church that sees children and young people as the church of the present and includes and welcomes them in all aspects of church life.
For full details including the job description, person specification and instructions on how to apply, please visit: General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn
Children's, Youth and Families Leader (Ignite, KS2 +) employer: Church of England
St Christopher’s Church, Lea is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth of children and families within the community. With a strong emphasis on professional development, including a fully-funded qualification in Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a vibrant church community that actively involves young people in all aspects of church life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's, Youth and Families Leader (Ignite, KS2 +)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the church and community before your interview. Visit St Christopher’s, chat with families, and understand their needs. This will help you connect your experience with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for working with children and families! Share stories from your past experiences that highlight your commitment and creativity in engaging young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions about the Ignite Project and how it fits into the church's vision. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for this exciting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's, Youth and Families Leader (Ignite, KS2 +)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what we're about at St Christopher’s Church. Dive into our mission and values, especially how we engage with children and families. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to this kind of ministry. We love to see genuine passion!
Be Specific:Instead of just saying you have experience, give us specific examples of how you've led or supported children and youth in the past. Whether it’s a project you ran or a challenge you overcame, details make your application stand out.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you read the application instructions carefully on our website. We want to see that you can follow guidelines, so pay attention to any specific requirements or questions we ask you to answer in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand the church community and its values. Familiarise yourself with St Christopher’s Lea and their approach to children and youth ministry. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous work with children and families. Prepare specific examples of how you've deepened discipleship or built community connections. Highlight any relevant training or qualifications, especially those related to children's and youth ministry.
✨Engage with the Vision
Understand the goals of the Ignite Project and how your role fits into the bigger picture. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to strengthen mission presence in local schools and support families. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are invested in the church's growth.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the church's current initiatives for children and families, or how they envision the new leader contributing to their mission. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
