Childrens and Families Minsitry Leader in Norfolk

All Saints Weybourne is a thriving village church and community on the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. We’re part of the HTB network and the Diocese of Norwich. As a church, we share the timeless Gospel afresh — proclaiming a good Father in heaven who loves us, Jesus who saves and transforms us, and the Holy Spirit who leads us. In recent years, we’ve seen significant growth — most Sundays, the church is full. Around 20–25% of our congregation are under 18. That may not seem much at first glance, but in a rural area where just 16% of the population are under 18, we believe it shows God is at work. We’re now at a point where we need to better equip and resource this vital ministry — reaching local families, discipling those already here, and releasing them into the life of the church.

We currently run weekly Children’s Church, a monthly Messy Church, weekly Open the Book sessions, school connections, and a youth group launched after a successful Youth Alpha — all led by dedicated volunteers. Yet there is more potential, and we believe the right person could help lead this into its next chapter.

This role focuses primarily on children aged 0–11 and their families. While centred on Weybourne, it will also support children and families ministry across the Weybourne Benefice. Bodham, in particular, has a notable number of young families, and we hope to explore outreach opportunities there — such as more Messy Church gatherings or creative activities — and make church more welcoming to families. There are additional possibilities: holiday clubs, toddler groups, daytime Alpha or Bible studies for parents, parenting support, and more.

The Children and Families Pastor will be a key part of the Weybourne ministry team. The post holder will oversee and be the main contact for all children and families ministry, including:

• Mission and outreach to children and families — outward-focused and forming new relationships in the wider community that point to Jesus.
• Discipleship and nurturing of our existing children and families — helping them grow in faith and in their knowledge of the Scriptures.
• Enabling children and young people to exercise their own gifts and callings within the life of the Church, both locally and globally.
• Ensuring ministry administration, church suite, and resources are kept in good order to support Mission and Ministry.
• Nurturing and equipping volunteers in their calling and gifts to enable an effective children’s ministry team.
• Supporting the Parish Safeguarding Officer as Deputy Safeguarding Officer.

To enable the above, we need someone with the following skills:

• At the heart of this role is a calling to proclaim afresh the gospel of Christ to children and families in a way that is Spirit‑filled, Christ‑centred, joyful, and creative. This requires a personal and demonstrable faith that is rooted and built up in Christ Jesus.
• Experience of leading an area of children’s or families ministry.
• Self‑motivated and pro‑active, able to work autonomously.
• Flexible and dynamic with a can‑do approach.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and online.
• IT and digital systems competency.
• Understanding of GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
• Fun! — when we ask our children, they want fun!
• A relevant ministry or professional qualification.
• Proficiency in Google Suite.
• Proficiency in ChurchSuite.
• Experience in leading church services focused on children and families.
• Experience of raising, equipping, and managing volunteers and/or staff.
• Experience running a significant child‑focused project or ministry from initial idea through planning to implementation.
• Experience of working with schools and educational environments.
• Experience and understanding of SEND.

This role has an Occupational Requirement to be a committed Christian, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Staff and leaders are expected to show a living faith evident in both ministry and personal life. The post holder must also be, or become, an active member of the Weybourne congregation, sharing in its vision, values, and worship. This reflects our commitment to leadership rooted in the life of the community.

All ministry staff will have to complete the safer recruitment process, including a DBS and self‑declaration prior to starting the post. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to support visa applications. Due to the rural nature of this post, the post holder needs a driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This is a full‑time role, with core working days from Sunday to Thursday. As with all ministry positions, some flexibility is required — occasional evenings and Saturdays may be necessary, along with busier seasons such as Advent and Christmas. These demands will be balanced through the overall working hours, with time off in lieu offered when appropriate. The post holder will also be expected to attend residential conferences and key events, including Focus (the annual church residential), Summit (HTB Network Teams Conference), the Leadership Conference, and other relevant training or development opportunities. For the right candidate, we are open to considering a 0.8 FTE arrangement, provided it aligns with the needs and expectations of the role.

This role is primarily based in Weybourne and the surrounding villages, with occasional travel further afield as required. We follow a hybrid working model at All Saints Church, allowing for a mix of home and in‑person working. Typically, you can expect to work from home a couple of days each week for administration and planning, while attending meetings and ministry activities in person.

Pay: £28,000–£32,000 (dependent on experience and abilities)

Pension: 10% employer contribution

Leave: 25 days + bank holidays

Drop us an email to arrange an initial conversation and request an application. Complete and return the application form via Email along with a letter of application (no longer than two pages), outlining what you bring to the role, and why you are applying by Sunday 3rd August. Applications are open until mid‑day Sunday 3rd August, interviews on the 11th August. Start date to be agreed with the successful applicant based on their current required notice period.

To have an informal conversation, or to apply for this role, contact Rev Adrian Wolton - adrian@weybourne.church