Children's Ministry Leader

Every Sunday, toddlers, primary-schoolers and pre-teens walk through our doors, curious, energetic and ready to encounter God in a way that makes sense to them. What happens in that room in the years ahead could shape how they understand faith, church and belonging for the rest of their lives — and we're looking for someone who would love that job.

Bayside Church is a vibrant Christian community that believes in both the working and gifting of the Holy Spirit and the practical outworking of the Gospel in people's lives and the world.

Our vision is to courageously love and empower people to become like Jesus, and our mission is to be a Christian community that works together in justice, mercy and faith.

We're looking for a Children's Ministry Leader to lead our two children's programs — Buddies and Kidz Rock— implementing programs kids genuinely want to be part of, building a volunteer team who love doing it with you, and partnering with parents to build and shape the faith of the next generation.

About the Role

• Position: Children's Ministry Leader

• Employment Status: 0.5 FTE (Part-Time)

• Reports To: Connect Pastor

• Location: Bayside Church, Cheltenham

• Probation: 6 months, with review at 3 and 6 months

You'll prepare, coordinate, and spiritually develop all Children's Ministry activities and programs—overseeing Buddies (toddler to pre-school) and Kidz Rock (Prep to Grade Four). You will work with Bayside Youth Ministry to help implement the Intensity (Grades 5 & 6) pre-teen program.

What You'll Do

• Provide visionary leadership and oversight of children's ministry, from toddler age through to Grade 4

• Develop a clear vision and strategy for discipleship within children's ministry, aligned with Bayside's vision, mission and values

• Build, develop and lead a team of volunteers to meet the needs of children's ministry

• Partner with parents in the spiritual development of their families

• Oversee the legal, logistical and procedural aspects of running mid-week, weekend and other children's ministry events

• Manage budgets, expenses and procurement within the children's ministry area

• Recruit and train volunteers, working alongside other church departments

• Help build and maintain a culture of safe ministry practices for all vulnerable people at Bayside Church and its affiliates

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary or professional qualification in Theology/Ministry, Education or Early Learning is highly desired.

Experience & Skills

• Experience engaging and teaching children in a group setting

• Ability to train and lead a team of volunteers

• Understanding of child development stages and relevant child safety legislation/frameworks

• Biblical/theological grounding, with the ability to design and adapt age-appropriate discipleship content

• Strong communication skills, adaptable to different audiences (children, parents, volunteers, leadership)

• Excellent attention to detail and organisational/time management skills

• A collaborative, team-first approach and a positive attitude to change

Personal Attributes

• Professional, confident manner

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Genuine heart for children's ministry and discipleship

Requirements Prior to Employment

• A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)

• A satisfactory Police Check

• Completion of mandatory safe ministry training

How to Apply

We'd love to hear from you if you have a heart for kids, a knack for leading volunteers, and a vision for what discipleship can look like from toddlers through to Grade 4.

Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and why you would like to work at Bayside Church by 21 September to Kaye Breeuwer, Connect Pastor.  

Bayside Church is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo relevant background checks as a condition of employment.