If you would like to receive our monthly, mailed newsletter, The Steeple, please contact our Director of Communications, Amy Ezell at aezell@expandingthelight.org.
Lakewood UMC News
Current Job Openings
Position: Director of Ministries with Young People and Their Families
Lakewood United Methodist Church of North Little Rock, AR, seeks a full-time Director of Ministries with Young People and Their Families. Lakewood UMC is a vibrant congregation with established children’s and youth ministries in the heart of the Little Rock metro area.
About Lakewood UMC
Lakewood UMC has been in the Lakewood neighborhood for 75 years, and ministry with young people and their families has always been central to our identity. We have three weekly worship services spanning generations and ranging in style from traditional to modern. LUMC has a heart for missions and outreach to the community with several mission ministries that feed the hungry, provide clothing and support for our unhoused neighbors, and much more. We strive to expand the light of Christ by seeking God, serving others, and sharing the loving message of Jesus. The church is in the exciting process of discerning who we are called to be now and into the future. The Director of Ministries with Young People and Their Families will play a crucial role in this visioning and discernment process.
About North Little Rock, AR
North Little Rock is a city of 64,498 located in Pulaski County, Arkansas, just across the Arkansas River from the state capital, Little Rock. The Little Rock Metro population is just over 729,000. North Little Rock is home to the Arkansas Travelers, a minor league baseball team, and Simmons Bank Arena, which hosts many touring acts and sporting events. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area, from Pinnacle Mountain State Park to multiple walking trails, rivers, streams, and lakes. The restaurant scene in the Little Rock area offers unique culinary experiences, from African, Hispanic, and Asian cuisines to soul food and signature dishes like the city’s celebrated cheese dip. All of this makes North Little Rock and the Central Arkansas region a great place to call home!
Position Summary
To nurture the spiritual growth of young people from birth through high school through programs and activities that align with the church’s mission to expand the light of Christ through seeking God, serving others, and sharing the loving message of Jesus.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and oversee the implementation of ministry to young people from birth through high school
Plan and implement activities, events and programs that provide consistent engaging and meaningful discipleship.
Align all children and youth ministries with the mission, vision, and life of the church.
Recruit, train, nurture, and develop adult and youth leaders, volunteers, and staff
Oversee transitions of students from one area of ministry to another - nursery, children, confirmation, youth, post-youth
Manage and direct the Youth Council to assist in the development of youth ministries for and of our youth, to develop youth leaders and to instill ownership in youth ministries.
Manage and direct the Children's Council to assist in the development of children’s ministries
Supervise children and youth ministry staff, including but not limited to nursery and Vacation Bible School workers
Communicate effectively and work as a team member
Express positivity, love, and acceptance in working with others.
Communicate effectively with staff, congregation, families and students of events, schedules, missions, etc. using all appropriate vehicles available.
Attend staff, program staff, councils, Administrative Board and other meetings as needed.
Assist the Pastor of Connection in regular communication with Weekday Ministries staff and the use of shared spaces.
Assist Music and Worship Director in developing programming for children and youth
Assist in ministry as part of the team of staff as needed in other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor
Oversee administration for all student ministries
Maintain appropriate administrative records, including, but not limited to, consent forms, financial records, files on retreats, trips and programs, room and vehicle reservations, and attendance.
Prepare an annual budget for the children’s and youth ministry needs and administer the approved budget in accordance with church policy.
Continue personal growth and development
Utilize conferences, continuing education, reading, networking and exchange of ideas with others.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
A minimum of 3 years of experience in ministry with youth and/or children is preferred.
Knowledge and support of United Methodist theology, beliefs, and practices
Must demonstrate genuine love and maintain a good rapport with young people and families
Must be able to exercise initiative and judgment as an independent worker
Maintain confidentiality while also serving as a mandated reporter
Ability to use or learn Google Suite and other software applications currently in use
Ability to lift 50 pounds
Ability to bend over and reach objects on the floor.
Ability to reach over one’s head to perform tasks.
The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic team player, innovator, and self-starter. They should have a calling to lead and mentor young people in their walks with Christ and a passion for welcoming and integrating new families into faith and community. Preference will be given to candidates with training and experience in Christian Education, particularly within the United Methodist Church.
Compensation
Salary Range: $60,000.00 to $80,000.00
Plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as retirement. Additionally, paid time off, sick days, and eleven paid holidays are provided.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Rev. Todd Vick, Executive Pastor, at tvick@expandingthelight.org. All employees at Lakewood UMC must pass a background check and follow all church policies and guidelines. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. For Lakewood UMC staff, a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Lakewood UMC is essential, and Christian faith is a prerequisite for employment based upon United States federal guidelines provided in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Applications will be accepted until filled.