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First-Plymouth Church, a Christian church guided by the core values of inquisitiveness, justice seeking and inclusivity seeks a full-time minister for the newly created position of Minister for Children, Youth and Families.  A committed and dynamic minister is being sought to work with pastoral and lay leadership to nurture and further develop the educational and spiritual growth of children, youth, and families, foster social justice awareness, and provide a safe place for children, youth and families to explore their relationships with each other and God. 

 Qualities of an Ideal Candidate  

·        Visionary in his/her approach to Children, Youth and Family Ministries.  A person who thinks big -- and is willing to conceptually reexamine all areas of programming. A futuristic thinker who strives to innovate. We seek an individual who is able to envision new and exciting ways to teach, support and lift the spiritual sights of our Children, Youth and Family Ministry.

·        An Activator who can turn visions into realities. Able to successfully push forward new initiatives that may challenge the status quo or even face resistance. We are seeking a “make it happen” leader who can orchestrate a variety of programs and activities.

·        An excellent communicator, able to connect and establish rapport with a wide range of ages.  Able to inspire staff, volunteers and families. A person who can rally congregants for support and assistance in bringing large programs or projects into existence.

·         A person who embraces First-Plymouth Church’s unique blend of historic but progressive Christianity.   Able to guide and coach children and youth on their faith journey, helping them to clarify their own beliefs and values.  In the tradition of the United Church of Christ, a person who is accepting and inclusive of a variety of spiritual paths.

·        Highly effective at coordinating with the ministerial team to align the adult Sunday experience with Sunday School and other children’s programming.  A person who can facilitate continuity of spiritual  teachings so that adults and children can have dialogue together and grow spiritually as a family, not just as individuals.  

·        A person genuinely excited by the spiritual life of youth and children. Someone who is called to work with children and youth as a vocation throughout his/her life.   Effective in guiding both children and their parents or guardians in exploring spiritual matters.  A person who views teaching, to all ages, as a core job responsibility.

·        A highly collaborative and team-oriented person.  Under this person’s direct supervision is a full-time Sunday School director and a full-time youth director.  This individual also will work in concert with our Musical Directors.  This person will need to be both a leader and an effective team member.

·        An advocate for the children and youth of the congregation.  A person who will actively seek the resources and programming necessary to support his/her constituency at First Plymouth Church.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Pastoral care for families, youth and children
2.      Manage and oversee two full-time positions
3.      Work with volunteers
4.      Create and implement new programs
5.      Supervise and oversee current Children, Youth and Family Ministry programs, including but not limited to:

§         Church School and Summer Sundays
§         Vacation Church School
§         Confirmation
§         Senior High  programs
§         Retreats, Mission Trips, and other Family Fellowship Activities

 Minimum Qualifications Desired

1.      Graduate degree
2.      Ordained or willingness to pursue ordination
3.      Substantive prior experience with youth and/or children

 Application Process

Please send a letter of interest and either a UCC profile or a resume to the attention of the search committee, care of Connie Merchant, church administrator.  We will begin reading applications immediately and will accept applications until the position is filled.

About Lincoln and the Surrounding Area

First-Plymouth Congregational Church sits in the historic Near South Neighborhood of Lincoln - Nebraska's capitol city.  Lincoln is one of the Midwest's most beloved cities, with a population of 250,000.  Home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, fine culinary and artistic treasures, numerous parks and trails, and a friendly attitude.