Shepherd Staff is partnering with Faith Bible Church in Desoto, Texas, to find their next Pastor of Children and Families. This ministry has historically been a key part of the church's outreach, distinguished by its large community events and extensive outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, a western town, and a fort. While it benefits from a strong legacy and a dedicated volunteer team, the current structure, leadership, and spaces need revitalization and a fresh vision. The incoming pastor's initial priority should be to shepherd the existing volunteers and focus on relationship-building, rather than prioritizing the recruitment of new volunteers or planning large-scale events.
The Pastor of Children and Families directs all children's programs, including Sunday, mid-week, and outreach events. This role oversees preschool through elementary staff and volunteers, promoting teamwork and spiritual growth. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, ensuring MinistrySafe compliance, and aligning curriculum with church values. A key focus is partnering with parents for faith development through communication and discipleship. The pastor also collaborates with the senior pastor and staff on church planning, occasionally assisting with broader ministry.
The ideal candidate will be:
- Relational Shepherd and Encourager – A warm, approachable leader who builds trust, cares for volunteers and families, and fosters a culture of belonging and spiritual growth.
- Visionary Innovator with Respect for Legacy – Honors the ministry’s rich history while bringing fresh ideas and a clear, forward-looking vision for growth and renewal.
- Skilled Communicator and Change Leader – Leads with clarity and empathy, guiding long-time volunteers through transition and inspiring unity in a new ministry season.
- Organized Builder of Teams and Systems – Evaluates current structures, strengthens volunteer engagement, and implements sustainable systems for lasting impact.
- Community-Focused Revitalizer – Passionate about renewing children’s spaces and outreach programs to make Faith Bible Church a welcoming hub for families.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Children's Ministry is at a critical juncture following the stewardship of the previous pastor who served in this role for 41 years. While supported by extensive, unique grounds (playgrounds, sports fields, a fort, and a "western town") that now require revitalization or removal, the facilities are dated. Historically, a key outreach through events like VBS and Trunk or Treat, the ministry now struggles to maintain large-scale programs due to limited volunteers and resources. This transition offers the new Pastor a vital opportunity to assess, implement change, and lead the ministry forward, while honoring its legacy. The ideal leader must be relationally wise to shepherd dedicated, long-term volunteers and adaptive enough to creatively adjust programming to better serve the church and community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead & Supervise Children’s Ministry
- Direct all children’s ministry programs (Sunday classes, mid-week, children’s church, AWANA) in alignment with church mission.
- Supervise preschool/MDO and elementary leaders/staff.
- Recruit, train, support, and appreciate volunteers; provide clear roles, onboarding, mentoring, and feedback.
- Maintain volunteer safety compliance through MinistrySafe.
- Select curriculum consistent with church beliefs.
- Keep classrooms stocked, organized, safe, and collaborate with facilities on space needs.
- Partner with Parents & Families
- Communicate clearly with parents about curriculum, events, and opportunities.
- Equip parents to lead their children spiritually through regular updates, meetings, and milestone classes.
- Lead or co-teach a Gospel Project/Bible Foundations class for parents.
- Design & Lead Special Events
- Oversee major children’s ministry events (Kickoff, summer outreach, VBS/camps, Trunk or Treat).
- Evaluate childcare needs for other ministries and staff appropriately.
- Staff & Team Collaboration
- Participate in staff meetings and church-wide planning.
- Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor for alignment and development.
- Preach occasionally when requested.
The Fine Print
After applying, you will receive an email from info@shepherd.group. If you do not see an email response quickly, please check your SPAM folder.
Please do not contact the church directly. Doing so will result in your information being forwarded to us. All applications for this position should come through the inquiry process here.
If you have any technical difficulties with the inquiry process, please contact Gregb@Shepherd.Group