Family and Youth Minister, Needham, MA
Christ Episcopal Church
Needham, Massachusetts
Position Description
Position: Family and Youth Minister Reports To: Rector
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Christ Church is a lively pastoral/program sized parish located in the Boston suburb of Needham, seeking
a Family and Youth Minister.
Under the general direction of the Rector, the Family and Youth Minister is principally responsible for
the development, oversight and provision of educational programs and ministries that foster spiritual
growth and formation and inspire and engage families, children and youth to incorporate Christ’s
teachings into their daily lives. The Family and Youth Minister must be skilled in establishing a personal
connection and rapport with young families and youth, be well versed in the Bible and be able to
effectively communicate and explain the Scriptures in a manner that is understandable and relevant to
all age groups. Though the heart of the position is with families and youth, this person will participate
and receive training in all facets of parish life to ensure their continued professional and faith
development, and will be expected to function effectively and collegially in a team setting with other
staff. This is a full time position with compensation, pension and health benefits in accordance with the
guidelines of the Diocese of Massachusetts. The position is open for an ordained/soon to be ordained
person, or a qualified lay person, and assumes a 2-year tenure. Applications are being accepted on an
ongoing basis. For more information about Christ Church, visit www.ccneedham.org. Please send CV to
the Rev. Nick Morris-Kliment, Rector, at nick@ccneedham.org, and Jeffrey Murphy, Human Resources
Team Chair, at jmmurph47@gmail.com.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Christian Formation and Education:
1. Plan, oversee and coordinate all aspects of Church School for children in the pre-K through 7th
grade classes including teacher recruitment, orientation, support and evaluation and curriculum
selection.
2. In collaboration with lay leadership and other staff, ensure all important administrative tasks are
completed and appropriately documented including teacher CORI checks, Safe Parish trainings,
student rosters and attendance records and student permission slips.
3. In consultation with the Rector, oversee and participate in preparing youth (and adults) for
Confirmation including selection, orientation, and ongoing support of adult leaders, selection of
curricula, coordination of retreats and service trips, and providing spiritual guidance and support
to families as they undertake their Confirmation journey.
4. In collaboration with lay leadership, guide and direct the Youth Group in planning and
participating in programs and activities that occur at least monthly that will foster the further
development of their relationship to God and engage them to respond to God’s call to serve in
their communities and world, as well as nurture leadership development
5. Serve as an adult leader on all mission trips, guide youth in fund raising activities and ensure all
funds received and expenditures made are appropriately acknowledged and recorded.
6. Maintain awareness and connection with Diocesan youth ministry resources, taking advantage
of continuing education opportunities as able.
7. In conjunction with the Rector, develop and lead seasonal adult educational programs and
forums to nurture and support ongoing Christian learning and formation, taking advantage of
continuing education opportunities as able.
8. Meet regularly with the Rector for supervision and support
Ministry and Fellowship:
1. Serve on the planned Newcomer Committee, helping to ensure that Christ Church provides a
welcoming first impression to new families and individuals and helping inform newcomers of
available parish activities and ministries that may be of interest as they learn more about our
parish community.
2. In consultation with the Rector, visit newcomers to help establish a personal connection and
rapport and offer support and guidance to assist their introduction and assimilation into the
church community.
3. Encourage and foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish, including
liturgical participation and other activities.
4. Collaborate with lay leaders to plan and oversee special events such as Advent Wreath making,
Easter egg hunt, Christmas Pageant, Blessing of the Animals, Blessing of the Backpacks,
Valentine Care Packages to promote fellowship for young families.
Administrative Duties:
1. Write for the weekly Church School eBlast, the bimonthly Visitor, Annual Report, and Website.
2. Participate in Wardens’ Meetings and monthly Vestry meetings, submitting reports as needed
3. Manage modest Family Ministry, Youth Group, and Childcare Budgets
4. Maintain Parish Face Book page
5. Eventually, staff and supervise nursery
Worship and Liturgical Duties, if an ordained or soon-to-be ordained person; otherwise in consultation
with the Rector:
1. Collaborate with the Rector and Music Director in planning and participating in worship services.
2. Participate in the training of acolytes and crucifers
3. Preach approximately once monthly initially and preside as scheduled.
4. In consultation with the Rector, schedule and coordinate Baptisms including preparation of
parents and godparents, completion and filing of all required forms
5. In consultation with the Rector, plan and participate in Weddings and Funerals
Pastoral Care, if an ordained person; if lay, in consultation with the Rector:
1. Participate in the Pastoral Response Ministry (lay pastoral care team)
2. In conjunction with the Rector and Lay leadership, make pastoral visits, calls and email
communications.
Skill and Abilities:
1. Demonstrated passion for working with children and youth with the ability to establish an
excellent rapport by being welcoming, warm, loving and patient with children and youth.
2. Approachable and able to effectively interact with parents.
3. Creative, enthusiastic and energetic individual with excellent interpersonal skills
4. Excellent organizational and planning skills with good attention to detail.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively explain the
Scriptures making them understandable and relevant to parishioners of all ages.
6. Well versed in Bible and well grounded in personal faith
Training and Experience:
1. Graduate of an accredited seminary, with a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent
2. Qualified Lay professionals in the Episcopal or Lutheran tradition; candidates in the ordination
process for the ministry or already ordained in the Episcopal or Lutheran tradition.