Job Board

Overview

Hillcrest Church is looking for a full-time Children’s Pastor who will passionately love and disciple the children and families of Hillcrest Church while building meaningful bridges into the community of Whatcom County. This position will help equip the next generation of believers to continue our mission: Love God, Grow Together, and Care for the World.  We are committed to continuously working toward being a place that more fully represents the beautiful multi-ethnic and multi-generational Kingdom of God, providing authentic hope, genuine compassion, and spiritually deep community for all people.

Set in the heart of Fairhaven, a seaside district of Bellingham, Washington, Hillcrest Church is a vibrant community of about 1,300 Jesus followers who are seeking to partner with Him in every season of life. We desire to be a hub of hope: building bridges into our neighborhood, and making space at our tables to invite people into real and honest community with both Jesus and His people.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet all of the requirements listed below:

• Previous ministry experience working with children and families.
• Experience in people management of individuals, teams and/or volunteer groups.
• Educational background and/or experience in understanding child development and age-appropriate spiritual growth.
• Educational background and/or experience in curating biblical and theological curriculum for children.
• Experience with departmental budgeting and the keeping of records for credible accounting.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
• Proficient in software use, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Google Drive, virtual meeting spaces and social media outlets.
• Holds a valid driver’s license and has a clean driving record.

Desired Character

• Demonstrates a life that is committed to integrity, honesty and meaningful Christ-centered, biblically-based spiritual growth.
• Strong relational skills with the ability to navigate conflict and problem solve in group settings.
• Able to be self-reflective, curious, and forward-thinking when it comes to their own learning and development.
• Ability to be flexible in daily tasks as responsibilities often require change with the unpredictable nature of child-focused care.

Desired Ministry Approach

• Passionate about sharing life with children and their families through investing in deep and meaningful Christ-centered, biblically-rooted discipleship at both the personal and group level.
• Able to multiply ministry through empowering volunteers to effectively care for and spiritually form children.
• Intentional about ministry to whole families to thrive in life together and following Jesus together.
• Missional in creating an invitational space where children and families are warmly welcomed.
• Thoughtful in ways children can get integrated into the wider community of Hillcrest Church to foster multi-generational participation in the mission of Hillcrest.
• Able to create ministry environments to engage all kinds of kids from all kinds of families.
• Relates to and navigates the nuances of the broader community culture at Hillcrest and in the Pacific Northwest.

Primary Duties

• Oversight of our Sunday morning children’s ministry day of events including: proper staffing, appropriate curriculum/tools, an inviting and safe environment, and general operational needs.

• Recruit, lead, and support a strong ministry team of core leaders and volunteers who are equipped and committed to mentoring and caring for children.
• Keeping up to date with best practices in education and curriculum, teaching methods and safety standards (e.g. CPR courses, mandatory reporting, etc.) for leaders and volunteers.
• Pastoral care, practiced by supporting families including, but not limited to: meeting with families one on one, providing monthly newsletter/resources support, hosting applicable group meetings (e.g. Child Dedication dessert), and participating in regular prayer for these families. 
• Coordinates and executes on various small and large events throughout the year with an invitational mindset to bring more children and families into Hillcrest Church and/or to ensure families feel seen and loved.
• Capture helpful metrics on attendance and follow up to regularly capture helpful data on our church body. 
• Oversee the operational needs of a large shared space including organization, maintenance and purchasing for children’s ministry and in partnership with Hillcrest Kids leadership. 

Conditions of Employment

• Cleared a pre-employment background check.
• Completed a DISC personality assessment.
• Ordained or meets the qualifications for a church-based commission.
• Agreed to support the Hillcrest Statement of Faith and Hillcrest Church Belief and Practice Regarding Biblical Marriage and Sexuality.
• Dedicated to uphold the mission and values of Hillcrest Church. 
• Committed to multi-ethnic and multi-cultural competency principles and practices.

Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted until April 4th, 2025 via e-mail and must include (PDF format):

•  Cover letter: Explain (at minimum) why you are attracted to the position and how you meet the minimum requirements.

Resume: Summarizing (at minimum) educational background and achievements, work experience and volunteer experience, and personal interests/passions.