Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary
The Early Years Lead Pastor provides pastoral and strategic leadership to the Early Years team, which serves
babies/toddlers and their families. This role oversees the big-picture systems and culture of the team, ensuring that
every child is safe, known, and loved, and that every volunteer and staff member is equipped, cared for, and growing in
their faith. The Early Years Lead Pastor is a shepherd of people first and a builder of healthy structures second, creating
an environment where children encounter Jesus and families are partnered with in their spiritual formation. This role will
report to the Director and help establish the vision for unified culture within the Early Years team.
Hours: 40 hours per week (Ministerial Exempt, Salaried)
Compensation: $20.00 per hour
Job Requirements
● Oversee the Early Years team, providing pastoral care, coaching, and supervision to staff, directors, and volunteer leaders.
● Make day-to-day operational and administrative decisions that keep the ministry running smoothly.
● Build team culture and connection, fostering a healthy, joyful, and trusting environment.
● Ensure Sundays and other Bethel Kids gatherings function well, from check-in to check-out.
● Oversee training, development, and functionality of the team, including compliance with state regulations and child safety standards.
● Recruit, onboard, and develop volunteers, and build a pipeline of emerging leaders.
● Develop and maintain clear systems for scheduling, communication, curriculum, and supplies.
● Provide pastoral care to families and partner with parents in their children's spiritual formation.
● Manage the Early Years budget and steward ministry resources.
● Cast a clear vision for Early Years and collaborate with other church ministries and leadership.
● Foster strong relationships with church ministries, local churches, BSSM, and ministry partners to strengthen discipleship efforts.
● Ensure compliance with organizational policies, ministry standards, and applicable legal requirements.
● Participate in church services, leadership meetings, conferences, pastoral responsibilities, and special events as required.
● Champion continuous improvement by evaluating ministry effectiveness, identifying opportunities for growth, and implementing innovative discipleship strategies.
Minimum Qualifications
● Believes and adheres to the beliefs and vision of Bethel Church
● This position does not qualify for sponsorship of work authorization or an employment visa, so candidates must be legally qualified to work in the U.S. to be considered for this position.
● Ability to meet the physical requirements of this position (see attached)
● Ability to pass a background check
● Demonstrated commitment to Jesus Christ and alignment with Bethel Church's Statement of Faith.
● Proven spiritual maturity with a pastoral heart and servant leadership mindset.
● Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in ministry, education, or organizational leadership.
● Experience leading teams, volunteers, pastors, or ministry departments.
● Demonstrated ability to disciple, equip, mentor, and develop others in their spiritual growth and leadership.
● Strong understanding of biblical discipleship, spiritual formation, and pastoral care.
● Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
● Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
● Ability to build strong relationships and create connection and alignment across different ministry teams and areas.
● Ability to lead through change while maintaining healthy relationships.
● Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills.
● Ability to navigate sensitive pastoral situations with wisdom, maturity, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.
● Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced ministry environment.
● Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and common ministry management systems.
● Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience leading, coaching, and developing staff and volunteers, with a track record of helping people grow
● Experience in operations, such as scheduling, logistics, budgeting, or building and improving systems
● Comfort with basic programs and systems, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn church management and check-in software (e.g., Planning Center)
● Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound day-to-day decisions
● Clear, warm communication with children, parents, volunteers, and colleagues
● Ability to build a healthy, connected team culture
● Familiarity with child safety practices and state regulations, or willingness to learn them quickly
● Experience in children’s ministry, education, or childcare
Benefits
● Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
● Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
● HealthiestYou (TeleDoc: 24 hour doctor/prescription access)
● Wellness Resources
● Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement Leave & Public Holidays)
● Retirement Plan (403b, IRA) with Retirement Fund Matching
● Free Bethel Online Account (Exclusive access to conferences, services, classes, shows, and more!)
● Free Bethel Leaders Network ENGAGE membership - Full Access to the Online Platform
● 20% Discount on most Items in the Bethel Bookstore as well as discounts in the Bethel Music online store and Hebrews coffee shop
● Invitation to attend Select Conferences