Kids/Childrens Pastor, Birth-3rd Grade

Campus: Yorba Linda
Church Size: 6,000+
Compensation: $65,000-$70,000/year
Employment Type: Exempt

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The Job Profile

The Kids Pastor is a strategic leader and disciple-maker who builds and leads a thriving ministry for kids (Birth–3rd Grade), including our midweek programming and Champions Ministry for kids and young adults with special needs. This leader empowers volunteers and equips parents to be the primary spiritual influence in their child’s life. They partner with the NextGen Team to develop a holistic, gospel-centered discipleship experience that helps kids gather in worship, grow in groups, and go serve the world.

This role is more than programming—it’s about building a culture where kids encounter Jesus, families feel equipped, and volunteers are inspired to lead.

What You’d Do

1. Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Create and implement a strategic vision for Friends Kids that aligns with the mission and discipleship strategy of Friends Church.
• Provide direct leadership, support, and development to a dynamic Kids Ministry staff team.
• Build a healthy volunteer culture by recruiting, training, equipping, and celebrating servant leaders.
• Create leadership pathways that empower volunteers to take ownership and multiply their impact.
  
  

2. Champion Kids Discipleship

• Oversee weekend gatherings (Birth–3rd Grade), ensuring excellence in curriculum, teaching, safety, worship, and experience.
• Oversee and cast vision for weekday ministries , including 3 years - 3rd Grade Bible Adventure Club Wednesday Night programming.
• Oversee the Champions Ministry , providing an inclusive and nurturing experience for kids and adults with special needs.
  
  

3. Engage and Equip Parents

• Develop intentional strategies and resources that inspire and equip parents to disciple their kids at home.
• Collaborate with the Discipleship Team to connect parents into Parent Groups on Wednesday nights.
• Build meaningful relationships with parents that offer support, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.
  
  

4. Cultivate a Ministry that Goes

• Create opportunities for kids to serve both locally and globally.
• Partner with schools and community organizations to build bridges of influence.
• Equip and activate kids to use their gifts through ministry teams.
  
  

5. Partner Church-Wide

• Work collaboratively with NextGen, Weekend Experience, and Communications teams to ensure events and ministry align with the broader church vision.
• Participate in church-wide events such as VBS, Family FunFest, Tree Lighting, and Baptism Celebrations .
• Serve as a liaison to Friends Christian School to build partnerships that bless students and families.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate follower of Jesus with a deep love for kids and families.
• A visionary leader and developer of teams—gifted at building culture and mobilizing people.
• Proven experience leading in a Kids or Family Ministry in a mid- to large-size church.
• Knowledgeable in child development, spiritual formation, and inclusive ministry for kids with special needs.
• Collaborative, innovative, organized, and deeply relational.
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education, child development, or related field required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a Kids or NextGen Ministry.
• Experience supervising staff and leading large teams of volunteers.

About Friends Church

Friends Church is a growing, multi-generational community located in North Orange County, California. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world . We believe the next generation matters—and we are passionate about helping kids and families know and follow Jesus.

Join Our Team

If you’re called to invest in the next generation and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, we’d love to meet you. Come help us build a ministry where every kid is known, loved, and led to follow Jesus—and every parent feels supported on their journey.

Apply today and help us build the church of tomorrow.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan with employer match, parental leave, professional development allowance, and generous PTO.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for advancement within a multi-campus church environment, conference attendance, continuing education support, and commissioning assistance through Friends Southwest (FSW).
• Dynamic Ministry Environment: Access to modern facilities, technology, and resources designed to create engaging experiences for kids.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside passionate ministry partners, and volunteers who share your heart for NextGen ministry.
• Pastoral Opportunities: When commissioned, opportunities to perform weddings, child dedications, baptisms, and funerals, expanding your pastoral ministry experience.
• Ministry Impact: Lead a ministry with clear goals and metrics for success, including Life Group participation rates and connection to broader church community.

Ready to Shape the Future?
If you're ready to invest in the next generation of Christ-followers and help kids discover their calling to change the world, we invite you to apply and join our mission.

Friends Church is committed to building diverse communities that reflect the kingdom of God. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our mission and values.