FAMILIES MINISTER - MINISTRY DESCRIPTION

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ALSTONVILLE

PRINCIPAL AIMS:

1. To pastor and nurture existing younger families within our church community; building relationships, strengthening connections and providing appropriate discipleship opportunities.
2. To outreach and build connections with younger families who live within the Parish boundaries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide leadership in our Ministry to younger families; parents, children & youth.
• To provide pastoral care to members of the Parish in the Younger Families demographic.
• To support the Mission and Goals of the Anglican Parish of Alstonville and the Diocese of Grafton.
• To develop, build and strengthen connections with and between young people, their families and the Anglican Parish of Alstonville faith community.
• To gather, nurture and equip a team to engage in Ministry to younger families.
• To conduct, in collaboration with the Rector, Baptism preparation and follow up.
• To conduct, in collaboration with the Rector, Marriage preparation and follow up.
• To oversee and support existing church ministries to children & youth, i.e. Kids@Church, faithworx & Friday Night Live. To support and encourage leaders within these ministries and provide opportunities for training and equipping.
• To oversee and support existing outreach ministries of our church community with an emphasis towards reaching young families; i.e. Play Place, holiday clubs, etc.
• To develop the existing 9.45 Sunday Family Service and explore other alternative and appropriate forms of worship for young people and all-age (inter-generational) groups.
• To explore spiritual and practical programs that may be offered to parents; supporting and encouraging their unique role and responsibilities, their marriages and family life.
• To support local initiatives aimed at families and young people within the community.
• To build and maintain resources related to this ministry.
• To ensure that all ministry to young people is conducted within the safe ministry guidelines of the Parish of Alstonville and the Diocese of Grafton, facilitating training and equipping as necessary in collaboration with the Diocesan Registry.
• Undertake other responsibilities as directed by the Rector.

DESIRABLE QUALITIES:

• Experience in, or capacity to, pastor and nurture younger church members and new believers in their spiritual growth and relationship with Christ.
• Spiritual maturity and a life that reflects the fruits of God’s Spirit at work. A life that is grounded in prayer and study of God’s word.
• The ability to work in a team and support the mission and spiritual goals of the Anglican Parish of Alstonville and the Diocese of Grafton.
• A desire to work within a biblical framework of ministry and mission.
• A passion for gospel proclamation, ministry and growth.
• Compassion, sensitivity and an ability to minister to people where they are.
• The ability to minister alongside a diverse group of believers from various Anglican traditions.
• Good communication skills.
• Rapport with people of all age groups.
• Awareness of contemporary culture and openness to become familiar with local community needs.