Early Childhood Pastor | Director

Job Title: Early Childhood Pastor/Director

Primary Focus:             Children Birth–Kindergarten

Reports to:                       Children’s Pastor

Status:                               Full-Time, Exempt

Member of:                      Family Life/Next Gen Ministry Team

Church Profile

Woodland Church is a vibrant, multi-campus church located in Battle Creek and Marshall, in the heart of southwest Michigan. As part of The Wesleyan Church’s Great Lakes Region, Woodland welcomes approximately 1,300 people across campuses each Sunday. Rooted in a long-standing legacy of community outreach and missions—locally, nationally, and globally—our church lives out its mission:

We discover new life when we are ROOTED, GROWING, and OVERFLOWING.

Rooted in Jesus, Growing to become more like him, and Overflowing his love to the world.

(Colossians 2:6-7)

We are passionate about collaborative leadership and take a team-oriented approach to ministry, believing that we lead most effectively when we lead together. Woodland Church offers a dynamic and supportive environment for those called to reach a lost world for Christ.

Position Overview

The Early Childhood Pastor/Director leads the spiritual formation and ministry strategy for children from birth through kindergarten. This position reports to the Children’s Pastor and works collaboratively to accomplish the Key Responsibilities outlined below.  This role oversees and directly works to implement all aspects of early childhood ministry, including weekend programming, volunteer teams, parent engagement, and weekday preparation. The ideal candidate is a joyful, organized, and spiritually grounded leader with a passion for seeing young children take their first steps with Jesus.

Key Responsibilities

1.  PRIMARY: Early Childhood Leadership & Strategy

• Under the leadership of the Children's Pastor, provide primary oversight for all Early Childhood environments, including Babies, Walkers, Preschool, and Kindergarten.


• Ensure curriculum is biblically grounded and developmentally appropriate.


• Create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that reflect joy, wonder, safety, and Scripture.


• Ensure Early Childhood ministry is in alignment with vision, strategy, and spiritual milestones as established by the Children’s Pastor.


• Uphold a high standard of excellence, organization, and moral character in all areas of responsibility, in accordance with ministry leadership expectations.

 2.  Volunteer Team Development

• Recruit, train, and shepherd 60–70 volunteers across weekend services.


• Provide weekly communication, coaching, and encouragement.


• Lead new volunteer onboarding and quarterly training events.


• Foster a team culture of prayer, flexibility, support, and celebration.

3.  Parent Engagement & Communication

• Provide a welcoming presence to new and returning families each week.


• Equip parents to lead spiritual formation at home.


• Communicate regularly through newsletters, signage, and personal connection.


• Offer guidance, support, and resources for parenting young children in faith.

4.  Sunday Execution & Operations

• Prepare classrooms and hallways for a safe and nurturing environment.


• Collaborate with check-in, hospitality, and worship teams.


• Troubleshoot real-time needs with classroom leads and team coaches.


• Maintain inventory, order supplies, and manage ministry budget.

5.  Weekday Responsibilities & Team Collaboration

• Attend weekly staff and planning meetings.


• Prepare curriculum, supplies, and classrooms for Sunday.


• Contribute to Family Ministry events (seasonal outreach, camps, etc.).


• Support administrative and scheduling needs using church systems (e.g., Planning Center).

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 3+ years of proven leadership experience in children’s ministry or early childhood education.


• Proven ability to lead volunteers and manage ministry systems.


• Proficiency in Planning Center, Microsoft Office, or similar tools.

Spiritual & Personal Qualities

• A growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


• A clear sense of calling to ministry with young children.


• Must display joyfulness, dependability, and is detail-oriented being able to handle a variety of duties resulting in positive results.


• Musically inclined is a plus (singing and/or leading worship with motions).

Skills & Competencies

• Must have the ability to teach effectively at pre-school and occasionally at the grade school level.


• Relationally driven, with a high capacity to connect with children, parents, and both teen and adult volunteers.


• Skilled in volunteer recruitment, leadership development, and creating team culture.


• Organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple projects and ministry systems effectively.


• Proficient with basic office software and digital tools (e.g., Word, Excel, Planning Center, etc.).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.


• Able to bend, sit on the floor, and move between classrooms.


• Capable of standing or walking for extended periods during Sunday programming.

 Workplace Expectations

• Maintains a vital, personal relationship with Jesus and models spiritual maturity in all areas of life.


• Fully supports and engages in the life and mission of the local church.


• Participates in regular church staff rhythms and complies with child protection and safety policies.


• Submits to church leadership, policies, and denominational guidelines (if applicable).


• Successfully completes a background check and ongoing training as required.


• Completes background check and safety training requirements.