About The Role
To lead, develop, and coordinate the children’s and families’ ministry of St Marylebone Parish Church, nurturing children, and their families in Christian faith, enabling participation in worship and church life, and building strong connections between the church, local schools, and the wider community.
St Marylebone Parish Church is a thriving Anglican church in central London with a strong choral and eucharistic tradition. We are committed to being Christ-centred, outward-looking, and rooted in the Eucharist. We seek to nurture people of all ages in their faith and to build a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant church community.
Young Church takes place during our Sunday worship and is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, families, clergy, and musicians. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Children & Families Ministry Leader to help shape and grow this important area of ministry.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Key Responsibilities
Children’s and Families Ministry
• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic development for children’s and families’ ministry.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver engaging and age-appropriate Young Church sessions.
• Ensure that children and families are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to participate fully in church life.
• Develop opportunities for discipleship, faith formation, prayer, worship, and fellowship for children and families.
• Prepare children and young people for baptism and confirmation as required.
• Support smooth transitions between children’s ministry, youth ministry, and wider church participation.
Volunteer Leadership
• Recruit, train, support, and supervise volunteers involved in children’s ministry.
• Build and maintain a healthy volunteer culture that reflects the values and mission of the parish.
• Coordinate volunteer rotas and ensure appropriate staffing of activities.
• Provide regular communication, encouragement, training, and support to volunteers.
Worship and Church Life
• Work with clergy and the wider ministry team to integrate children and families into the worshipping life of the church.
• Recruit, train, and support altar servers and acolytes.
• Encourage participation in services, church events, festivals, and special celebrations.
• Support the Assistant Director of Music and Organ Scholar in promoting and developing Junior Choir participation.
Schools and Community Engagement
• Maintain strong working relationships with The St Marylebone CE School and The St Marylebone CE Bridge School.
• Work closely with the Chaplain to the schools to support opportunities for faith development and engagement.
• Represent the church positively within the local community and school networks.
• Assist with the annual school admissions process as required.
Safeguarding and Administration
• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Support the administration of volunteer DBS checks alongside other members of the parish team.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance information, and relevant ministry documentation.
• Contribute to parish communications relating to children and families’ activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, training, and parish events as required.
Person Specification
Essential
• A committed and practising Christian able to articulate and model their faith.
• Experience of leading or coordinating children’s, families’, youth, or church-based ministry.
• Ability to engage effectively with children, parents, volunteers, and church members.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Experience of recruiting, managing, and supporting volunteers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
• Relevant theological, educational, children’s work, or youth work qualification.
• Experience of working within the Church of England or a similar church context.
• Experience of working with schools.
• Experience of planning and managing events and activities.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.