Director of Children's & Youth Ministry - Ministry Leadership Center

About the Role

We're seeking a personable, organized leader to serve as the Director of Children’s & Youth Ministry—someone who is passionate about helping children, students, and families discover they belong while empowering them to become the next generation of Christ-centered servant leaders.

This is an opportunity to build something meaningful: cultivate and equip volunteer leaders, create engaging spaces where young people can connect and grow, partner with parents, and inspire students to live out their faith through service and community. If you're the kind of leader who takes initiative, follows through on ideas, brings people together, and turns vision into action, you will thrive here.

The candidate will join a supportive, collaborative staff where people enjoy being together, laugh often, celebrate wins, and support one another through challenges. Serve alongside a senior pastor who invests in his team, values collaboration, and empowers leaders with the trust and freedom to make decisions. The right person will also have opportunities for growth, including the potential for expanded pastoral responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and equip volunteer leaders for children’s and youth ministry.
• Create engaging spaces where young people can connect and grow in their faith.
• Partner with parents to support spiritual development at home and in the church.
• Inspire students to live out their faith through service and community involvement.
• Develop and implement programs that foster belonging and leadership in children and youth.

About Us

At Columbia First United Methodist Church, we believe ministry happens far beyond Sunday morning. When others ask, “Can we help?” we ask, “How can we say yes?” For decades, we've been a trusted presence in our community through ongoing outreach, partnerships with local schools and churches, and ministries that serve our neighbors year-round.

Since 2004, we've welcomed our community to People's Table, a sit-down meal served twice each week for anyone experiencing hunger—a ministry that reflects our commitment to hospitality, dignity, and caring for our neighbors.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Columbia, you'll serve in a walkable community where coffee shops, local restaurants, boutiques, and gathering spaces are just steps away, creating a vibrant place to live, work, and build relationships.