Position Overview

The Minister of Christian Education and Associate Minister role facilitates the spiritual growth of First Baptist Church Halifax primarily through ministry in Christian Education. The incumbent is responsible to develop and implement a comprehensive and dynamic Christian Education strategy to meet the changing needs of all persons in our First Baptist Halifax community.

Pivotal to this role is the ability to engage others in developing and pursuing a shared vision of meaningful and transformative spiritual growth. The Minister builds and sustains strong, positive relationships with other members of the pastoral team, the congregation, and the community-at-large. As an integral member of the pastoral team, the incumbent works collaboratively with others, achieving individual goals and supporting others in achieving theirs.

Congregational Context

First Baptist Church Halifax is an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ committed to proclaim God’s mission of love by word and deed. We are committed to being a Christ-centered community of diverse people experiencing God’s unconditional love and acceptance, finding opportunities to grow and nurture our faith, and sharing that love, acceptance and faith with the world.

Consistent with these commitments, it is the policy of First Baptist Church, Halifax not to discriminate on the grounds that include - but not limited to - gender, age, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, disability, marital status, family status, sexual orientation or economic circumstances.

Our core values guide our five key directions:

Worship: While maintaining our tradition of excellence and integrity, First Baptist will increase our worship opportunities so more people experience God’s presence and be inspired to serve God as individuals and with others.

Caring: A congregation that provides a stronger caring and joyful fellowship and promotes acceptance, support and nurture for individuals and families in their life journeys.

Educating: Provide Christian Education excellence that incorporates learning opportunities for all ages.

Witnessing: Sharing God’s unconditional love and acceptance with others locally and globally, effectively reaching out socially and spiritually.

Stewardship: A congregation where stewardship of our human, spiritual, physical and financial resources provides opportunity for ministries and outreach to our community.

Reporting Structure

The staff ministry team at First Baptist Church Halifax comprises a Senior Minister (continuing, full-time), a Minister of Christian Education and Associate Minister (continuing, full-time), a Minister of Visitation (term, part-time), a Director of Music (continuing, part-time) an Office Administrator (continuing, full-time), and a Sexton (continuing, full-time). The Minister of Christian Education/Associate Minister is one of four positions reporting to the congregation through the Diaconate. The other three positions are the Senior Minister, the Minister of Visitation and the Director of Music. The Minister of Christian Education/Associate Minister works very closely with the Board of Christian Education in achieving accountabilities. As the Senior Minister takes a lead role in coordinating and overseeing the work of the staff ministry team, the Minister of Christian Education/Associate Minister seeks input from, reviews plans, and coordinates activities with the Senior Minister.

Accountabilities

1. Within the context of the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Directions of First Baptist Church Halifax, take initiative in all areas of Christian Education.

2. Develop and implement a dynamic Christian Education strategy appropriate to the needs of persons of all ages in the First Baptist Church community.

3. Be a visible and engaging role model/mentor for the youth, young adults and families of FBC Halifax.

4. Partner and provide leadership in concert with the Board of Christian Education.

5. Build capacity in church leaders through appropriate learning opportunities.

6. Inspire others to action in achieving their individual spiritual learning goals and assisting others in reaching theirs.

7. Take a flexible and innovative approach to engaging youth in worship services and activities, including non-traditional venues and times.

8. Identify opportunities for outreach to potential new members/adherents to First Baptist Church.

9. Develop, nurture and sustain positive working relationships with the staff team and with the ecumenical community in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

10. Lead and preach in worship services on occasion and in the absence of the Senior Minister.

11. Report monthly to the Diaconate, more regularly when appropriate.

12. Plan, coordinate and review activities with the Senior Minister on a weekly basis.

13. Assist the ministry team in the general work of the church.

Core Competencies and Attributes

• Strong personal faith that seeks to discern the mind of Christ
• Models continuous, personal spiritual growth
• Develops and nurtures positive relationships
• Approachable, compassionate
• Achievement/results orientation
• Team player
• Excellent communication skills – oral and written
• Inspires and engages others to action
• Sound technological skills preferred

Qualifications

• Post-baccalaureate education in biblical studies, theology, Christian Education and pastoral care, or acceptable equivalent
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of youth and adult education
• Minimum of five years’ record of achievement in providing leadership to and engaging others in transformative change
• Ordination a definite asset

Other

• 12 month probationary period with regular feedback and a formal review at 6 and 12 months
• Annual performance planning, development and review with the Diaconate in consultation with the Board of Christian Education and the Senior Minister
• Continuing position with an initial five-year contract