the bridge is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational church, impacting our world in Christ, located in Markham, part of the Greater Toronto Area, in Ontario, Canada. Gather, Group, Grow, Give and Go is how the bridge fulfills its mission and vision. Our mission is to connect people to God, each other, and our world. Our vision is to see transformed people impacting their world in Christ. We gather for a renewed and inspired perspective. We group to put this inspired life into practice. We grow through personalizing our faith in Jesus. We give to participate fully in God’s love for all, and we go out into our world to perpetuate the goodness of God.

the bridge is looking for a high-capacity leader to be part of a growing and vibrant children’s ministry of approximately 150 kids from infancy to grade 5. This individual will be passionate about kids and connecting them to God, to each other, and to the world – so that they will be transformed people impacting their world in Christ.

In collaboration with the Children’s Ministry Pastor, this role helps cultivate and provide a ministry environment where children are loved, accepted and valued in Christ. The individual will help provide pastoral care, as well as be responsible for helping execute and maintain the strategies that support the growth and engagement of children.

This position will start November, with the possibility of starting earlier if able. This is an exciting new role that will be part of the Children’s ministry’s leadership team, but also serve to help maintain the ministry during the Children’s Ministry Pastor’s maternity leave. This position will continue to be full-time and report to the Children’s Ministry Pastor thereafter.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Help provide organizational leadership and administratively coordinate the children’s ministry programs and events. This includes the ministry environments, weekly Sunday programming, missions' projects and discipleship events (e.g. family events, summer camp, etc.).
• Assist with the coordination of baby dedications and childcare programs for church-wide events as required.
• Work collaboratively with staff on communication, administration and facility needs for the ministry.
• Assist with the recruitment and training of volunteers.
• Ensure safety through Plan to Protect and coordinate background checks.
• Work collaboratively with the Children’s Ministry Pastor on the development and execution of policies and procedures for the ministry.
• Assist in the provision of support and direction to the Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant to fulfill the goals and ministry plan for Children’s Ministry.
• Pastor and build relationships with the children, volunteers and parents.
• Partner with staff on family-oriented services and events.
• As part of the leadership team, model, communicate and inspire towards the vision, mission, and values of the bridge, as well as the “heart” of children’s ministry.

 Qualifications & Skills:

• An undergraduate degree or diploma. Bible college / seminary degree an asset.
• Experience in children’s ministry or related experience.
• Strong administrative and organizational abilities.
• Ability to coordinate events and programs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to coordinate and motivate teams.
• Experience in a cross-cultural, multi-generational context.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with children and adults.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in multi-staffed teams.
• The ability to communicate effectively with children and families, both verbal and written.
• Very good computer skills, i.e., proficient in MS Office, internet, social media, Zoom and database.

Personal Attributes & Requirements:

• A calling, passion and gifting for children’s ministry.
• A high capacity, energetic self-starter who can think strategically, adapt and problem-solve.
• Ability to respond to crises and be sensitive to the needs of others, while maintaining a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and a desire to serve.
• Committed to and models a growing walk with Christ.
• This Pastor will be required to be at all church services on the weekend.
• Be a member of the church or willing to become a member of the church in the near future.
• Able to support and promote the bridge’s beliefs, mission, vision and values.
• Willing to obtain a positive police vulnerable sector check.

For more information on the bridge, go to www.thebridgemarkham.com.  If you are interested in this employment opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@thebridgemarkham.com.  the bridge invites fully qualified candidates to apply for the following position(s), however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. the bridge is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with you during the selection process if this is required.  All applications will be reviewed but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.