Morrow Memorial UMC is seeking a visionary, relational, and creative leader to join our staff as the Director of Family Ministries. We are a congregation that believes in growing faith, finding community, and being of service. If you are passionate about helping children and youth navigate their faith in a progressive, justice-oriented environment, then we can’t wait for you to join us.

About the Church

Located in the heart of Maplewood, New Jersey, Morrow Church is more than just a place of worship—it is a hub for community belonging and living our faith. Rooted in God's love, we are known for loving our neighbors near and far: from our local schools to a school we helped build in Sierra Leone.

The Ministry

At Morrow, family ministry isn't just a Sunday morning activity; it’s a full commitment to fellowship and growth. Our programs include:

Sunday School: Held during our 10:30 AM Sanctuary service, where children learn, explore, question, and own their faith.
Youth Group: Our middle and high school fellowships gather weekly during the school year for friendship, fun, learning, service, and more.
Youth Pilgrimage: An annual trip that has taken our high school youth to Maine to learn about ecological justice, New Mexico to explore Native American spirituality, and to Civil Rights locations in the South.
Service Trips: Every summer, we partner with Christian Outreach Project, a Greater New Jersey Annual Conference ministry that provides home repairs for New Jersey families.
Confirmation: A robust journey for students in grades 8 and up to claim their faith as their own.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a "people person" who thrives on building bridges between generations. You understand that faith formation happens as much over a pizza dinner as it does in a classroom. You get excited about guiding and watching a generation of young people grow up. You are:

Inclusive & Progressive: Committed to a theology that welcomes and affirms every child and youth exactly as they are.
A Community Builder: Ready to recruit and inspire the incredible volunteers who make our children and youth ministries possible.
A Strategic Thinker: Able to manage a $20,000 budget while exploring new ways to engage families in a busy suburban environment.
Relational: Excited to support parents and caregivers as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in a complex world.

Key Responsibilities

Lead & Innovate: Oversee Christian Education and Youth Ministry (preschool through 12th grade), ensuring programs are vibrant, safe, and spiritually grounding.
Collaborate: Partner with the Sunday School Superintendent and the Senior Pastor to develop curricula that reflect our values of justice and love.
Mentor: Guide youth through milestones like Pilgrimages and Mission Trips. Together with the Senior Pastor, plan the Confirmation journey for youth.
Coordinate Traditions: Plan and execute annual highlights from Easter egg hunts to Vacation Bible School.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required.
Proven experience in youth or children’s ministry, with a track record of executing successful events.
A commitment to United Methodist doctrine and a progressive, inclusive theological outlook.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative staff team.

About the Community

Maplewood is a vibrant, diverse town with top-tier schools and a deep appreciation for the arts and activism. With a direct train to Manhattan just a short walk from the church and parsonage, you’ll enjoy the best of small-town community life with the world at your doorstep.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary: $40,000 annually.
Housing: A Parsonage is provided (a significant benefit in the Maplewood market).
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt.

Next Step…

To learn more, please send your resume via email to Pastor Danny Yang at seniorpastor@morrowchurch.org