Preschool Ministry Assistant
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC is seeking a part-time Preschool Ministry Assistant to support our children’s ministry programming, with a specific focus on children from birth to rising Kindergarten.

Position Overview:

The Preschool Ministry Assistant will aid the Minister of Family Discipleship in the planning, implementing, and overseeing of programs and activities for young children within the congregation. This role will include curriculum development, volunteer recruitment and training, event coordination, and occasional communication with parents. The Preschool Ministry Assistant helps to create a nurturing and engaging environment where children can explore and grow in their faith.

This position reports directly to the Minister of Family Discipleship, and receives a written performance review on an annual basis.

Hours and Compensation:

The Preschool Ministry Assistant will work 10-12 hours/week. This position is expected to be present in-person on Sunday mornings and at least 2 other days per week (Preschool Chapel days, if possible). Special events may require occasional Friday, Saturday, or evening commitments. Any time off must be approved by the Minister to Children and Families.

This position pays $18/hour. Current St. Mark’s UMC Preschool Teachers rates per hour would be matched, if higher.

General Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in theology or ministry, education, child development, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in children’s ministry or educational settings is highly valued.
• A general understanding of United Methodist/Wesleyan theology, with a commitment to incorporating Wesleyan principles into Children’s Ministry programming is needed.
• Essential skills include strong organization and administrative abilities, excellent verbal and written communication, enthusiasm and compassion, attention to detail, effective time management, and team collaboration.
• Proficiency is expected in Google and Microsoft Office applications. Prior knowledge of Canva is beneficial.
• The most important requirement is a passion for nurturing the spiritual growth and development of children!

Specific Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

• Take an active role in Sunday morning worship to gain experience in all aspects of our offerings for young children.
• Welcome and greet families as they arrive to worship.
• Grow Zone (nursery)
  • Select nursery curriculum or storybooks, ensuring alignment with our theology and developmentally appropriate content.
  • Recruit and schedule volunteers and nursery staff on a quarterly basis.
  • Send weekly reminders for who is scheduled to serve the upcoming Sunday.
  • Prepare the nursery area for children each Sunday, unlock rooms, ensure supplies and lesson plans are distributed.
  • Assist in arranging childcare for church-wide events and other special events.
• Children’s Church
  • Regularly teach (3 Sundays per month) Children’s Church during worship. This may be one combined class, or on Sunday’s when we are expecting higher attendance, it would be the 4’s-Kindergarten class.
  • Prepare the Celebration Room for Children’s Church when teaching, turning on lights and ensuring supplies and lesson plans are distributed.
  • Track weekly attendance.
  • Help recruit volunteers and select appropriate coloring or worksheets when needed.
  • Help with Children’s Ministry related receptions and events after worship.
  • Serve as a bridge between St. Mark’s UMC and our Preschool.
  • Coordinate Preschool Chapel (1 day/week in the fall – Monday, 2 days/week in the spring – Monday and either Wednesday or Thursday) for children ages 2 through Transitional Kindergarten. This includes creating the schedule in conjunction with the Minister of Family Discipleship and Assistant Preschool Director, lesson planning, leading Chapel, and/or finding another church staff member to lead Chapel on weeks you are unable to lead.
  • Provide spiritual encouragement and support to our preschool teachers and families (back-to-school blessings, teacher appreciation efforts, attending the Christmas Program and Graduation, etc.).
• Be aware of, adhere to, and enforce our Safe Sanctuaries policy within all areas of our Children’s Ministry. Assist in the planning and execution of the annual volunteer training, as well as other ongoing training or volunteer appreciation efforts throughout the year.
• Events
  • Take an active role in Changemakers Club (4-6 Friday nights during the school year) to gain experience in all aspects of the program for children ages 4 through 5th grade. This includes recruiting volunteers, lesson planning, prepping supplies, and co-leading the Preschool/Kindergarten small group the evening of the event.
  • Plan, coordinate, and advertise 1-2 special events, activities, or celebrations per year that engage preschool aged children and their families in the life of the church, and foster a sense of belonging and community.
  • Help plan for and/or participate in special, church-wide events throughout the year (ex: Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Celebration, Fall Fest, Advent/Lent offerings, etc.).
• Administration
  • Help maintain Worship Bags (in collaboration with volunteers) for children to use during the service.
  • Help send mail to children and families (i.e. birthday cards, event flyers, shout-out postcards, etc.).
  • Assist with classroom/supply preparation, curriculum selection, and special projects.
• Meetings
  • Meet weekly with the Minister of Family Discipleship to set goals and evaluate progress, reflect upon work experiences, and receive guidance/mentoring.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings if the Minister of Family Discipleship is unable to be present, otherwise provide the Minister of Family Discipleship with Preschool Ministry related updates to share at the meetings.
  • Attend Church Council meetings as needed (every other month).
  • Attend Children’s Ministry Team meetings as scheduled (5-6 per year).

Please direct any questions about the position, and/or submit your resume if interested by 7/24/26, to the Minister of Family Discipleship, Casey Cabaniss, at casey@stmarksraleigh.org.