Screening in Faith

Sample Ministry Descriptions

Contact Diocesan Program & Youth Consultant for more information

Sunday School Superintendent

[From Church of the Ascension, Sudbury]

Position Title: Sunday School Superintendent

Participant Group: Children from ages 1 to 17

Length of term/appointment: Proposed 2 year position. Suggested that it not be renewed without a minimum of a 4 month break. Year round position. Most concentrated period of work is pre-Fall and pre-Christmas.

Goals of the position: The primary function of this position is to coordinate and facilitate the smooth running of the Sunday School including nursery and youth classes. The purpose is to ensure that the children who attend the church are introduced to the teachings of Christ in a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment where children can experience the love of Christ and be spiritually nurtured.

Activities and Tasks Associated with the Position:

C selection and ordering of school curriculum and purchase of school supplies

C organization and maintenance of school supplies and curriculum

C regular deposits of collection and year end statement

C reviewing attendance

C establishment and maintenance of protocols and procedures

C ensuring the visibility of our children through intergenerational activities (E.g. Reading, singing once a month for the congregation, sharing of crafts/teachings by the children to the congregation, Open House, distribution of Sunday School memorabilia during special occasions such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.)

C on-going relationship building with parishioners

C appropriate recruitment as needed

C tailoring and implementation of the Screening in Faith initiative

C providing teachers and assistants with the necessary skills and resources needed

C training of the incoming superintendent during the last four months of the two year term.

C teaching gives the superintendent a sense of the needs of the children and the special needs of any child so that curriculum and classroom adaptations can be ensured. However, through on-going, good communication with teachers and assistants, this role may not be necessary.

C to teachers and assistants

C to Incumbent

C to children and parents

C to church board

C to congregation

C regular organization of roster of teachers and assistants

C coordination of special events and activities (E.g. Christmas and Easter pageants, Hallowe’en party, Sunday School picnic etc.). This may involve coordination of children, parents, teachers, music, activities, refreshments, advertising etc.

Boundaries and Limits of the Position:

Don’ts

C requires experience with children ages 1-17 and must like children

C requires strong organizational skills

C requires strong leadership skills

C requires a person with initiative

C experience as a co-ordinator is helpful

C requires good communication skills

Personality Traits:

C friendly

C spiritual

C flexible

C empathetic

C supportive

C patient

C creative

C out-going

Orientation/Training Available:

Hopefully, the outgoing superintendent can train and orient the incoming superintendent.

C support is provided by the Incumbent, wardens, the church board, teachers and assistants through regular meetings and informal communication

C evaluation should occur at regular intervals between the superintendent, incumbent and wardens

Working Conditions:

Much of the coordination aspect of this position can be done from home through use of the telephone and internet.

The majority of the superintendent role is performed in the church building or on its grounds. It is a non-smoking environment. It is wheel-chair accessible except for the nursery.

C Costs for supplies are reimbursable

C Of most significant benefit is the witnessing of the spiritual growth in children as they develop a relationship with God through prayer, activities, action, and song.

C Facilitation of spiritual growth among teachers and assistants as they discover ways to serve Christ

C Opportunities for meaningful fellowship

C The superintendent has the opportunity to explore his/her spiritual gifts and deeper his/her commitment to Christ.

Level of Risk:

HIGH