Evangelism and Formation Coach

Evangelism and Formation Coach
Position Description

Grace Church in Norwood, Grace Church in N. Attleboro, and Trinity Church in Wrentham received a congregational development grant to help them to deal with the growth in their parishes. Most of the growth that these three parishes have been seeing is families, with children still at home. Because of that, the Sunday School and youth programs have been stretched. A portion of this grant is allocated to hire someone to serve as a coach to the three parishes in these areas. It is our hope that many of the activities can be done jointly.

Requirements
Good organizational and communication skills
Understand the difference between Christian formation and traditional Christian education
Dynamic personality who enjoys playing
Computer literate (email, word processing, web searches)
Creative and innovative
Genuinely enjoys children and youth
Experience in leading Sunday Schools and/or youth groups
Episcopalian preferred; other denominations will be considered, with commitment to learn, respect, and engage in Episcopal formation, liturgy, and theology
Team Player
Have attended or willing to attend Diocesan Safe Church Training
A CORI Background Check
Valid driver's license

Desirable Skills
Familiarity with Godly Play and Journey to Adulthood
Experience leading youth retreats and directing service projects
Knowledgeable about current trends in Christian formation
Bachelor's degree

Duties to Include:
Assist with and support each parishes' formation programs and events, including:
Sunday School (including Godly Play)
Youth Groups
J2A, Rite 13, YAC Pilgrimage (Fundraisers)
Service Projects
Confirmation Classes
Yearly Planning Activities
Facilitate communications among:
Teachers and families
Sunday School and parish at large
Three parishes
Using email, phone calls, and newsletters
Coach, train, and provide resources for teachers and youth leaders
Work with each parish on attracting new families, increasing the numbers of children in Sunday School and youth programs, and retaining students
Help each congregation to find ways to get parents of children and youth (and the whole congregation) more involved in children's and youth activities
Help to plan and carryout inter-parish events, such as
VBS
Palm Saturday
Youth Retreats
Service Projects

As Time permits:
Help the congregations to find ways to connect church activities with home life
Help to evaluate and provide resources for kid and youth-friendly Sunday services
Raise awareness in the congregations by assuming a leadership role in parish liturgies
Help Sunday Schools incorporate more music and singing in curricula

Work Schedule
The position is a 20 hour/week position, $20/hour. The hours include both time spent in each parish and preparation time. For the communication and preparation time, the person may work from home.
This position is a 42-week/year position, beginning August 1, 2007, and ending late May, with one week off at Christmas.
The coach would be present on Sunday mornings for each parish one time/month. These three Sundays would be scheduled in consultation with the three parishes.
The coach would meet regularly with the three rectors of the parish for supervision.

To Apply or For Further Information, please contact:
Ms. G. Sharpe
Grace Episcopal Church
104 N. Washington St.
N. Attleboro, MA 02760
Sharpy1957@comcast.net
508-695-5471