Benefits:
401(k) matching
Competitive salary
Health insurance
Severns Valley Baptist Church
| Position Type | Full-time | Reports To | Lead Pastor | Peer Relationship | Children's Minister | Salary Range | $55k to $65k annually
[We are utilizing Shepherd Staff to process applications for this position. Please be sure to submit your resume via this link: https://tss.chat/242412_OP.]
About This Role
The Preschool Minister shepherds our preschool ministry (birth through pre-K) at Severns Valley Baptist Church. This role exists to help young children and their families pursue God, grow in faith, and connect with our church family—fulfilling their role in God's story.
This is relational, hands-on work. You'll create a safe, joyful, gospel-centered environment where young children can begin to know and love Jesus. You'll invest deeply in volunteer leaders, walk alongside parents as they disciple their children, and lead with warmth and presence. You're not managing programs; you're shepherding people.
Whether you're new to ministry leadership or transitioning into kids ministry, you'll join a great team of SV Kids staff and volunteers. You won't figure this out alone. You'll be supported through a six-month partnership with Shepherd Staff, which provides weekly coaching, volunteer development training, and the systems and rhythms that make sustainable ministry possible.
You'll serve under the Lead Pastor and work closely with the SV Kids Team, other ministry leaders, and the families God has entrusted to our care.
What You'll Do
Our values are pursue, equip, and connect. You'll see those three running through everything in this role. Pursue — Shepherd children and families toward Jesus
Lead by example in discipleship and pastoral care
Build relationships with children through consistent presence and genuine care
Walk alongside parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children's lives—equipping them, not replacing them
Lead and teach regularly in preschool environments on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings
Develop ministry pathways that welcome every child and create belonging for those with special needs
Equip — Build and develop a thriving volunteer ecosystem
Identify, recruit, and develop a strong team of volunteer leaders who share the vision
Train and empower volunteers in their spiritual growth and leadership
Build a culture where volunteers feel equipped, valued, and called to something bigger than programming
Oversee classroom setup, curriculum preparation, seasonal environments, and overall ministry space management
Select or develop age-appropriate curriculum for Sunday morning, midweek, and topical studies
Connect — Build bridges between children, families, and our church family
Plan and execute family programming, outreach events, and seasonal activities
Help lead VBS and preschool-related missions and service opportunities
Partner with the SV staff team to maintain a consistent discipleship pathway from birth through senior adulthood
Be present at key church events and gatherings to foster connection and strengthen community
Work closely with the SV Kids Team to align vision and values across all children's ministry environments
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking someone relational, teachable, and spiritually grounded. Someone passionate about helping preschool children and families step into a vibrant faith. You may be early in your ministry leadership journey, but you demonstrate strong character, real potential, and a genuine heart for young children and families.
Essential Qualities
A committed follower of Jesus whose life reflects the gospel—anchored in Scripture and evangelical, Reformed theology within the SBC tradition
Genuine passion for discipling children and partnering with families
Relational leadership style—you connect well with volunteers, parents, and staff
Teachable and humble—open to coaching, feedback, and growth
Organized and self-motivated—able to plan, execute, and steward a calendar and team
Able to communicate clearly and lead with warmth, energy, and presence
Emotionally intelligent and relationally skilled—able to read a room and adapt
Comfortable with Google Workspace and basic digital tools
Aligned with SVBC's theology, mission, and values—willing to become a member
Ideal Background & Experience
Background in preschool education (local school teacher preferred) or experience serving in children's ministry, education, camps, VBS, or related environments
Some volunteer or leadership experience; full-time ministry experience is not required
Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and empower volunteers
Proven gifts in teaching and one-on-one pastoral care
A degree or ministry training is helpful but not required; we're looking for teachability and character above all
How We'll Support You
You won't figure this out alone. The selected candidate will participate in the six-month Kids Ministry Leadership Development (KMLD) Program through our partnership with Shepherd Staff. Weekly coaching, practical training, and ongoing support will equip you to thrive.
What the KMLD Program Provides:
Weekly coaching and leadership development
Child safety and ministry systems training
Volunteer recruitment and leadership strategies
Parent partnership and discipleship coaching
Curriculum planning and teaching support
Sustainable ministry rhythms and healthy leadership practices
Ongoing encouragement, accountability, and practical tools
We're not looking for someone to run programs. We're investing in a leader with real potential—someone who can grow into a healthy, sustainable, and impactful preschool ministry through coaching, support, and partnership.
What Success Looks Like
We want you to thrive in this role, not just survive it. Here's what your first 12–18 months look like:
First 90 Days: Learn & Connect
Build genuine relationships with volunteers, childcare staff, and families. Know their names, their stories, what keeps them serving.
Observe the rhythms, systems, and culture of preschool ministry before making changes
Meet with the SV Kids Team and key volunteer leaders; understand how preschool ministry connects to the broader church
Identify volunteer capacity—who's thriving, who's stretched, where the gaps are
Months 4–9: Build & Strengthen
Establish a sustainable volunteer recruitment and development pipeline. Build a growing team of equipped leaders, not one person carrying the load.
Establish clear communication rhythms with volunteers and families so people feel informed, valued, and connected
Refine classroom environments, curriculum, and systems to reflect both excellence and warmth
Identify and invest in potential team leaders who can own specific areas of ministry
Months 10–18: Multiply & Flourish
Volunteer leaders are taking real ownership of key areas—rooms, events, training—not just filling slots
Families are engaged and connected—not dropping kids off, but growing in their role as the primary disciplers of their children
The ministry can sustain a Sunday absence from you because your team is equipped and empowered
The gospel-centered vision for preschool ministry is understood and carried by your volunteer team, not just you
Compensation & Benefits
We believe in caring well for those who shepherd our flock. We offer:
Competitive Salary: $45,000–$50,000 depending on experience and background
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Disability Coverage: Short and long-term disability insurance
Retirement Plan: 403(b) with church contribution
Professional Development: Encouraged and funded by the church (conferences, training, resources)
Moving/Relocation Assistance: Available to help with transition
Vacation: 2–5 weeks annually depending on ministry experience
Sabbath: We believe in rest. You'll be encouraged to actually take your days off.
Next Steps
If the Lord is stirring something as you read this, we'd be honored to start a conversation.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application at:
https://tss.chat/242412_OP
Severns Valley Baptist Church 1100 Ring Road | Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (270) 765-7822 | info@sv.church | sv.church