Academy Ministry Leader - The Lake Church

The Academy Ministry Leader is a unique role in the Early Childhood Education industry and will be responsible for the spiritual outcomes of Lionheart Children's Academy.  This ministerial position is commissioned by Lionheart Children’s Academy. The Academy Ministry Leader will develop relationships with the partner church, children, families, and staff while providing ongoing strategic spiritual oversight for the academy.  

Position Overview

Job Title: Academy Ministry Leader

Reports To: Academy Director

Job Classification: Full-time Employee, Exempt

Benefits: Full-time Benefit Package (see Total Rewards Overview)

Requirements: Criminal Background

Start Date: ASAP

• The primary role of the Academy Ministry Leader is to achieve the mission and vision of Lionheart Children’s Academy through evangelism, discipleship, and shepherding or spiritual oversight of the flock assigned to this position. This includes praying for and with them, ministering to them from Scripture, and equipping teachers and staff for Kingdom impact through training in evangelism, church invitations, and basic spiritual formation and discipleship.

• Responsibilities in this area would include but are not limited to:
• Providing pastoral covering and accountability to those under your responsibility.
• Meeting our spiritual impact goals in the areas of spiritual connections, church invitations, church connections, gospel presentations, discipleship, and shepherding.
• Providing pastoral care to meet the needs of staff, children, and their families.
• Facilitating regular prayer for your staff, children, and their families.
• Leading chapel times for all ages, spiritual enrichment and training for staff, and training teachers on how to create an environment for spiritual development using a mentor-coach approach. 

• Ensure the spiritual curriculum for the academy is being fully utilized.
• Ensure children have spiritual milestones recorded monthly.
• Lead chapel times weekly with all age groups, and regularly share the Gospel with school age children.
• Be available to meet and talk with students to pray, answer spiritual questions, and/or confirm recent spiritual decisions. 
• Act as the spiritual mentor and encourager for students.

• Relationally connect with parents. Lead outreach strategy to reach parents and connect them to the church. 
• Develop and oversee a calendar for all events where the Lionheart families come together. (i.e. Open House, Fall Event, Christmas program, and Pre-K graduation)
• Communicate with the family when a student has had spiritual questions, progress, or has reached a spiritual decision. 
• Be available and visible during check-in / check-out times to cultivate relationships with the families and provide daily prayer support.

• Implement and oversee the operational standards, processes, and systems to deliver the spiritual outcomes of the academy, which includes implementing the “Orange” curriculum in the classrooms.
• With the help of the Chief Spiritual Development Officer and the Executive Community Director, provide training for teachers on how to use the spiritual curriculum, teach developmentally appropriate spiritual lessons, cultivate spiritual relationships, and present the Gospel.
• Utilize and maintain resources to meet the spiritual needs of the academy. 
• Implement a prayer ministry for the academy and provide chaplain-like support to the staff.
• Record and report all of the spiritual outcomes of the academy in the monthly People Impact Report.
• Help academy leadership plan the summer calendar and field trips for the school age children and weekly work with that age group to spiritually invest in them. 
• Work with the leadership team to develop a culture that celebrates the core values of Lionheart.  
• Function as a member of the academy leadership team supporting daily leadership tasks, and weaving spiritual influence and leadership while helping, leading, and connecting with children, parents, and staff.

• Wholeheartedly support the partner church’s vision, direction, and statement of faith. Be eligible to be a member of the partner church, complete that process within the first 30 days of employment, and participate in other aspects of church life as an active church member. This position is viewed as a ministerial/pastoral position by both the church and Lionheart.
• Develop and strengthen the partnership with the partner church and pastoral staff including communication, event      planning/marketing to connect families to the church, monthly impact reports and updates on academy objectives, as well as attending church staff meetings to represent Lionheart and connect to other ministries and church events.
• Partner with the local church and church representatives to develop a process of communication, invitations into the church community, and discipleship for all of the academy’s spiritual decisions. 

• Minimum of 5 years experience in Early Childhood ministry, Children’s ministry, ECE/Childcare, or Pre-K/Elementary Education required.
• Can meet Biblical spiritual leadership qualifications.
• A proven passion for children. This role is highly focused on working with/ministering directly to children and those who work with children.
• Key expertise will include working with children, training and development, communication, spiritual programming, local church polity, leadership, and event planning. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office products, with proficiency in Outlook, Excel, and/or other database management systems.  

• Spiritual maturity - committed and passionate follower of Jesus Christ actively attending and serving in a local church, and willing to become a member of the partner church (if not already). A strong spiritual leader with pastoral/shepherding skills
• Loves children – has a background in leading and serving in children’s and family ministries or education; understands the processes and pace of spiritually developing children
• Relational – must be eager to strike up conversations and connect with children, parents, and the church
• Evangelist – must be driven to share the Good News with children and parents, and have a history of sharing
• People builder - proven ability to build teams, disciple/help others grow, train/equip, and create culture
• Church polity - Well-versed in the inner-working of a local church
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to create effective partnerships with churches, families, and staff
• Energetic – this role takes lots of energy and enthusiasm