Brazil – Children’s Ministry Worker

The Children’s Ministry Worker supports the ministries of World Team Manaus, local ministry partners, local churches, and their leaders in developing effective ministries to serve children in their communities.

The Children’s Ministry Worker will initiate and/or expand outreach in the areas of evangelism and discipleship among children in the Amazon region through meaningful, replicable methods, working alongside national and indigenous believers where possible. Specific challenges to this role mirror those of any position serving communities marked by poverty, marginalization, discrimination, and the effects of trauma.

The Children’s Ministry Worker should have a desire to see individuals and communities transformed by the gospel and understand how service to children fits into that larger vision. He or she must be relational, creative, flexible, and a natural problem-solver. This individual should be a lifelong learner, willing to adapt to non-Western norms and approaches. He or she must also have the ability (or a willingness to learn) to work with children and equip others to do so.

Ideal Children’s Ministry Worker competencies are:

• Mature Christian:  A Christ-like character with a listening heart that demonstrates a humble spirit
• Theological: An understanding of basic Bible study skills and how to communicate biblical truths in simple language
• Interpersonal Skills: Relational, flexible and an ability to work well on a team with both children and adults
• Training and Development: Effective communication skills, willing to teach and learn from a variety of sources
• Children’s Ministry Experience: 2-5 years of experience or training with children (preferred)
• A willingness to learn an advanced level of Portuguese

The Children’s Ministry Worker will create and/or expand outreach to children in a variety of indigenous communities, partnering with local believers where possible. As part of the Manaus Field, this role will participate in field-level activities, including retreats and conferences, regular business and prayer meetings, and other tasks as needed.

Responsibilities will include:

• Building trust and relationships with adults and children in the communities of service
• Extensive observation and understanding of current children’s ministry efforts and the application of context-appropriate outreach methods and resources
• Learning and gaining an understanding of the struggles and barriers children face within their communities
• Outreach to children through evangelism and discipleship
• Training and equipping strong, local believers who desire to work in children’s ministry
• Developing outreach ideas in concert with local leadership to further engage the children in their communities
• Recruiting, orienting, and integrating volunteers into children’s outreach opportunities
• Ensuring that the World Team Child Safeguarding Policies are observed in all Children’s Ministry settings in culturally appropriate ways
• Church planting and multiplication among urban indigenous people with the local team
• Working collaboratively with the WTM team and ministry partners