Church of the Nativity (Episcopal) Raleigh, NC 27613
Position Closes – September 15, 2026
Expected Start Date – October 15, 2026
WHO WE ARE
Church of the Nativity is a young(ish) Episcopal Church (40 years old this year!) located in Raleigh, NC. We have a history of being actively engaged in worship, justice and formation. Currently, we average 150 worshippers on Sunday morning. We primarily worship following Rite II of the Book of Common Prayer and have a congregation that enjoys congregational singing of all types. At a recent service our youth described Nativity’s core values as “Love, Justice, and Faith.”
We have approximately 30 children and 20 youth active in our programs at Nativity. Sunday School currently operates during the service for Elementary School students, and between services for Middle School students. High school formation typically meets on Sunday evenings.
Adult formation meets between services on Sunday mornings and virtually on Wednesday evenings. Most formation offerings are currently offered by volunteers, with direction from the Associate for Christian Formation.
WHO YOU ARE
Nativity is seeking an Associate for Christian Formation (ACF) who is thoughtful, humble, kind, and compassionate. They should be good listeners who is open to questions and seeks to involve others in the management and instruction of formation programs.
They should be organized, detail-oriented, approachable and have some foundation in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition.
The ideal candidate would have a bachelor’s degree, as well as a master’s in theological studies, divinity or a similar degree but that is not required. Previous experience or education in Christian formation in the Episcopal tradition is also acceptable.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Deep faith in Christ, grounded in hope and an optimistic vision for the church and its future.
A demonstrated commitment to the Episcopal Church’s theology and practice of welcome, inclusion, equity, and full participation, and an ability to minister faithfully and pastorally within that commitment.
Genuine interest in building relationships with people of all ages and world views.
Approachability, warmth, and the ability to relate to people in an open and non-judgmental way.
A commitment to growth in ministry and personal development, including ongoing theological and pastoral education.
Patience, humility, and strong time management skills to honor healthy professional and personal boundaries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The ACF is responsible for leading Christian formation at Church of the Nativity for all ages, including children, youth, and families, to encounter the transformative power of Jesus Christ, through community, worship, prayer, and service, in collaboration with the Rector, Vestry, staff, and program volunteers. As such, they should see children and youth as full members of the Church (We are fond of saying that youth are not the future of the Church, they are the Church right now!).
Plan and execute a Christian formation program that meets the spiritual and developmental needs of the various ages of members of the parish: children, youth, and adults. Plan necessary curriculum, activities, events, etc., in consultation with the Rector, ensuring that the planning aligns with Nativity’s core values and priorities. Include intergenerational programming as part of the program. Connect programs with parish outreach and social justice activities.
Nativity’s formation program is open, expansive and inclusive to all learning styles. We prefer to offer high quality formation programs over quantity and seek to highlight the gifts of all of our leaders lay and ordained, staff and volunteer. We seek to offer intergenerational formation and worship options, involve more youth in church leadership and offer a welcoming space for believers from other traditions who may be deconstructing or coming to a broader understanding of their faith in the doctrine and discipline of the Episcopal Church.
Preach both services at least once every six weeks. Celebrate (if ordained in the Episcopal Church or in one of our full communion partners) regularly in conversation with the Rector.
Recruit volunteers to run classes, programs, and events, provide training and adequate preparation, and give ongoing support for volunteers. Create a healthy support system for leaders, including regular check-ins, training, ongoing formation, and feedback.
In collaboration with the Rector and other staff, provide a confirmation program for adults and young people. Communicate Bishop visitation dates well in advance for all interested in confirmation or reception.
Communicate and organize groups to participate in Diocesan programs, especially for youth, when appropriate.
Reach out to visitors and new families with children and youth to welcome them and get them involved with the program. Connect new families with current families to bring them connection and involvement.
Respect confidentiality involving sensitive information and situations and nurture relationships with children and youth while maintaining Safe Church policies. Communicate to the Rector any pastoral care needs of children, youth, or their families.
Attend staff meetings, being prepared to collaborate with other staff in ways to draw together intergenerational fellowship and formation. Work with Rector and Vestry to incorporate children and youth into the life of the congregation.
Create timely communication for Christian Formation opportunities.
Responsible for Nursery care coverage and management of nursery workers on Sunday mornings, including timely communication of any changes and making sure paperwork is completed for payment of workers.
Ensure appropriate and required training for all staff, including nursery workers is up to date for key lay leaders, including Vestry, and all teachers, leaders, and volunteers in children and youth programs.
Fulfill administrative needs of the formation program including creating and maintaining a budget, reimbursing volunteers for expenses, and providing receipts for expenses in a timely fashion.
Ensure that youth and children’s records are up to date in the church database. Maintain a shareable list of children and youth in the parish by age range with Rector, Vestry, and other staff.
Recruit leadership to help plan and organize youth trips and retreats. Supervise youth on pilgrimage/mission trips, annual weekend retreats, and other trips as planned. Recruit and train qualified chaperones to assist in leading trips.
Supply, maintain, and keep organized all necessary materials for youth and children’s ministry in Curry Hall, including classrooms, youth room, and supply closet. If materials or supplies are used in other spaces, ensure they are returned to their place in Curry Hall.
Maintain, resupply, and organize children’s activity area in the worship space.
COMPENSATION, HOURS AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) and the ACF reports directly to the Rector. The ACF is expected to be present for Sunday worship services every Sunday, other than vacation Sundays, and for special services such as Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Sunday is considered a workday for the ACF.
In addition to Sundays, the ACF will be in the office 2-3 days during the work week and work from home the other days. Monday (or Friday) will be a day off.
The ACF will receive five weeks of vacation, including Sundays.
The church office is closed the week after Christmas, not including Sundays.
The ACF position includes a competitive salary, benefits, and support for professional development. Lay compensation will be between $50,000 and $70,000 annually depending on background and experience. Clergy compensation will be in accordance with the Diocese of North Carolina clergy compensation guidelines. More specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
Per Diocesan practice, insurance will be offered to the employee if necessary, including health, dental, and vision.
The ACF and Rector will meet weekly at a regularly scheduled and mutually agreed upon time. The ACF will be prepared with a project status update and agenda that includes calendar items, long-term and short. These meetings will address progress, concerns, and needed resources.
The ACF may address concerns regarding the job description, support, and feedback with the Rector, Senior Warden, or Vestry representative as well as the Diocesan Canon for the East Region. There will be an annual performance review with the Rector and a member of Vestry each in January.