Director of NextGen Ministries

Director of NextGen Ministries

Covenant United Methodist Church – Cordova, TN

Full-Time, Exempt (Ministerial)

About Covenant UMC

At Covenant UMC in Cordova, TN, our mission is simple yet life-changing: to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are an intergenerational congregation with a passion for connecting people of a lonely world to new life and love through Christ-centered community. Guided by our values—we are better together, God seeks all, Jesus is worth imitating, and all are gifted for ministry—we are investing deeply in the next generation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Director of NextGen Ministries to lead a unified discipleship pathway for children (birth–5th grade) and youth (6th–12th grade). This role is more than program oversight—it’s about shaping a culture of spiritual growth, equipping volunteers, and partnering with families so that every child and student takes meaningful steps with Jesus, from the nursery to graduation.

This is a chance to build and grow a ministry that not only engages young people but also strengthens families and integrates the next generation into the life of the whole church.

Key Responsibilities

• Cast Vision Lead Strategically: Provide leadership for a cohesive discipleship pathway (birth–12th grade) that aligns with Covenant’s mission, vision, and values.

• Equip Empower Leaders: Recruit, train, and encourage volunteers who create safe, relational, and Christ-centered environments.

• Oversee Programming Milestones: Lead weekly gatherings, retreats, service opportunities, and spiritual milestones such as baptism, confirmation, and senior recognition.

• Partner with Parents: Resource and encourage parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes.

• Lead with Excellence: Manage budgets, Safe Sanctuaries compliance, communication platforms, and program logistics.

• Collaborate Across the Church: Work closely with staff and ministry teams to foster intergenerational connection and whole-church discipleship.

The Ideal Candidate

• A committed disciple of Jesus with a passion for helping the next generation know and follow Him.

• A leader who is relational, adaptable, and gifted at building teams.

• Bachelor’s degree (required).

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in children’s, youth, or NextGen ministry.

• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

• Aligned with the theology and mission of the United Methodist Church.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. (Range: $45,000 - $55,000)

• Health, and paid time off benefits.

• A supportive staff team and congregation committed to seeing the next generation thrive in faith.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and references to Rev. Dr. Jathaniel Cavitt at jcavitt@covenantumc.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Covenant United Methodist Church is a welcoming faith community in Cordova, Tennessee, dedicated to connecting people of a lonely world to new life and love through Christ-centered community. Rooted in the Methodist tradition, Covenant exists to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Our vision is simple but powerful: to help people discover authentic connection—with God, with one another, and with their purpose. We believe we are better together, that God seeks all, that Jesus is worth imitating, and that every person is gifted for ministry. These “missional motives” shape everything we do—from worship and discipleship to service and mission.

Covenant is an intergenerational congregation where grace, growth, and generosity meet real life. Whether in worship, small groups, community outreach, or our Next Gen ministries, we seek to live out the way of Jesus in practical, compassionate, and transformational ways.