Pioneer Family Worker

The Pioneer Families Worker will nurture, develop, and oversee children and families ministry at Andover Methodist Church, while also pioneering a new expression of church and community engagement among families on the Picket Twenty housing development.

The role combines pastoral care, missional outreach, community building, and faith exploration, with a particular focus on families who may have little or no prior connection to church. The post holder will help create welcoming, inclusive, and relational spaces where faith can be explored naturally and safely.

Key Responsibilities

1. Children and Families Ministry at Andover Methodist Church

• Oversee and develop existing children’s and families work, including Sunday activities, week day outreach, and start new midweek after school provision.
• Support, encourage, and coordinate volunteers involved in children’s and families ministry.
• Work with the minister and leadership team to ensure children and families are fully included in the life and worship of the church.
• Develop creative, age-appropriate, and inclusive approaches to faith formation.
• Ensure good safeguarding practice in all activities involving children and young people.

2. Pioneer Outreach on Picket Twenty

• Build relationships with families and community networks on the Picket Twenty estate.
• Listen carefully to the needs, hopes, and rhythms of local families, shaping ministry in response.
• Initiate and develop informal, accessible community activities (e.g. stay-and-play, outdoor events, café-style gatherings, family celebrations)
• Help establish a new expression of church rooted in hospitality, participation, and shared life.
• Enable faith exploration in ways that are invitational, non-pressured, and relevant to everyday life.

3. Pioneer and Missional Leadership

• Work creatively and experimentally, learning from what works and adapting when things don’t.
• Model a pioneering approach that values presence, relationship, and long-term engagement.
• Encourage collaboration between Andover Methodist Church and the emerging work on Picket Twenty
• Participate in reflective practice, supervision, and continuing development.

4. Administration and Communication

• Plan and manage activities within agreed budgets.
• Keep appropriate records and provide reports for church leadership and funders as required.
• Communicate effectively with families, volunteers, and church members using a range of media.
• Work collaboratively with ecumenical partners, schools, and local community organisations where appropriate.