PRESENTS
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
BUCKEYE, AZ
Leading people who are far from God to courageously follow Jesus.
HISTORY &
CURRENT STATUS
Summit was launched 20 years ago as a church plant in the Phoenix West Valley with a commitment to reach people for Christ, impact our community, and invest in the next generation!
The church creatively used a home, the Wigwam Resort, and the Verrado High School campus before building our worship facility at the end of 2019. While in portable space, our church built incredible partnerships with local cities, schools, communities, and leaders along the way. That has opened so many doors for ministry!
Our mission is to lead people who are far from God to courageously follow Jesus. We are courageous friends, volunteers, givers, and leaders who pursue bold and exciting ways to be the church. We love seeing people follow Jesus as they actively influence and encourage others to live beyond themselves.
We are commited to find and form the right teams, to serve together and challenge people to take steps forward in their faith. We go first, moving people from complacency to courage as no one goes alone. Generous since 2003, with countless stories of saying Yes to God and a fearless faith that changes everything, we see Jesus changing lives here in the West Valley and around the world!
MISSION
Leading people who are far from God to courageously follow Jesus.
VISION
When people meet Jesus, their lives are changed forever. Everyone is on a spiritual journey, and we love seeing people take next steps in their faith. Life is so much better when filled with faith and courage. We want to be a light in our community that helps many people discover hope. (Matthew 5:14-16)
VALUES
Compelling Worship
Demonstrated by worship experiences in which we encounter Jesus, resulting in conversation and action in everyday life.
Changed Lives
Demonstrated by accepting people as they are, encouraging next steps in their spiritual growth, and celebrating stories of Christ’s work in us.
Courageous Generosity
Demonstrated by bold trust in God’s promises that transforms us to joyfully live and give for the sake of others.
Children & Students
Demonstrated by empowering children and students to grow in their faith and serve Jesus with their families.
Community Impact
Demonstrated by building relationships and having fun while serving locally and globally to make a kingdom difference.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Summit has a long history of caring for vulnerable kids and families both in our own backyard and around the globe. Wherever we go, we work closely with partner organizations who know the unique issues and local areas very well and have a hunger to make a positive change.
The ministries and programs of Summit’s outreach initiatives seek to raise awareness, raise financial support, and offer help to fix the systemic and emergent causes of exploitation, poverty, and illness among vulnerable kids and families.
Serve in Our Community
One of the greatest commands Jesus gave us is to love our neighbors. When you connect to a local outreach opportunity, you can use your God-given talents to change lives.
Serve Local
Our community impact teams build relationships in our community and have some fun at the same time! Together we can lead people to Jesus while creating an encouraging environment and strengthening our commitment to community. Our Community Impact Team serves as our outreach to our local schools, non-profit partners, first responders, and many more.
Serve Global
Summit partners with several missions organizations to change lives globally.
This fall, Summit will pack our 2 millionth meal with Feed My Starving Children. Millions of children die from preventable causes. We want to help change that! Through an FMSC Mobile Pack, we will transform our campus into a packing facility! Volunteers from both Summit and our community come together to pack meals that are then sent to kids in need all over the world. This past October, we packed 256,608 meals with the help of over 1220 volunteers!
Presidents Day weekend brings the opportunity to head with a team down to Puerto Penasco Mexico to partner with 1Mission in working with a family to build a their home.
Summit also partners with Children’s HopeChest to make a positive impact on the community of La Cuchilla, Guatemala. Families can sponsor a child and then be part of a mission trip down to La Cuchilla to provide support to the village and have the opportunity to meet their sponsor child.
2023 Christmas Campaign
2022 Christmas Campaign
LEADERSHIP
Pastor Nate Schaus is passionate about reaching new people for Jesus and inspiring the church to make an impact in our community. Born in Southern California, he also grew up for 8 years on the mission field in West Africa as his parents did Bible translation in Liberia. He has his MDiv from Concordia Seminary in St Louis and has served in full-time ministry since 2000.
Pastor Nate loves a good adventure—whether that is heading offroad in his Jeep, taking on a new hiking trail or challenging the church to take steps of faith together. He and his wife Liz are the proud parents of three children: Anna (22), Timothy (20) and Rachel (18). He’s committed to the West Valley after leading at Summit for 17 years and is excited about making a big difference as this region continues to rapidly grow and expand.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY APPROACH
Summit Community Church prioritizes nurturing the faith of future generations. Their vibrant kids ministry empowers a dedicated team of volunteers to make a positive impact on countless young lives across Phoenix's West Valley. By uniting under a clear and unified mission, Summit crafts engaging and transformative experiences tailored to the needs of children at every stage of development.
Dynamic and Age-Appropriate Large Group Experiences
The Bible is an exciting, action-packed message of hope and salvation written for believers of all ages. Summit understands that sharing God's word shouldn't feel like a chore. They design vibrant, interactive experiences tailored to each age group, ensuring kids grasp the meaning of scripture in a way that resonates with them.
Highly Invested Teams
Summit Kids is powered by amazing volunteers who are committed to the work of reaching and leading the next generation. These highly engaged leaders create meaningful experiences for kids weekly through weekend services and special event programs throughout the year.
Meaningful Small Group Communities
Real growth happens best when we're surrounded by others. Every kid needs a safe space to feel like they truly matter, with leaders who are there for them week in and week out. Summit fosters welcoming environments where kids can build strong, lasting relationships that become a cornerstone of their weekly experience.
Life-Changing Events
Catalytic events help kids take the next step in their relationship with Jesus. Summit engages kids in a variety of events with an extra focus on VBS. Summit sees over 500 at VBS, and the weekend following VBS is usually the third most attended weekend at Summit!
Vacation Bible School 2023
ENVIRONMENTS THAT EMPOWER
Few things are more exciting than beautiful ministry spaces to fill out with a growing kids' ministry. This new (opened in 2019) facility's quality and attention to detail overwhelmingly communicate Summit's love and care for the next generation.
SUMMIT KIDS FAITH PATHWAY
A Faith Pathway consists of markers along life’s journey that says “this is something important and God is here, too.” These important milestones nurture and develop the Christian faith, strengthens relationships and provide meaningful bonds and memories for years to come.
PRESCHOOL
I'm Part of God's Family
Baptism – Parents are encouraged to make the commitment to be leaders in their child’s faith as they participate in Baptism.
Preschool – Parents will learn how to establish family prayer and devotion time into the family routine.
ELEMENTARY
I'm Learning
- Kinder Kickoff - Discover faith tools to navigate the transition to school.
- 1st Bible – Explore how to use the Bible and apply it to your life through this fun experience.
I'm Serving Others
- Serving – Start serving with your family
I’m Taking Steps of Faith
- 1st Communion – Learn about God’s gift of love and forgiveness through Communion.
MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL
I’m Connected
- Growth Groups – Join a growth group to build relationships and develop a deeper foundation for your faith.
- Retreats – Develop friendships and your relationship with Jesus by going on these fun and amazing trips.
I’m Taking Steps of Faith
- Serving – Begin serving in Summit Kids, Summit Students or in other ways at Summit and in our community.
I’m Ready for What’s Next
- Seniors - Connect with other 12th-grade students as you explore strategies for staying true to your faith after high school.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Summit Community Church is a growing Christian Church in a strategic location in the growing and ever-expanding West Valley of Phoenix. They are seeking a proven, enthusiastic leader who passionately follows Jesus Christ. This person will partner with staff and lay leaders to develop, direct, and oversee Summit Kids (Summit's infant through 5th grade ministry) as we lead people who are far from God to courageously follow Jesus.
Summit Kids has a long history of healthy and stable ministry leadership. However, since the pandemic, Summit has not had a consistent, long-term leader in our kids ministry. Currently, a highly invested team of volunteers (with some staff oversite) is leading the ministry. The new Kid's Ministry Director will find a highly engaged team of leaders and volunteers who are ready to take Summit Kids to the next level.
What would a strong candidate look like?
Self Starter: Has a continued pursuit of excellence without being told what to do.
Passionate: A hands-on leader who can get into the details with passion and motivation.
Developer: Believes that true success is developing others (staff and volunteers) and empowering them to carry the ministry.
Team Player: Has a collaborative approach, seeking to include others and build bridges.
Teachable: Being a listener and open-minded to learning how things are done differently.
Position Profile
Reports to: Lead Pastor
Status: Full time, exempt
Location: Buckeye, AZ
ROLE
The Children's Ministry Director will lead Summit Kids, provide vision and direction for kids' events and programs, recruit volunteers, develop leaders, and build healthy teams. The Children's Ministry Director will work with the Lead Pastor, staff, and lay leaders necessary to execute the church's vision. Additionally, they must possess excellent people, team building, and delegation skills.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A leader with visionary leadership, someone who displays passion and inspires trust and respect, someone who will mobilize others to fulfill the vision.
- An "outside-of-the-box" problem solver, someone who can identify issues and resolve problems quickly and efficently.
- A people developer, someone who can both recruit and equip volunteer teams, matching ministry responsiblities with gifted leaders.
- A self-aware leader, someone who prioritizes conflict resolution, maintains confidentiality, and actively listens before taking action.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Proven track record of leading volunteers and families in a fast-paced ministry environment
- Displays strong organizational and communication (verbal and written) skills
- Is easily approachable and fun-loving
- Has a minimum of 2-5 years of successful leadership experience in a related field
WHO YOU WORK WITH
- Reports to the Lead Pastor.
- Collaborates with the tight-knit Summit staff, coordinating ministry efforts with other church ministry programs.
- Works closely with the Student Pastor, collaborating with ministry to Summit families.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Summit Community Church offers a competitive employee benefits package to all full-time employees.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
Stretching across the western edge of the Phoenix metro area, Buckeye, Arizona, captures the essence of the American Southwest. With a population that recently boomed to over 100,000, it's a city on the rise, balancing modern conveniences with a welcoming community spirit.
Buckeye offers a surprising contrast for those who visit. While new neighborhoods and businesses are flourishing, fields of cotton, alfalfa, and maize weave between them, a reminder of the city's agricultural roots. This blend of old and new makes Buckeye unique.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Buckeye is a hidden gem. The vast Sonoran Desert surrounds the city, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and off-roading. If you prefer water activities, head to Lake Pleasant with its sparkling lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. And if you're seeking a cultural experience, the Buckeye Valley Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.
To find out more about Buckeye, AZ, check out their TRAVEL SITE, the CITY HOMEPAGE, or get all the stats from CITY-DATA.
Parks and Outdoor Areas
- Hidden Lake
- Skyline Regional Park
- Victory Steps
- Phoenix Zoo at Papago Park
- Camelback Mountain
Regional Attractions
- PHX Professional Sports (Cardinals, Suns, & Diamondbacks)
- Sedona (2.5 hours)
- Grand Canyon (3 hours)
- Palm Springs (4 hours)
- Los Angeles/Southern California - Beaches & Disneyland (5.5 hours)
- Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) Mexican Beaches & Resorts (3 hours)
Food
- Tempo Urban Bistro
- Ciao Grazie
- Verrado Grille
- The Vic
- Saddle Mountain
- The Craftsman
CONTACT
To find out more, please visit summitcc.org to review core beliefs, vision and values and the many other ministries of the church.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and church culture could be a good fit for you, please email your information and current resume to [email protected]