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What is a christian education director and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Stephanie Lorenze,
Amanda Banks Ph.D.

A christian education director is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of religious education programs within a church. They develop and implement curriculum, select materials and supplies, and plan educational events for both children and adults. This role often involves creating and executing special programs such as field trips, mission trips, and summer camps. Christian education directors may also be involved in community outreach, developing speaking and instructional topics, and collaborating with others to establish program goals and objectives. They often manage budgets for education and youth programs, and may supervise teachers and staff.

What's a day at work look like for a Christian Education Director?

Stephanie Lorenze

Service Associate Professor, Coordinator for Teacher Education, West Virginia University

They wish they knew, honestly. This uncertainty is challenging. We are supporting them as they approach this time with support in self-care and professional strategies for sustainability in the emotional and academic work of teaching.

How long does it takes to become a christian education director?

It typically takes 5-7 years to become a christian education director:

  • Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Christian Education, Theology, or Religious Studies.
  • Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in roles such as Christian Education Assistant or Teacher. This involves developing skills in curriculum development, teaching, and leadership.
  • Year 7: On-the-job training, which may overlap with accumulating work experience. This involves learning about the specific procedures and policies of the organization.

ScoreChristian Education DirectorUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,671

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 2.77%

Black or African American 7.25%

Hispanic or Latino 10.39%

Unknown 3.57%

White 75.70%

Gender

female 67.06%

male 32.94%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress Level
7.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Christian Education Director career paths

Christian education directors often progress to Director roles or positions focused on specific areas, such as Children's or Adult Ministries. They can also become Executive Directors or take on roles like Program Director or Operations Director. Some may even move into leadership positions, like Vice President or Chief Executive Officer.

Key steps to become a christian education director

  1. Explore christian education director education requirements

    The educational requirements for a christian education director typically include a bachelor's degree, with 82.16% of directors holding this level of education. According to Amanda Banks Ph.D., Professor from the School of Education at Bluefield State College, "Adaptability and expertise in teaching diverse students in inclusive classrooms are growing focal points of many school districts nationally." Common majors for this role include Education, Theology, Elementary Education, Business, and Religion.

    Most common christian education director degrees

    Bachelor's

    60.8 %

    Master's

    24.5 %

    Associate

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific christian education director skills

    A christian education director must be adept at developing and implementing educational programs. They should be able to plan and coordinate events like field trips, mission trips, and VBS. They must also be skilled in supervising teachers and staff, managing budgets, and overseeing programs for youth and children.

    SkillsPercentages
    Curriculum Development28.73%
    Community Outreach10.71%
    Class Structure10.00%
    Bible Studies9.50%
    Youth Program5.84%
  3. Research christian education director duties and responsibilities

    A christian education director's key responsibilities include developing and implementing educational programs, managing staff and volunteers, and planning events and activities. As Fr. Robert Keller O.P., an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Campus Ministry Chaplain at Aquinas College, states, "One with a bachelor's degree can teach and do campus ministry in high school, or find work in a parish. Getting a Master's in Theology expands the teaching opportunities to include college, and in parishes, to be religious education coordinator or director." They also coordinate with other departments, ensure budgets are used effectively, and cultivate relationships with the community.

    • Organize and lead weekly youth group meetings as well as retreats for jr. and sr. high students.
    • Review and order Sunday school and VBS curriculum.
    • Organize and conduct weekly bible studies for adults.8.
    • Plan children ministries and activities including VBS, seasonal and weekly activities.
  4. Get christian education director experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a christian education director. The most common roles before becoming a christian education director include teacher, substitute teacher team lead and internship.
  5. Prepare your christian education director resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your christian education director resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a christian education director resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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  6. Apply for christian education director jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a christian education director job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Christian Education Director Job

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Average christian education director salary

The average Christian Education Director salary in the United States is $44,671 per year or $21 per hour. Christian education director salaries range between $31,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average Christian Education Director Salary
$44,671 Yearly
$21.48 hourly

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How do christian education directors rate their job?

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Christian Education Director reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

The children and families you get to serve

Cons

Low pay and still a big demand for even more hours


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

working and interfacing with our Youth group.

Cons

when they are non-responsive to the great events we plan


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Updated June 25, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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