Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Hours: Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week, including Sundays

Position Overview
St. John’s Episcopal Church is seeking a dynamic, faithful, and visionary leader to serve as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This individual will shape and lead a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry for children, youth, and families—cultivating a community where young people are known, loved, and empowered to grow into their identity and calling in Jesus Christ. This role is both pastoral and programmatic, focused on building meaningful relationships, developing leaders, and creating engaging formation opportunities that integrate young people fully into the worship, life, and leadership of the Church. The Director will also partner closely with parents, equipping them as the primary faith leaders in their homes. The ideal candidate is collaborative, creative, organized, and deeply rooted in - or willing to learn about and lead in ways that are faithful to - the Episcopal tradition, with a passion for nurturing the spiritual lives of the next generation.

• Key Responsibilities
  Youth Ministry Leadership (Grades 6–12)
  •Serve as the primary minister to youth, developing and leading a comprehensive and engaging ministry.
  •Plan and oversee Sunday School, Bible studies, small groups, fellowship events, retreats, outreach projects, and mission trips.
  •Recruit, train, and support adult volunteers and ministry leaders.
  •Encourage participation in diocesan and wider Episcopal Church events.
  •Children’s Ministry Oversight (Nursery–5th Grade)
  •Supervise and support the Children’s Ministry Assistant.
  •Recruit, train, schedule, and support acolytes for the liturgies of the church.
  •Provide vision and direction for children’s formation, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and special events.
• 
  Family Engagement & Pastoral Connection
  • Build strong, appropriate relationships with children, youth, and their families.
  •Integrate families into the broader life of the parish.
  •Connect families with pastoral care and spiritual resources.
  •Program Development & Administration
  •Develop and manage the annual children, youth, and family ministry budgets.
  •Maintain clear, timely communication with families and the parish.
  •Ensure full compliance with Safeguarding God’s People policies.
  •Maintain accurate records in the church database.
• Leadership Development & Vision
  •Cultivate a pathway of formation from childhood through young adulthood.
  •Identify, mentor, and develop young leaders within the ministry.
  •Stay current with trends and best practices in Christian formation.
  •Participate in diocesan gatherings and ongoing professional development.
• Qualifications
  Required
  •Practicing Christian with a strong understanding of – or willingness to learn about and teach in ways that are faithful to – Episcopal theology and tradition
  •Experience in youth ministry, Christian formation, or education
  •Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
  •Ability to recruit, train, and inspire volunteers
  •Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
  •Ability to pass background and screening requirements
  •Completion of Safeguarding God’s People training (or within 30 days of hire)
  •Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (ability to drive a 15-passenger van preferred)
• Preferred
  •Bachelor’s degree or higher
  •Experience in program development, event planning, and team leadership
  •Experience in pastoral care or mentoring relationships
• Personal Attributes
  •Deep and active Christian faith, with a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth
  •Passionate about forming young people into disciples of Jesus Christ
  •Relational, approachable, and emotionally intelligent
  •Creative and forward-thinking, with a heart for innovation in ministry
  •Highly organized and self-motivated
  •Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic parish environment
  •Ability to maintain healthy boundaries while serving as a trusted mentor
• Compensation
  •Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
  •Medical insurance and pension benefits
  •Mileage and professional expense reimbursement
  •Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• To Apply
  Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to: The Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector chase@stjohnsdecatur.org 
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.