First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn
Director of Student Ministry
First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, Chicago, Illinois, United States
First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn (FPGE) is a growing PC(USA) congregation passionate about discipleship and outreach. With a rich history in local and global missions, we equip people of all ages to live out their faith. We are seeking a dynamic leader to inspire students (grades 6-12) and their families, fostering lifelong disciples who serve Christ in our community and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Lead as the trusted face and foundation of youth ministry, shaping a program anchored in the church’s identity and cultivating a Christ‑centered culture.
Lead daily operations for student ministries, including weekly high school (Sunday nights) and middle school (Wednesday nights) gatherings focused on worship, prayer, Bible study, service, and applying faith to real life.
Teach or equip others to teach at gatherings, using interactive and experiential methods to engage students holistically.
Create and manage a calendar of events, including social activities, service projects, retreats, summer camps, and mission trips to build community and deepen faith.
Team Building & Volunteer Engagement
Recruit, train, and empower adult leaders for relational ministry in programs such as High School Ministry, Middle School Ministry, Confirmation, and special events, and engage parents more deeply.
Build a core volunteer team to help execute summer camps and mission trips.
Facilitate the Student Ministry Council, a dedicated group of stakeholders, to guide ministry direction.
Identify students’ gifts and involve them in serving across FPGE.
Student & Family Support
Meet students one‑on‑one outside programs to encourage and disciple them.
Attend community events to cheer on students in their daily lives.
Assist with mid‑week Children’s Ministry (Wednesday afternoons, 8 weeks fall/spring) and Confirmation (Sunday mornings, September‑April) to connect with future students.
Partner with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to recruit for Family Camp and provide leadership.
Develop follow‑up protocols for students and families, collaborating on pastoral care as needed.
Establish an inclusive culture welcoming students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to integrate students into the larger congregation.
Administrative & Collaborative Duties
Manage the student ministry budget and oversee tasks such as attendance tracking.
Maintain regular communication with families via newsletters, apps, or social media, and equip them to reinforce the teachings of the weekly ministries.
Collaborate with the Family Ministries Team to integrate students into the broader church and support parents.
Attend weekly Family Ministries and full staff meetings.
Partnership with Family Ministries Team You’ll work closely with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries, Student Ministries Elder, Children’s Ministries Director, Director of Westminster Preschool, and other coordinators to align efforts and strengthen family discipleship.
Who We Are FPGE is a vibrant church family centered on Jesus Christ. Through Bible studies, small groups, and service, we equip individuals to serve in our community and world. We’re committed to intergenerational ministry, where students serve alongside adults in God’s work.
What We're Looking For
Have a vision for student ministry that aligns with FPGE’s family‑focused strategy.
Understand healthy student ministry practices and be willing to innovate.
Be a self‑starter who manages multiple projects, experiments boldly, and incorporates feedback.
Reach out to all families, planning events that welcome diverse students and foster connections.
Recruit and utilize volunteers effectively while equipping students to lead.
Maintain professionalism, communicating clearly with supervisors, co‑workers, volunteers, parents, and students.
Qualifications
A deep love for Jesus and passion for student ministry.
College degree required.
2–3 years of youth ministry experience preferred, but not required.
Familiarity with PC(USA) is a plus.
Ultimate Goals of the Position
Equip students and their families to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ who participate in Christ’s mission in Glen Ellyn, surrounding communities, and the world.
Recruit and empower volunteers to be ministry partners in the discipleship of students and parents.
Integrate students into the greater life and mission of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn.
Compensation & Benefits We offer a competitive package based on experience, including salary, health benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for work‑life balance in a collaborative environment.
How to Apply Submit your resume and cover letter to Jen Bradbury, Sr. Director of Family Ministries, at jbradbury@firstpresge.org. We’re excited to hear how your gifts align with our mission—apply today!
Seniority Level:
Director
Employment Type:
Full‑time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Lead as the trusted face and foundation of youth ministry, shaping a program anchored in the church’s identity and cultivating a Christ‑centered culture.
Lead daily operations for student ministries, including weekly high school (Sunday nights) and middle school (Wednesday nights) gatherings focused on worship, prayer, Bible study, service, and applying faith to real life.
Teach or equip others to teach at gatherings, using interactive and experiential methods to engage students holistically.
Create and manage a calendar of events, including social activities, service projects, retreats, summer camps, and mission trips to build community and deepen faith.
Team Building & Volunteer Engagement
Recruit, train, and empower adult leaders for relational ministry in programs such as High School Ministry, Middle School Ministry, Confirmation, and special events, and engage parents more deeply.
Build a core volunteer team to help execute summer camps and mission trips.
Facilitate the Student Ministry Council, a dedicated group of stakeholders, to guide ministry direction.
Identify students’ gifts and involve them in serving across FPGE.
Student & Family Support
Meet students one‑on‑one outside programs to encourage and disciple them.
Attend community events to cheer on students in their daily lives.
Assist with mid‑week Children’s Ministry (Wednesday afternoons, 8 weeks fall/spring) and Confirmation (Sunday mornings, September‑April) to connect with future students.
Partner with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to recruit for Family Camp and provide leadership.
Develop follow‑up protocols for students and families, collaborating on pastoral care as needed.
Establish an inclusive culture welcoming students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries to integrate students into the larger congregation.
Administrative & Collaborative Duties
Manage the student ministry budget and oversee tasks such as attendance tracking.
Maintain regular communication with families via newsletters, apps, or social media, and equip them to reinforce the teachings of the weekly ministries.
Collaborate with the Family Ministries Team to integrate students into the broader church and support parents.
Attend weekly Family Ministries and full staff meetings.
Partnership with Family Ministries Team You’ll work closely with the Sr. Director of Family Ministries, Student Ministries Elder, Children’s Ministries Director, Director of Westminster Preschool, and other coordinators to align efforts and strengthen family discipleship.
Who We Are FPGE is a vibrant church family centered on Jesus Christ. Through Bible studies, small groups, and service, we equip individuals to serve in our community and world. We’re committed to intergenerational ministry, where students serve alongside adults in God’s work.
What We're Looking For
Have a vision for student ministry that aligns with FPGE’s family‑focused strategy.
Understand healthy student ministry practices and be willing to innovate.
Be a self‑starter who manages multiple projects, experiments boldly, and incorporates feedback.
Reach out to all families, planning events that welcome diverse students and foster connections.
Recruit and utilize volunteers effectively while equipping students to lead.
Maintain professionalism, communicating clearly with supervisors, co‑workers, volunteers, parents, and students.
Qualifications
A deep love for Jesus and passion for student ministry.
College degree required.
2–3 years of youth ministry experience preferred, but not required.
Familiarity with PC(USA) is a plus.
Ultimate Goals of the Position
Equip students and their families to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ who participate in Christ’s mission in Glen Ellyn, surrounding communities, and the world.
Recruit and empower volunteers to be ministry partners in the discipleship of students and parents.
Integrate students into the greater life and mission of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn.
Compensation & Benefits We offer a competitive package based on experience, including salary, health benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for work‑life balance in a collaborative environment.
How to Apply Submit your resume and cover letter to Jen Bradbury, Sr. Director of Family Ministries, at jbradbury@firstpresge.org. We’re excited to hear how your gifts align with our mission—apply today!
Seniority Level:
Director
Employment Type:
Full‑time
#J-18808-Ljbffr