Student Ministries Director

Position type:Student Ministries Director

City:Glen Ellyn

Description:

Department: Family Ministries

Supervisor: Sr. Director of Family Ministries

Time Commitment: Full-Time

Location: Glen Ellyn, IL

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're seeking a dynamic leader to inspire students (grades 6-12) and their families, fostering lifelong disciples who serve Christ in our community and beyond.

If you love building relationships, empowering volunteers, and innovating in ministry, this role offers meaningful impact in a supportive, family-centered church.

• Lead as the trusted face and foundation of youth ministry at First Pres, shaping a program anchored in the church’s identity and cultivating a Christ-centered culture where students grow in faith, service, and have a deep sense of belonging.
• Lead daily operations for student ministries (grades 6-12), including weekly high school (currently Sunday nights) and middle school (currently Wednesday nights) gatherings focused on worship, prayer, Bible study, service, and applying faith to real-life situations.
• 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.
• Recruit, train, and empower adult leaders for relational ministry in programs like High School Ministry, Middle School Ministry, Confirmation, and special events, and look for ways to bring parents into greater engagement.
• 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.

• 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 midweek 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 add through lines between ministries as well as integrate students into the larger congregation.
• Manage the student ministry budget and oversee tasks like 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.

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.

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.

The ideal candidate will:

• 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…