The First United Methodist Church of Palatine is a well-established but evolving church in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  The church is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry. This person will relate to middle and high school youth, church leadership and members.  Christian education for our youth plays a key role in the mission of the church. Our goal is to provide and promote Christian principles for youth in our community.  The Director of Youth Ministry will report directly to the Pastor but work with other church staff, leadership and church families.  We are looking for someone to bring a high level of energy and creativity to our programs. 

Interested parties please forward your resume and cover letter to: sprcsearch@gmail.com 
or mail to:

First United Methodist Church of Palatine
Attn: SPRC Search Team
123 N Plum Grove Rd
Palatine, IL  60067

This search will remain open until filled. 


Job purpose

The Director of Youth Ministry is responsible for leading the middle and high school youth program at the church.  The Director will develop a program of Christian education through study, projects and activities.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

A successful candidate for this position will:

  1. Display a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a desire to grow in personal faith and demonstrate Christ-like qualities.
  2. Demonstrate qualities of a self-starter who is highly motivated and passionate for planning and executing the future of this youth ministry.
  3. Demonstrate character that reflects flexibility, integrity, confidentiality, and patience.
  4. Demonstrate ability to establish trust and inspire the confidence of others.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of current youth cultures and trends.
  6. Have an adequate understanding of adolescent development.
  7. Be able to develop relationships with youth from a range of age groups, unique personalities and gifts.
  8. Demonstrate a passion for reaching middle and high school students for Christ, empowering them for life transformation and discipleship.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to draw both active and inactive students into meaningful relationships with Christ.
  10. Have a passion for God’s word and worship.
  11. Be a positive Christian role model who possesses a love for God that is evident and contagious.

 

Primary Responsibilities

  1. Work approximately 20 hours per week. Will include Sunday worship, retreats, etc.
  2. Provide oversight of programming for all youth events specifically youth group and confirmation.
  3. Be experienced in recruitment, leadership and training of adult leaders in a collaborative environment.
  4. Communicate with parents and provide them with support and resources so that the youth ministry is seen as a partner in nurturing their children.
  5. Serve as the primary teacher and communicator for the youth ministry.
  6. Ensure the ministry’s activities and curriculum are highly relevent to youth and their social environment.
  7. Be experienced in recruitment, leadership and training of adult leaders in a collaborative environment.
  8. Engage in communication with the congregation as a whole and with parents and youth.
  9. Maintain an active social media presence via official church pages (@palatinefumcyouth).
  10. Demonstrate the ability to follow safety protocols (Safe Sanctuaries). Ability to implement them across all aspects of youth ministry in order to assure the safety of youth and leadership.

 

Secondary Responsibilities

  1. Organize and lead youth retreats, camps, mission trips.
  2. Support youth in extracurricular activities ex: band, sports etc.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and/or develop training opportunities for the adult leaders, teachers, youth leaders and yourself that fit with the Youth Ministry budget.
  4. Demonstrate willingness and ability to participate in worship, including preaching, occasionally.

 

Qualifications

  1. A four year college degree in Youth Ministry or related field
  2. Preferred minimum of three years of youth ministry experience
  3. Able to manage volunteers and staff under your supervision
  4. Strong verbal and written communications skills
  5. Demonstrated fiscal responsibility, development of and work within a budget
  6. Proficiency with Excel, Word, Publisher and social networking applications