Knox Presbyterian - Director/Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries - Ministry Architects

About the Church

 Knox Pres is a PCUSA congregation nestled in the tree-lined streets of Naperville, IL, a western suburb of Chicago. Members describe their church as caring, inclusive, and vibrant. Knox has six core values that are vital to their community: “Lives are changed by Jesus. We are together in highs and lows. We take fun seriously. Kids grow here. Service is hands-on. We cultivate curiosity.”

About the Ministry

Youth ministry at Knox incorporates students in grades 6-12 into a variety of formation and fellowship opportunities spread regularly through Sundays and Wednesdays, as well as special events. A particular love of the congregation is the Go & Serve mission trip each summer, which also incorporates young adults (ages 18-22) in important mentor roles. Regularly, there are around 40 middle and high school students present at at least one ministry offering a week, supported by eight weekly volunteers from a pool of fifteen dedicated adults. A well-developed Youth Council is a pre-existing body of support for the incoming staff person.  

The Ideal Candidate

 The ideal candidate would have experience working with young people in the church as well as education in a ministry related field. A wholehearted commitment to loving and ministering to all youth, including affirming LGBTQ+ individuals, is non-negotiable. Connecting youth to their faith through discussion and deep questions will be key in the Knox community.  

Key Responsibilities

•  Serve as the primary shepherd for the vision of youth ministry at Knox Presbyterian Church.
• Provide spiritual leadership to middle and high school students and their families,
  equipping students to become followers of Christ and encouraging them to be more active in the church.
• Develop relationships with youth and families that foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, collaboration, acceptance, and fun.
• Recruit, train/equip, encourage, and lead a strong network of volunteers.
• Be a resource for parents and guardians in need of support and guidance as they parent their student(s), serving as a spiritual advisor, confidant, and resource for youth and their families.
• Design and/or implement curriculum and programs that promote spiritual growth, personal development, and youth engagement.
• Minister to young adults (up to age 22) and keep them connected to the church.  

Qualifications

•  A vital and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to seeing lives changed by Jesus.
  
• Able to teach biblically sound and culturally relevant lessons and communicate effectively in various settings.
• Personal faith consistent with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) theology and polity.
• A commitment to excellence combining a strong personal work ethic and a balanced lifestyle.
• Organize and manage various programs with flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm while setting appropriate boundaries.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred in a ministry-related field. 

About the Community

 Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children, and retire. This vibrant, thriving city is home to nearly 150,000 residents, acclaimed schools, the best public library system in the country, world-class parks, an array of healthcare providers, and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment choices.