Youth Ministry Pastor / Director

IL Baptist State Association; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

First Baptist Church of Downers Grove is seeking a Youth Pastor/Director for grades 6–12 to cast vision, lead a dynamic volunteer team, and partner with families for spiritual development. The role emphasizes discipleship, governance, and collaboration with church ministries.

The Youth Pastor will oversee weekly programming, plan events, and may preach quarterly. Strong administrative skills and a heart for the Next Generation are essential for advancing the church’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• DCFS certification or willingness to obtain.
• Background check is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Youth Group (6th-12th) and the Youth Volunteer Team.
• Oversee weekly Youth Group, monthly gatherings, quarterly events, and annual retreat.
• Pastorally meet with students for discipleship during the week.
• Relationally connect with students at events and activities.
• Communicate with students and parents to keep them informed.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and support church members in Youth Ministry.
• Support Sunday service and Children's Ministry when needed.
• Opportunity to preach quarterly for main worship service if desired.

Skills

Leadership

Volunteer management

Discipleship

Communication

Administration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

DCFS certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Assignment: Youth Pastor / Director (6th-12th grade)

Reports To: Lead Pastor

About the Role:

The mission of the Youth Pastor is to help the Next Generation Know Jesus, Grow in Jesus, and Go make disciples of Jesus through the church’s core values of being Biblical, Vibrant, and Loving. The Youth Pastor is responsible for the implementation of the mission, vision, and direction. This leadership includes, but is not limited to: partnering with parents, empowering volunteers, leading ministry teams, developing organization systems, and implementing strategic decisions.

About the Church:

First Baptist Church of Downers Grove is a growing church in the western suburbs of Chicago. Established in 1851 by 17 men and women, FBCDG has a history and legacy of faithfulness to the Gospel and to the Word of God. We believe confidently that God has placed FBC at 929 Maple for such a time as this. Within 5 miles of the church there are over 285,000 people. The harvest is plentiful, and we are praying for laborers to join in the mission to reach this community with the Gospel.

Candidate Requirements

• A love for Jesus, characterized by a passion for walking in the ways of Jesus personally
• A love for the Next Generation, demonstrated by a desire to help the Next Generation take their next step toward Jesus
• A love for the ministry of the local church, evidenced by a focus to equip the saints for the work of ministry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Background check
• DCFS certification
• Bachelor’s Degree Required

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide vision, leadership, and direction of the Youth Group (6th-12th) and the Youth Volunteer Team
2. Oversee and implement the regular ministry rhythms:
   • Weekly Youth Group
   • Monthly Social Gatherings
   • Quarterly Events
   • Annual Retreat / Camp
3. Pastorally meet with students for discipleship during the week
4. Relationally connect with students by attending sporting events, concerts, etc.
5. Communicate with students and parents to keep people informed and engage
6. Recruit, onboard, train, and support church members, helping them to go serve within Youth Ministry
7. Sunday morning flexibility to host Sunday service, support volunteers, and help with Children’s Ministry
8. Opportunity (if desired) to preach quarterly for main worship service at FBC

This following job description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Candidate Qualifications

• Excellent administrative and goal-oriented skills
• Possess the ability to embrace innovation and creativity and manage several projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to use appropriate judgment, discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality
• Proven leadership skills utilizing a cooperative, collaborative team leadership style
• Collaborative working style to work with volunteers, parents, students, and children
• Understand current safety and security issues resulting in the implementation of safeguards
• Shall be a member of the church staff in agreement with the First Baptist Church Doctrinal Statement and willing to abide by our Constitution