FPC Gainesville - Director of Children and Youth Ministries

About the Church

Located in the Gainesville Innovation District, between the University of Florida and downtown Gainesville, First Presbyterian Church is a warm, welcoming, robust community of believers that exists to glorify God, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and meet human need. As a multigenerational congregation that values missions, music, and making sure people are well cared-for, First Pres. holds a dynamic presence in and throughout the Gainesville area. 

About the Ministry

The children, youth, and families of First Presbyterian love their church and the opportunities they get to participate in through the children and youth ministries. During the school year, over 60 children and youth are actively engaged across a few different weekly discipleship options. Most notably is the midweek offering of LOGOS, which is supported by dozens of adult volunteers and multiple staff, making it an incredible and consistent space for collaboration and connection across generations.  

The Ideal Candidate

The person who will thrive as the next Director of Children and Youth Ministries is someone who values the organizational responsibilities of guiding a multi-faceted ministry while knowing how to invest in relationships with children, youth, and families. A loving, confident, involved leader, this individual is someone whose faith is real to them, and who appreciates traditional worship.  

Key Responsibilities

1. Map the overarching scope and sequence of discipleship, from birth through high school graduation
2. Plan and implement an ongoing weekly rhythm of opportunities that allow children and youth to develop, grow, engage, and thrive in their faith
3. Organize and support seasonal event opportunities that provide concentrated times to experience the disciplines that lead to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
4. Engage, equip, and encourage teams of volunteers to partner in the work of walking with every child and youth, throughout their formative years
5. Order the infrastructure for each ministry life stage, managing paperwork, guiding processes, and implementing systems
6. Manage child protection policies, researching and updating best practices annually
7. Advocate for children and youth in leadership spaces, giving voice to this segment of the congregation
8. Serve as a connectional liaison with the Preschool and the direct supervisor of all nursery staff 

Qualifications

1. Live and profess a life as a committed Christian who is able and eager to openly articulate faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
2. Possess an authentic, contagious joy in the work of God and the children and youth of First Presbyterian
3. Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher educational training in a field related to child and adolescent development and/or faith formation
4. Be an organized leader with an ability to guide people graciously and manage processes clearly
5. Prove proficient in the tools of Microsoft Office as well as the digital spaces most familiar to and frequently used by youth and parents 

About the Community

Gainesville, Florida is home to the prestigious University of Florida, an epicenter of innovation and excellence. Surrounded by the natural beauty a subtropical climate creates, the area is filled with parks, lakes, and outdoor recreation options for people of all ages. And if all that’s not enough, this north central Florida hub is just a short drive away from Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Interested candidates can learn more and should apply at this link.