Director of Family Life Ministries/Children's, Youth and Family Minister

Director of Family Ministries, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) — Ashland, Kentucky

First Christian Church is seeking a Director of Family Ministries to help nurture, encourage, and equip children, youth, families, and volunteers as they grow in faith and discover what it means to follow Jesus Christ and share the Good News of the Gospel.

We are open to candidates who are ordained ministers or experienced lay leaders with a demonstrated passion for children, youth, families, and congregational ministry. We recognize that effective ministry comes in many forms, and we welcome individuals whose experience, gifts, and calling equip them to serve this congregation well.

This position provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, develop creative and Christ-centered ministry opportunities, and work collaboratively with the congregation, families, volunteers, and our wider Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) community and ecumenical partners.

Ministry Responsibilities

The following represent some of the primary responsibilities and expectations of the position. The specific scope of ministry will be shaped by the candidate’s experience, gifts, availability, and the needs of the congregation.

• Develop and lead ministry with children and youth, creating engaging, age-appropriate opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and discipleship.
• Plan, develop, and resource programming for children and youth, including Sunday morning and additional opportunities throughout the year.
• Teach or facilitate Sunday morning programming from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and again from 11:00 a.m.–noon.
• Prepare and lead the Children’s Moment during Sunday worship, offering a brief, meaningful lesson for children from preschool through fifth grade.
• Lead and develop youth ministry for students in grades 6–12, including Sunday youth gatherings at a mutually agreed-upon time.
• Recruit, equip, coordinate, and encourage volunteers serving in children’s and youth ministries.
• Build and maintain an active volunteer team, while providing primary leadership for programs when sufficient volunteers are not available.
• Plan and coordinate Vacation Bible School, working alongside our ecumenical partners during the summer.
• Participate in regional camps and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) children’s and youth events.
• Plan and facilitate mission trips, service opportunities, and outreach projects that help children and youth put their faith into action.
• Build relationships with children, youth, parents, and families, helping them feel welcomed, valued, supported, and connected to the life of the church.
• Work collaboratively with the pastor, church leadership, families, and the congregation to strengthen the church’s ministry with the next generation.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who is spiritually grounded, relational, creative, dependable, and enthusiastic about ministry with children and young people.

An ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a committed Christian faith and a spiritual life grounded in Scripture and the traditions of the church.
• Have meaningful experience working with children, youth, families, and volunteers.
• Have the ability to create, lead, and grow well-rounded, biblically grounded ministry programs.
• Be comfortable working with people across a broad theological spectrum and have a strong desire to partner with and empower the laity of the congregation.
• Possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Be caring, approachable, and a good listener who can build relationships with people of all ages, particularly children and young people.
• Be comfortable using electronic communication, social media, and other digital tools to support ministry and communication.
• Have a genuine love for children and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Be willing and able to work collaboratively with ecumenical and Disciples of Christ partners.
• Hold a valid driver's license and be able to drive a church van when needed.

Education & Ministry Experience

Ordination and formal theological education are welcomed but are not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring demonstrated ministry experience, maturity, and a passion for serving children, youth, and families.

Preferred qualifications include:

• A Master of Divinity degree and ordination in a mainline Christian denomination, particularly the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or equivalent ministry preparation and experience.
• Five or more years of ministry experience working with children and youth.
• Postsecondary or undergraduate education is desirable, but not necessarily required.

We encourage experienced lay leaders and ministry professionals who may not meet every preferred qualification to apply. We are looking for the right person and the right gifts for this ministry, not simply a particular degree or title.

Position & Compensation

Part-Time: Approximately 20 hours per week, on average, with participation in significant worship and ministry occasions, including Christmas Eve, Christmas when it falls on a Sunday, Easter, and other major church observances.

Full-Time: Approximately 40 hours per week, with participation in significant worship and ministry occasions, including Christmas Eve, Christmas when it falls on a Sunday, Easter, and other major church observances.

Compensation: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, ministry preparation, ordination status, and scope of responsibilities.

The final responsibilities, schedule, and compensation package will be discussed with the successful candidate and shaped in conversation with the church.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping children, youth, and families grow in faith and would enjoy serving alongside a welcoming congregation, we would love to hear from you.

Please send a resume and/or letter of interest, along with any questions or inquiries, to:

Rev. Dr. Jacquē Compton
jacquecompton15@gmail.com

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Ashland, Kentucky

We welcome applications from both ordained ministry professionals and experienced lay leaders. The responsibilities listed above represent some, but not necessarily all, of the expectations for this ministry position.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $26,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Ministry Leadership: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's Licence (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26,000 - $48,000