Ministry Architects→
Director of Children & Family Ministries at Ministry… · Illinois
Job Description
About the Church
First Presbyterian Church of Evanston is a diverse faith community located in a progressive city-suburb on Lake Michigan, housing Northwestern University. The church exists to know Jesus Christ and grow in Him while serving and making disciples in Evanston, the Chicago area, and the world. Historically, the church building’s size and prime location have been major assets in serving a population that includes local professors and a rising senior population.
About the Ministry
Serving children from birth through 5th grade, this ministry has strong potential for congregational and community growth. Sunday programming features a dedicated nursery for ages 0–3, Pre-K through 5th grade Sunday School, Children's Worship for Pre-K through 2nd grade, and the interactive ECHO worship experience for 3rd through 5th grade students. Midweek and seasonal offerings include Vacation Bible School, a monthly 'Half-Day Hooray' outreach program for local K–5 students, an annual Christmas Pageant, Popsicles in the Park, and seasonal church celebrations. Additionally, the role leads family faith formation through monthly Family Small Groups and summer Family Camp, collaborating closely with the Director of Youth and Young Adults to create a cohesive support system for children, youth, and families.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a relational, experienced leader with a mature Christian faith rooted in the Reformed tradition and a genuine passion for ministering to children from birth through 5th grade and to their families. They excel at recruiting and equipping volunteers, partnering with parents as primary faith-formers, and walking with families through milestone moments — baptism and dedication, First Communion, and the transition into youth ministry. They bring vision, organization, creativity, and a teachable spirit to a ministry with real room to grow.
Key Responsibilities
Design, oversee, and continually improve age-appropriate programming for nursery, toddlers, preschool, and elementary-age children, including Sunday school, midweek programs, and special events.
Recruit, train, equip, coordinate schedules, and shepherd a team of dedicated volunteers while maintaining full compliance with Safe Church policies and child protection protocols.
Partner with parents as primary faith-formers by providing resources, support, and leading family-oriented programming such as Family Small Groups and Family Camp.
Serve as a connector between families and the broader congregation, collaborating with pastoral staff, the Our Children Our Families council, and the Director of Youth and Young Adults to support intergenerational discipleship.
Manage administrative duties including annual budget preparation, attendance tracking systems, regular reports for leadership, and serving as a liaison to the School for Little Children.
Qualifications
Sincere, mature Christian faith and active commitment to the Reformed tradition and the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in children's or family ministry with demonstrated leadership of volunteers.
Bachelor's degree required; a degree in Christian Education, Ministry, or a related field preferred (master's degree is a plus).
Strong relational, organizational, and communication skills, with competency in curriculum selection, program planning, and budget management.
Commitment to become a member of FPCE within the first year of employment and ability to successfully complete a background check and Safe Church training.
About the Community
Evanston offers a rare mix of lakeside living, intellectual energy, and real community. Just north of Chicago, it brings together the vibrancy of a college town and the comfort of a family-friendly neighborhood. Northwestern University plays a central role in shaping that culture.
You can start your day walking along Lake Michigan, spend the afternoon in local cafés or at community events, and end the day connected to a place that values both tradition and progress. The schools are strong. The population is engaged and highly educated. There is also a wide range of faith communities.