Employment Opportunities

Leader of Children, Youth, & Families

Posted November 5, 2022

Background

St. John’s Lutheran Church (stjohnswilmette.com) is an inviting and active congregation of the ELCA (elca.org). Located in downtown Wilmette (1235 Wilmette Avenue), our congregation members live primarily in Wilmette, Evanston, and the surrounding area. We are a progressive church that welcomes people of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. We are looking for a passionate, creative, and well-organized leader to oversee and expand our youth activities into a comprehensive spiritual development program that results in each youth articulating a faith that transforms how they live.

Position Details

12-20 hours per week, negotiable (Sunday mornings 9 am-11:30 am, and sometimes 12-2:30 pm; other hours worked at your own schedule)
$15-25 per hour, determined on experience
Reports directly to pastor.
Not benefits eligible at this time

Responsibilities

Oversee Children’s Church on Sunday mornings
Train, schedule, and supervise Children's Church teachers
Teach Children's Church as needed
Work collaboratively with the Youth Ministry Team to plan and lead monthly family activities (bowling night, ice skating, etc.) and other family programming (Christmas program, Family-Friendly Easter Vigil service, etc.)
Attend weekly staff meetings and/or weekly meetings with the pastor
Exhibit leadership when working as a representative of the congregation
Develop trusting, caring relationships with families and youth
Get to know other congregants in order to build community
Expand lay leadership in the youth programs
Communicate frequently and effectively with families
Contribute regularly to church communications, including bulletin announcements, Enewsletters, Facebook posts, Annual Report, etc.
Ensure that all children’s programs adhere to the Safe Child policy
Follow all COVID-19 restrictions for activities as applicable

Qualifications

Sense of call to Christian service and commitment to one’s own spiritual life
Experience working with children and youth in group settings
Adept in developing the creativity, unique gifts, and spirituality of children and youth
Familiarity with Lutheran theology and Biblical interpretation or willingness to learn
Interest in anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and social justice work preferred

Please send cover letter and resume to jan@stjohnswilmette.com. The interview process will be conducted as applications are received.

WELCOME

St. John’s is committed to welcoming and celebrating all people in loving God and one another. You are a unique and beloved child of God. We welcome people of all races, cultures, ethnicities, ages, gender expressions or identities, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic positions, family structures, backgrounds, or wherever you are in your faith journey. We commit ourselves to be welcoming to all. We invite you to join St. John’s and provide your input in this lifelong journey. We welcome all who are seeking God’s love and grace and hope you will join us as we joyfully and inclusively love and serve our community.