Director of Youth and Family Ministries

Decatur, AL Posted Aug 24, 2026

Job Title: Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Name of church or organization: St. John's Church, Decatur
Job Location: Decatur, AL
Position Type: Lay
Job Description: St. John’s Church in Decatur is seeking a dynamic, faithful, and visionary leader to serve as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This individual will shape and lead a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry for children, youth, and families—cultivating a community where young people are known, loved, and empowered to grow into their identity and calling in Jesus Christ. Job description available here.

Position Overview

St. John’s Episcopal Church is seeking a dynamic, faithful, and visionary leader to serve as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries. This individual will shape and lead a vibrant, Christ-centered ministry for children, youth, and families—cultivating a community where young people are known, loved, and empowered to grow into their identity and calling in Jesus Christ. This role is both pastoral and programmatic, focused on building meaningful relationships, developing leaders, and creating engaging formation opportunities that integrate young people fully into the worship, life, and leadership of the Church. The Director will also partner closely with parents, equipping them as the primary faith leaders in their homes. The ideal candidate is collaborative, creative, organized, and deeply rooted in – or willing to learn
about and lead in ways that are faithful to – the Episcopal tradition, with a passion for nurturing the spiritual lives of the next generation.

Key Responsibilities

Youth Ministry Leadership (Grades 6–12)

• Serve as the primary minister to youth, developing and leading a comprehensive and engaging ministry.
• Plan and oversee Sunday School, Bible studies, small groups, fellowship events, retreats, outreach
projects, and mission trips.
• Recruit, train, and support adult volunteers and ministry leaders.
• Encourage participation in diocesan and wider Episcopal Church events

Children’s Ministry Oversight (Nursery–5th Grade)

• Supervise and support the Children’s Ministry Assistant.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support acolytes for the liturgies of the church.
• Provide vision and direction for children’s formation, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible
School, and special events.
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment for all children.
Family Engagement & Pastoral Connection
• Build strong, appropriate relationships with children, youth, and their families.
• Integrate families into the broader life of the parish.
• Connect families with pastoral care and spiritual resources.

Program Development & Administration

• Develop and manage the annual children, youth, and family ministry budgets.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with families and the parish.
• Ensure full compliance with Safeguarding God’s People policies.
• Maintain accurate records in the church database.

Leadership Development & Vision

• Cultivate a pathway of formation from childhood through young adulthood.
• Identify, mentor, and develop young leaders within the ministry.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in Christian formation.
• Participate in diocesan gatherings and ongoing professional development.
Application Process: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to: The Rev. Chase Ackerman, Rector, chase@stjohnsdecatur.org.
Contact Person: The Rev. Chase Ackerman

chase@stjohnsdecatur.org