Family Pastor

Leaf River Church is a conservative, Bible-believing church located in rural Northern Illinois with a mission: To KNOW Christ, GROW in faith, and GO make Him known. We are seeking a Family Pastor who feels genuinely called by God to disciple the next generation and invest in families within both the church and the surrounding community.

Our Family Pastor will oversee ministries from birth through high school graduation while helping equip parents to disciple their children at home. Because our rural community has very limited opportunities for teens and children outside of school activities, this role offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and create ministry opportunities that reach beyond the walls of the church. We are looking for someone who is relational, energetic, approachable, and excited to engage with youth in the community.

The ideal candidate will have a heart for biblical discipleship, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead and develop volunteers. This individual will teach youth Sunday School, help develop regular youth ministry gatherings or worship opportunities, provide support and training for children’s ministry volunteers and teachers, and assist in modernizing ministry systems such as registration and check-in procedures. They will also maintain a visible and encouraging presence within the overall church body and serve alongside the Lead Pastor as part of the church staff team.

We are looking for someone who is spiritually mature, teachable, and passionate about helping children, teens, and families grow in Christ. Experience in youth or children’s ministry is valued, whether vocationally or through volunteer leadership. Some Bible college education—or a desire to pursue further ministry training—is preferred.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Teaching and discipling children and youth
• Developing and overseeing youth ministry opportunities
• Recruiting, training, and encouraging volunteers
• Supporting and resourcing parents
• Creating safe and organized ministry systems
• Building relationships with youth in the community
• Participating in weekly staff meetings and church leadership

Qualities & Skills Needed:

• A growing relationship with Jesus Christ
• Agreement with the church’s statement of faith
• Strong biblical teaching and communication skills
• A heart for children, teens, and families
• Relational and community-minded personality
• Ability to recruit and lead volunteers
• Familiarity with technology and digital communication tools
• Teachable spirit and willingness to grow in ministry leadership