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

Leaf River Baptist Church is a community of believers. We believe that together, in fellowship, we grow closer to God and one another. The Bible speaks about iron sharpening iron, and we believe that together we grow stronger.

Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. While many churches find it more comfortable to sit inside, we strive to go outside the walls of the church and engage the lost and dying around us.

Leaf River is a village with fewer than 500 people. That size truly allows us to have an impact on the entire community. While Ogle County has roughly 50,000 people, we have found that about 80% do not attend an authentic Bible-teaching church. This drives us to boldly proclaim the Gospel to everyone around us.

To the new Family Pastor, I want to let you know about the amazing opportunity awaiting you in Leaf River. Currently, there are no children's or youth ministries in the village, and there are families in the community who are seeking activities and community for their kids. There is a basketball goal and community park right in the middle of town. This would be a great "outdoor office" for you as our next pastor. There is also a nice and mostly renovated community center right in the middle of the village, allowing for great children's or youth ministry activities. Of course, the church is available as well, but we are just a little bit outside of town. Additionally, you will not be alone in ministry. I (Pastor Billy) am seeking a young pastor to mentor and grow into a leader and pastor who can have an enormous impact for the Lord.

leafriver.church/about to find out more...