Posting for:

Family Life Director

Snapshot of Seven Mile Road Church
Denomination: Reformed and Affiliated with Acts 29
Church Size: 400+
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Seven Mile Road Church exists to see people believe the gospel, in community, and on mission. Fifteen years ago, we were planted with a vision to bring the hope and good news of Jesus to our peers and neighbors in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs . Today, we have seen God bring that vision to reality as we have seen people come to know Jesus and grow in their faith among our diverse congregation.  We are a 400+ person (includes members and non-members), growing, multiethnic, regional church located in Northeast Philadelphia. We are committed to seeing the gospel advance locally, regionally, nationally, and globally through church planting and various ministry and missionary efforts.

The name of our church encapsulates our mission and vision. The story of Jesus and His disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35) is the story we pray is lived out through our people and in our city. Together, we are on a  journey where, through the power of the risen Savior, our lives are transformed and shaped by the truth of the gospel. Our desire is to continually encounter the living Christ (gospel), grow in belief by walking alongside others (community), and be moved to share this good news with the world (mission). Those three words define everything that we are and everything that we hope to be.

About the Family Life Director:

The Family Life Director advances the mission of Seven Mile Road by bringing a cohesive vision to the church’s life stage ministries—including children, youth, young adults, singleness, dating, marriage, parenting, and seniors—while empowering ministry coordinators to execute this vision effectively. This role also includes managing the new members process and coordinating with the elders and church body to foster regular prayer.

Note: The ideal candidate has a genuine love for God and his people. This role is intended to transition to a pastoral role within 1-2 years after successful completion of an “Elder Track”, the recommendation of the Elder team and affirmation by the congregation.

The Family Life Director Responsibilities Include: 

  • Develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for how SMR can guide children & parents towards spiritual maturity across various life stages in collaboration with SMR pastors and Children & Youth Coordinators

  • Recruit, develop, and manage volunteers who will support family life events

  • Lead Children’s & Youth Coordinators, meeting monthly or more regularly to check on progress, health, and needs of the ministry as well as to provide encouragement and support

  • Collaborate with SMR pastors and Children & Youth Coordinators to identify & select curriculum that is age-appropriate, theologically accurate, gospel-centered, and fun

  • Be the point person for Children & Youth Coordinators in regards to content & curriculum, innovation, and troubleshooting issues.

  • Collaborate with SMR Elders to provide counseling and shepherding for issues dealing with singlehood, dating, marriage, parenting and to the elderly when appropriate

  • Provide resources as well as coordinate and lead trainings and events for equipping parents to disciple their children, internally and missionally

  • Provide resources as well as coordinate and lead trainings and events for equipping couples in pursuing healthy and holy marriages, internally and missionally

  • Collaborate with Children & Youth Coordinators to engage other ministries, particularly the Associate Pastor and GCM Leaders, to coordinate and collaborate in areas related to family life

  • Organize and execute regular corporate prayer gatherings (3-4x per year)

  • In close collaboration with the Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor, lead SMR’s membership process by giving on-going vision to its content, presentation and organization, utilizing logistical support from the Ministry Coordinator and Office Manager, and involving staff and lay pastors to lead classes and to participate in prospective member interviews

  • Develop annual budget for the ministry overseen for Elders approval and manage allocated resources wisely

  • Meet periodically with the designated pastor to report on the progress, health, and needs of the ministry

  • Provide ministry updates to the Elders on an annual and as needed basis

  • Conduct an annual review of the effectiveness of events, curriculum, and initiatives

  • Participate in Elder Track

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications:

  • Proven character that reflects that of a spiritual leader (1 Tim 3)

  • Spiritually mature and biblically competent demonstrated through their understanding of and ability to clearly articulate the gospel

  • Relationally mature demonstrated through a genuine, compassionate, and empathetic love of people

  • Affirms the biblical value of children & the biblical vision for singlehood, marriage, and the central role of parents in disciplining their kids

  • Effective communicator

  • Reliable and honoring of commitments

  • Member at SMR and affirms our theological distinctives

  • Has completed all required safety clearances

  • Has reviewed and signed SMR’s Child Protection Policies

Family Life Director Reports to:

Executive Pastor

Direct Reports to Family Life Director:

  • Children’s Ministry Coordinator
  • Youth Ministry Coordinator

Classification:

20-30 hours/week
Hybrid: remote and in-office

What it’s Like to Live in the Philadelphia Region:

Living in Northeast Philadelphia offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. This diverse and dynamic region of the city boasts a wide range of amenities, making it an attractive place to call home. The area is characterized by its strong sense of community, with many tight-knit neighborhoods where neighbors look out for each other. You’ll find a plethora of parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, picnics, and family gatherings. Furthermore, the Northeast is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with an array of international restaurants and local eateries offering diverse cuisines that reflect the area’s rich cultural diversity.

Northeast Philly is well-connected to the rest of the city through various public transportation options, including bus routes and the Market-Frankford Line, making it relatively easy to commute to downtown Philadelphia for work or leisure activities. Residents here also benefit from an array of shopping centers and retail districts. Moreover, the surrounding suburbs are home to many of the region’s top-rated public schools, making it an attractive choice for families. It’s a welcoming and lively part of the Philadelphia region, offering a unique living experience somewhere between bustling city living and low-key suburbia. 

Please Note: there is a residency requirement for this position. The Family life director must live within a 10-mile radius of Seven Mile Road Church.

Think you’re a great fit for this role? Apply today.