Opportunity will be golden for the next Director of Youth and Family Ministry at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, where attendance is on the rise in one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing areas.

St. Alban’s rector, the Rev. John Gullett, announced that the Auburndale church has an immediate opening for a Director of Youth and Family Ministry. The church, located in Polk County just a short drive from Orlando, has a three-year grant for youth ministry and is about to enter its third year of the grant.

The new director will inherit a congregation on the rise. According to a recent diocesan news release, attendance has nearly doubled in the last year.

“They have experienced exponential growth in the last few years and hope to increase their worship attendance to between 150 and 200 by the end of the grant period,” said Steve Schneeberger, executive director of the Youth Ministry Institute in Orlando. “I estimate they are 10 to 15 families away from that. So, it is doable.”

Schneeberger said the church would like to fill the position in the next three to six weeks – by the end of August. “They have an amazing piece of property and are located near a park where 100 kids hang out after school,” he said. “They are looking for someone who is highly relational.”

“We are working with the Youth Ministry Institute to find someone for this position as soon as possible,” Gullett said. “The area is growing, the need and opportunity is tremendous, and we have received grant funding to replant or re-energize St. Alban’s, which includes the funding for this position. All these things are good.”

The new Director of Youth and Family Ministry will work in a county that features the U.S. Water Ski Association, the Lake Myrtle Softball and Baseball Complex, Florida Polytechnic University, two citrus plants, and a Coca-Cola distribution center.

Individuals interested in the position should send a cover letter and résumé to applicants@yminstitute.com for consideration.