Youth Director

Jared Hamilton came to First Parish Church at the end of 2009 as the part-time youth director. A native of Ohio, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian University in 2007 and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Andover Newton Theological School. His ministry goal is to encourage spiritual growth in our young people through new experiences, service and theological reflection while celebrating the incredible experience of being young. He leads middle school youth group on Sunday mornings, facilitates ways that youth can participate in the larger church and organizes special events for middle school and high school youth throughout the year. He also participates in worship services and in other activities of the church.

Jared has had experience leading youth groups and in the not-for-profit world. In 2008 he launched Child Aid International and currently serves as the organization’s founding president. Child Aid International helps organizations dealing with the relief, education and protection of children in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States. In just two years, Child Aid International has helped its member organizations raise nearly $400,000 through national, state and locally sponsored programs. Currently, Jared is working on developing a sustainable high school youth program that focuses on service and fellowship.

Jared and his wife, Leah, have lived in Salem, Massachusetts for the last four years.