Lake Forest Church jobs

Are you awesome? (Please continue.)

Do you think middle and high school students are awesome? (Great, keep going!)

Are you energized helping students discover faith and learn how to follow Jesus? (Well done. You’re almost there!)   

Do you desire to work for and worship in a church community that takes Jesus and the Bible very seriously but doesn’t take itself too seriously? (We think you should check out the job description below.)

Lake Forest Church is seeking a passionate and faithful full-time Youth Pastor/Ministry Leader to join our young and growing church on the western side of Lake Norman in Denver, NC. This job is perfect for anyone who loves students – believers and non-believers alike – and wants to help them discover and live out their role in God’s story. If the idea of doing that excites you, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Story:

Founded in February 2014, Lake Forest Church -- WestLake is a part of the Lake Forest Family of Churches (www.lakeforest.org) in the N. Charlotte, NC region. We worship in two services with an average attendance of 800 each Sunday. In August of 2021, we moved into our brand new 18,000 sq/ft facility on St. James Road in Denver, NC. The strategic addition of this new role will aid us as we continue to grow and respond to the missional needs of the rapidly growing community around us and to disciple and care for the many students already a part of our family.

About the Role:

With solid faith, and an awareness of youth culture, the ideal candidate embodies a deep love for students and a desire to help them pursue Jesus. This leader will provide oversight and daily direction to all aspects of Youth Ministry for students grades 6-12. The Youth Pastor/Director will lead the way in modeling healthy relationships with students, while also helping the youth volunteers to do the same. This person must have the skills to lead teams, encourage and empower volunteers, communicate clearly with parents, have a strong drive, self-initiative, and relational capacity.

Lake Forest Church is passionate about the Sustainable Youth Ministry model, where student ministry is carried by committed volunteers and students are integrated into the whole life of the church. The Youth Pastor/Ministry Leader will work closely with Lake Forest staff team and pastors to work out the vision for youth set forth by the stakeholders in the youth ministry.  With regular coaching and mentoring, this person will help to ensure that the vision and values of Lake Forest are finding fresh expressions in our strategies for reaching youth. While it’s not the primary role of this position, there are many additional and exciting opportunities to lead on a church-wide scale as he/she grows in his/her own gifts and calling. 

Job Responsibilities:

1. Directs and leads all youth programming (e.g. - small groups, large events, mission trips, and retreats).

2. Builds volunteer teams through recruiting, coaching, and supporting of adult leaders.

3. Partners with parents through vision casting and consistent communication.

4. Works within the whole ministry of the church to help integrate students into the life & mission of Lake Forest Church.

5. Builds a culture of safety and family, where students experience the love Jesus and the support of spiritual friendship.

6. Champions the mission of reaching “one more student” to help them discover and live out their role in God’s Story.

7. Supervises the full-time Youth Coordinator who assists the Youth Pastor in ministry execution.  

Reporting Relationships:

This person will report directly to the Pastor of Connection and Spiritual Formation. A collegial spirit is a must as the Youth Pastor/Director will work regularly with the other staff at LFC.

Hours/Compensation:

This staff position is a full-time position, qualifying for benefits in addition to salary. The salary is in keeping with regional salaries for similar roles in churches of our size.  

Experience and Education:

A minimum of 3+ years youth ministry or direct work with youth is a requirement. Candidates should also have completed their college undergraduate degree. Seminary or Bible College training is a plus but not a requirement.

Does that sound awesome to you? If so, we’d love to hear from you. 

Here is how to take the next step:

Email your resume to [email protected]

Subject: LFC Westlake Youth Pastor