Youth Pastor

Position Summary

The Youth Pastor will provide spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for the youth ministry (4th–12th grade), with a strong emphasis on evangelism, discipleship, and relational ministry. This role requires a creative, missional heart that actively engages both church-connected youth and unchurched students in public school, homeschool, and community environments. The Youth Pastor will work collaboratively with church leadership, volunteers, parents, and the broader congregation to help students encounter Jesus Christ and grow into lifelong disciples. This is a part-time position (20 hours/week) with competitive compensation. Based on demonstrated gifting, effectiveness, and ministry growth, this role has strong potential to develop into a full-time position with a long-term future.

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership & Vision

• Lead a Christ-centered youth ministry grounded in the gospel, emphasizing the cross of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
• Develop and implement a clear, intentional strategy to reach lost students and their families where they live, learn, and gather.
• Cultivate a ministry culture that values evangelism, discipleship, biblical teaching, and authentic relationships.

Teaching & Discipleship

• Teach and preach effectively to youth (4th–12th grade) in age-appropriate, engaging, and biblically sound ways.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach and preach to adults when needed (services, parent meetings, classes, or special events).
• Equip students to understand Scripture, live out their faith, and engage their peers with the gospel.

Relational & Missional Ministry

• Build meaningful relationships with students and families both inside and outside the church.
• Actively engage students in public schools, homeschool communities, and the broader community through presence, outreach, and relationship-building.
• Develop a plan to “penetrate society” by meeting kids where they are and earning trust and influence in their lives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, and lead a healthy team of youth volunteers.
• Foster a team culture marked by unity, accountability, encouragement, and shared mission.
• Partner with parents as the primary spiritual influencers in their children’s lives.

Program & Event Leadership

• Plan and oversee weekly youth gatherings, small groups, outreach events, retreats, and mission opportunities.
• (Preferred) Lead or assist in camps and adventure-based activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, ropes courses, and similar experiences.

Administrative & Collaborative Responsibilities

• Manage ministry planning, scheduling, communication, and basic budgeting.
• Work closely with pastoral staff and church leadership to align youth ministry with the overall mission and vision of the church.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and church-wide initiatives as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

• A clear passion for youth (4th–12th grade) with a creative, aggressive missional heart to reach the lost.
• A minimum of 4 years of youth ministry experience.
• Formal seminary (training required; Master of Divinity (MDiv) preferred.
• Strong theological convictions centered on the gospel, the cross of Christ, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.
• Demonstrated ability to teach Scripture clearly and compellingly.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build and lead teams effectively.

Preferred (Not Required)

• Camp or outdoor adventure ministry experience (e.g., rock climbing, rappelling, high/low ropes, giant swing).
• Experience in both traditional church settings and missional/outreach-focused ministry contexts.

Personal Characteristics

• Spiritually mature, humble, and teachable.
• Relational, approachable, and culturally aware.
• Energetic, creative, and self-motivated.
• Strong communicator with both youth and adults.
• Committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth.