Associate Director/Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

The Associate Director/Pastor of Youth and Young Adults provides leadership to youth, families, and young adults within our intergenerational community. The primary focus of this role is to befriend, empower, and launch leaders of gospel movements among the next generation. By utilizing our discipleship pathway, you will guide students, young adults, and their families to follow Jesus, create belonging, and do justice— joining Jesus’ gospel mission of making things right in the world. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Befriend, Empower, and Launch Leaders: Leadership Development 

• Lead a dynamic ministry and outreach in the local community by developing authentic, befriending relationships with schools, area churches, youth leaders, and organizations. 
• Identify, recruit, and empower adult volunteers and parents, leveraging their unique spiritual gifts to mentor the next generation. 

2. Follow Jesus: Spiritual Formation 

• Lead discipleship initiatives that ground youth in a life of following Jesus, including leading weekly youth group gatherings. 
• Provide confidence and clarity in engaging Scripture, helping students navigate modern cultural challenges using Biblical truths. 
• Together with the Pastor(s), guide the youth confirmation process, inviting students into a mature, personal commitment to Christ. 
• Lead in worship services, as invited 

3. Create Belonging: Intergenerational Community 

• Foster an environment where students and young adults experience radical belonging, moving from participants to vital members of the church body. 
• Facilitate youth retreats, special events, young adult initiatives, and summer engagement opportunities for college-aged students that build deep relational bonds. 
• Assist the Senior Director of Discipleship in efforts towards growing as an intergenerational church family.  

4. Do Justice: Joining Jesus’ Gospel Mission 

• Encourage and develop outreach and service opportunities that allow students to join Jesus in His work of reconciliation in the world. 
• Lead occasional mission trips (currently to the Dominican Republic every 3 years). 

About West Side Presbyterian Church 

Founded as a Presbyterian mission in 1907, West Side remains a stable, gospel-centered community dedicated to West Seattle.  

Mission 

To make disciples of Jesus Christ.  

Vision 

To become an intergenerational, multiethnic congregation passionate about befriending, empowering, and launching leaders of gospel movements 

Core Values 

• Love for the gospel – We are Christ-centered & committed to remaining humble, curious, and connected to a cultural context that can be proud, loud and polarized.    
• Love for God’s voice in His word – We believe that God, fully revealed in Jesus, speaks through the Bible. We're committed to listening, with a deep devotion to engaging life's tough questions with scriptural fidelity and curiosity.  
• Love for one another – At West Side we are all about community -- moving from strangers to friends, from friends to family. We believe that God’s family is multiethnic and we are committed to extending our family relationships to reflect the beautiful diversity of West Seattle.  
• Love for every generation – West Side has a legacy of investing in every generation, especially those who are navigating life transitions. 
• Love for Our Neighbors: Serving West Seattle through the Bless Big Local initiative, investing time and money into local mission partners. 
• Love for Our Global Neighbors: Dedicating 10% of core income to missionary support and expanding global partnerships through Bless Big Global. 

GENERAL LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT SKILLS 

• Spiritual Vitality & Call: A growing personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a sense of call to youth and young adult ministry. 
• Experience: At least two years of ministry leadership experience; experience in local outreach within an urban context is highly desired. 
• Mentorship: A proven history of both being mentored and mentoring others. 
• Education: College degree required; professional experience commensurate with the role. Seminary training is a bonus, as this can be an ordained position. 
• Skills: Strong project and event management skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms. Demonstrated interest in developing teaching/preaching skills. 
• Relational Energy: High energy and enthusiasm for a varied work schedule (including Sundays and evenings) to meet families and students where they are. 
• interaction and environment 
• Reports to: Senior Director of Discipleship  
• Supervises: Adult Volunteers and Youth Intern(s) 
• Accountable to: The Session through the Session Discipleship Team 
• Theological Alignment: Candidates must be able to affirm the Essential Tenets of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. 
• Safety: Professional boundary training is required (provided). 

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Morgan Smith, Senior Director of Ministry at office@wspc.org