Summary:
The youth minister is the primary point of contact for students in grades 6-12. He leads the youth and their families through word and deed to seek Jesus and serve others. He works toward student maturity in Christ and is concerned about their formation into Christlikeness; he is not an “event guy”. The youth minister will create a culture of disciple-making among youth.
Character Qualities:
The youth minister must exhibit Christ-like maturity, humility, and strong boundaries. He is a lifelong learner committed to helping others grow. He respects authority and works well with volunteers. He is a people person (but not a people pleaser) who connects easily to younger generations.
Qualifications:
- Immersed believer actively pursuing Christ
- Demonstrated work experience in youth ministry, education, or a similar role
- Degree from a Bible college or significant personal theological and biblical study (and college seniors are encouraged to apply)
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to effectively teach and preach the Bible
- Adhere to the doctrine and practice of UFCC as established by the elders
Cultural Fit:
UFCC is in a rural area. The youth minister must have a good understanding of a rural context and can relate to small-town folks. School and sports are a centerpiece of the wider community. The roots among extended families run deep. Unionville is known widely for its county fair, whitetail deer hunting, and Lake Thunderhead.
Ministry Snapshot:
Our church heritage is in the Christian churches and churches of Christ (Restoration Movement). Youth group averages over 25 students each week; Sunday morning worship is currently 160 (in two services). We take a group of nearly 100 people to Nationwide Youth Roundup (NYR) every July. The congregation is involved with several national and international missionaries and organizations and generously supports youth activities. Full-time UFCC staff is the senior minister, and part-time staff are the visitation minister (pastoral care) and church secretary. We have several dedicated volunteer youth sponsors.
Youth Minister Responsibilities:
(This job description may be customized/negotiable based on your gifts and interests)
Core Duties:
- Continue to develop your own relationship with God by practicing spiritual disciplines (habits) and studying Scripture
- Build relationships with local youth for the purposes of leading students to salvation according to New Testament teaching and nurturing them in a closer walk with Christ
- Follow up with new youth converts; guide them to help them establish a solid foundation for doctrine and spiritual habits
- Teach/Lead Wednesday night youth group
- Teach a Sunday school class in rotation with other teachers
- Occasionally preach both Sunday morning services (once every six to eight weeks)
- Study and prepare for the above sermons and lessons
- Encourage students to serve and lead; help students discover how God has gifted them for service in the church and the world
- Be available to assist with God’s Squad (spring semester traveling musical group)
- May occasionally lead other things from the stage, such as high school senior recognition, making announcements, etc.
- Share love and grace as you teach the truth; teach formally (in class) and informally (through conversations)
Relationships:
- Get involved in the public school for encouraging our youth and building relationships with those who aren’t following Jesus yet
- Attend some student extracurricular activities (ball games, concerts, county fair, etc.) to encourage them and connect with others in the community
- Assist with outreach efforts and events for kids and youth (such as Trunk-or-Treat)
- Attend youth hangout events, 5th Quarters, etc. (may lead some and help with others)
- Mentor students who show leadership potential
- Promote life-long growth and learning among our students; encourage them to consider theological education and vocational Christian service
- Call on guest youth and families for follow-up
Summer Duties:
- Serve as a dean or co-dean at I-MO Christian Service Camp. Also may serve as faculty member at a second week of I-MO Camp. (If you are on camp staff for more than two weeks, that requires prior approval by the board. We don’t want you to wear yourself out!)
- Drive campers to/from I-MO Camp in church van (or delegate this task to someone else)
- Attend Nationwide Youth Roundup (NYR) as a sponsor (Note: we have several adults who go on this trip each year, and you do not have to lead this)
- Help with Vacation Bible School (VBS); follow up with new families who come
Administration:
- Participate in staff meetings for prayer, communication, and collaboration
- Submit a monthly written report to the church board and attend board meetings
- Hold regular morning office hours 9 am-noon, four days/week
- Lead youth sponsor meetings; work together to coordinate youth activity calendar
- Coordinate Youth Sundays
- Train youth volunteers, Sunday school teachers, and Wednesday night teachers as needed
- Recruit and organize Wednesday night volunteers during the school year (for nursery, preschool, elementary classes, etc.)
- Oversee youth cleaning of basement
- With the elders and senior minister, evaluate classroom space and teaching materials for high-quality biblical instruction in our Christian education program
- Share what you are learning with staff and elders
- Take primary responsibility for church social media accounts
- Coordinate vacation time with other ministers
Accountability:
- Reports to and is evaluated by the elders
- All new events, off-site events, guest speakers, late night or overnight church-related activities must have prior approval of church board (prior approval is already granted for existing recurring events such as hangouts at a youth sponsor home, nerf wars, and fifth quarters after ball games)
- Conducts himself with integrity and holiness in all conversations and relationships
- Serve in mutual collaboration with other staff
- Have some youth sponsors or other adults present when youth are around
What You Are Not Expected to Do:
- Professional counseling/therapy of students
- Attend every single event or game at the public school
- Say yes to everything
- Be in charge of children’s church or junior church on Sunday mornings (other people handle those)
- Fundraisers (the congregation is generous and we don’t do fundraiser events here)
TO APPLY:
Email your resume and doctrinal statement to: [email protected] with subject line: Youth Minister Application
OR snail mail to:
Unionville First Christian Church
Attention: Youth Minister Search
2608 Garfield St
Unionville, MO 63565