Youth Minister

This position is a part time staff position up to ten hours per week.  The Youth Minister will be the point of contact for coordinating, developing and leading youth activities within the church.  The focus for the Youth Minister will be to lead our youth to Christ utilizing a wide variety of tools to communicate in the most positive method possible with the youth of our church and community.

Responsibilities

  • With oversight from the Senior Pastor, work with youth, (grades K through 12) to develop ministry projects and programs so that youth in our congregation and community will grow in faith as Christian disciples.
  • Plan and lead (with the help of volunteers) both children and a youth weekly gatherings.    
  • Work with other church leaders, youth and their parents to address the needs and opportunities for youth to grow up healthy and safe in your community. Lead our church’s youth to periodic Christian conferences, concerts, camps, missions and retreats
  • Youth ministry shall be for, with, and about youth, you will be working with youth Sunday school, Wednesday evening youth education and other programs as developed.
  • Work with the Senior Pastor, the Director of Christian Education and the Director of Music to plan periodic children- and youth-led worship services and other forms of participation
  • Facilitate outreach within the greater Bedford community — build bridges with non-UMC community organizations (e.g. School District, YMCA, Chamber, etc.)
  • Understand and ensure that the Safe Sanctuary Policy is publicized, posted and followed
  • This is a part time position with estimated 10 hours per week; this can be reviewed and changed upon mutual agreement of the SPRC, the Youth Minister, Senior Pastor and Financial Director as requirement’s change.
  • Other duties as required within the scope of Youth Minister identified duties.


Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications

  • Spiritual gifts: servanthood, teaching, exhortation (encouragement), leadership, administration, helping, and shepherding. Have a passion for working with children, youth and parents
  • Experience, skills: This leader should show evidence of passion for youth ministry, genuine interest in responding to the hopes and concerns of youth in your community, prior effective ministry leadership, and evidence of active and growing discipleship. This person should demonstrate a basic knowledge of youth development with appropriate challenge and safety. This person must listen well and communicate effectively with people of all ages, be skilled in collaborative planning and implementing ministry, be able to work well with others and follow up getting the job done.
    • Two to five years of work experience in children and/or youth ministry
    • Solid understanding of the basics of Christian Protestant theology
    • Working knowledge of child development and current youth culture
    • Ability to use technology relevant to the positon, including email, Word, Excel, Power Point or Keynote, social networking media and apps such as Facebook, Twitter,  etc.
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills
    • Ability to plan and implement successful programs and events for children and/or youth
    • Ability to communicate Biblical truth and doctrine in a variety of creative, meaningful, understandable and age appropriate ways
    • Ability to work effectively, positively and cooperatively with other staff and lay leaders
    • Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
  • This position in our church is dynamic with our goal being to grow this ministry, you are encouraged to ask questions and seek input.

What does the Youth Minister do?

  • Maintain a healthy and growing personal spiritual life and lead others to do the same.
  • Pay attention to the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth in your church and community to determine how your congregation might serve them and their families and how they might serve one another as Christian disciples and good neighbors.
  • Connect youth ministry to the overall goals of your congregation. Advocate for including youth in all aspects of the ministry of the congregation.
  • Raise awareness in your congregation to youth issues, needs and contributions in the community and the world. This leader will advocate that all youth are welcome and minister to all unchurched youth in our community as they are identified.
  • Work with youth and others to plan and carry out youth ministry in a varied and wide-ranging program that includes worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
  • Promote understanding of Christian vocation in daily life, building an understanding of God’s call for all Christians.
  • Advocate for quality leaders and excellent mentors who encourage young people to develop their own gifts, skills and ideas.
  • Intentionally communicates with organizations, people, and resources that relate to youth in your community and seek to connect your congregation and with the community for a strong program.
  • Work with the Administrative council throughout the year, including planning its agendas from the youth perspective at meetings. Call together youth and adults for planning of youth goals and activities.
  • Learn about curriculum and other resources available for youth in order to help teachers and group leaders select appropriate resources for study and growth.

Accountability

  • Accountable to the Senior Pastor and the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
  • Annual evaluation by the Senior Pastor and SPRC.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please send a resume and cover letter by email to:  firstumc@hpcisp.com or by regular mail to: Pastor Michelle White, First UMC of Bedford, 1409 K Street, Bedford IN. 47421.