Ministry Purpose:
The Director of Youth Ministries shall foster a strong education program for the youth through building relationships with teachers, students, parents and church leaders that will strengthen their commitment to the church and grow their faith in Jesus Christ. The Director will introduce, instruct, and nurture youth in their Christian faith and in life. The Director will focus on achieving this through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, worship, service and evangelism.
Responsibilities:
Attendance at weekly staff, worship planning team meetings, and bimonthly Church Council meetings, work together with all stakeholders, maintaining a teamwork mentality
Encourage youth in developing their relationship with Jesus Christ
Provide youth, along with volunteers and other stakeholders, opportunities for nurture and growth in their Christian Education
Challenge youth to respond to God's call to serve in their community and world
Develop vision and ministry planning for the congregation to grow relationships with each other through Christ from the perspective of youth ministry
Oversee infant and toddler nursery care
Provide the children's moment during worship services on Sunday mornings
Serve as the staff liaison to children's ministry volunteers and workers
Plan strategically to develop leaders through youth-based ministries
Be an advocate for children/youth and educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns, and need of children/youth at SHUMC and in the community
Support the planning and execution of all events that encompass a balanced youth ministry in the areas of group building, worship, discipleship, missions, evangelism and outreach
Empower and mentor youth in developing their leadership skills
Engage resources for developing the children/youth ministry programming and participate in continuing education events and training opportunities
Recruit and train volunteers who work with children/youth in all aspects of youth ministry and ensure adequate volunteer support and adult to youth ratio
Coordinate with the pastor(s) to teach confirmation class and provide leadership beyond the classroom by equipping mentors, encouraging parental support, and challenging the confirmands to fully participate in the journey
Work in partnership with the congregation to effectively reach youth in the community and develop a strategic youth ministry outreach plan
Keep records of youth participation and manage the youth ministry budget
Communicate in a timely manner and as effectively as possible using all resources (e-mail, website, bulletin, social media, etc.)
Establish and maintain strong communication with the church staff and leadership, parents, youth, and congregation as a whole. Make yourself available to youth in a variety of ways, including but not limited to attendance at extracurricular activities and sporting event and visitation in times of crisis
Ensure that Safe Sanctuaries (child protection policy) is observed in all children/youth ministry settings
Maintain a meaningful connection with recent high school graduates
Attend and participate in worship as well as have a visible presence in Sunday School for grades 6-12
Incorporate music as an element of youth ministry either through personal talent or talents of others within the church community
Travel is required several times throughout the year for mission trips, weekend retreats, and youth activities
Pastor may provide additional tasks that are consistent with the job description and can reasonably be expected to be accomplished within the position's work hours.