Associate Pastor/Director of Youth Ministries

GRACE COMMUNITY COVENANT CHURCH (Olympia, WA)
ASSOCIATE PASTOR/DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Associate Pastor/Director of Youth Ministries

Summary: To create, nurture and lead a ministry for middle and high school students (Grades 6-12) that fosters a growing relationship with Jesus Christ; ensures a consistent, Christ-centered biblical ministry that guides students in building a healthy, growing, and lasting faith in Jesus Christ; to implement a youth program that includes but is not limited to fellowship, worship, biblical teaching, discipleship, mission, and ministry opportunities. Providing ways to help students Know God, Love One Another, and Serve the World.

Accountability: The Associate Pastor/Director is an employee of Grace Community Covenant Church. He/she reports to the Lead Pastor. He/she is expected to accept the central beliefs of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC); to comply with all policies and procedures adopted by the Leadership Team, and to support the ministries and activities of the church.

General Responsibilities: The Youth Ministry at Grace provides a place where students can know, understand, and grow in God’s love. It is understood that building and maintaining positive relationships with students is an essential part of all Youth Ministry activities.

1. Introduce middle and high school students to a living Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, through teaching
the Christian truths of the Bible and to pursue a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit.

2. Encourage middle and high school students to have a personal relationship with Jesus and to
nurture a growing and dynamic faith by teaching them the basic disciplines for Christian growth
including but not limited to prayer, worship, Bible study, discipleship, mission, fellowship, and
service.

3. The Associate Pastor/Director will be responsible for all aspects of the Youth Ministry program.
Delegation of responsibilities assumes that the Associate Pastor/Director will continue to be
knowledgeable of all matters pertaining to the youth and will provide direct guidance into the
planning and implementation of the program.

4. Plan personal time for spiritual growth. This can include things like participation in a small group that
can offer support, Bible study, feedback, and spiritual nurturing. To seek counseling, spiritual
direction and/or leadership coaching when needed.

5. To be a healthy team player, who is collaborative with others, willing to receive and offer feedback
that is helpful to the overall culture of leaders, staff and the congregation and will demonstrate an
ability to work with other staff and volunteers in a positive and supportive manner that builds
teamship.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Research and provide biblically-based, age appropriate curriculum for teaching that will allow

students to grow in their faith (e.g. Sunday School or equivalent).

• Create a relevant and engaging atmosphere that will reach students with a goal of helping them grow

into a committed follower of Christ (e.g. Youth Group or equivalent).

• Keep current on the culture and how to connect with students.
• Develop and coordinate a small group/spiritual formation ministry for youth. Recruit, train, empower

and support adult volunteers to lead small groups for students.

• Recruit and coordinate a team of teachers to lead Sunday School, Youth Group, and Confirmation

classes. (It is understood that the Associate Pastor/Director will also be involved in teaching these
classes.)

• Recruit, empower and support other volunteers serving in Youth Ministry.
• Plan and manage all special events for middle and high school students (CHIC, retreats, camps,

etc.).

• Work with the Missions Committee to plan mission trips and outreach activities.
• Oversees procedures for managing and reviewing background checks for all involved with the Youth

Ministry program. Work with Youth Ministry staff, volunteers, and others in ministry to ensure all are
knowledgeable and adhering to the protection and abuse, safety and security policies.

• Plan for and maintain contact with the parents through (including but not limited to) emails,

newsletters, mailings, phone calls, etc. Hold informational meetings for parents as needed.

• Provide an annual Youth Ministry budget recommendation to the Lead Pastor and Leadership Team.

The Associate Pastor/Director will be responsible for overseeing the approved Youth Ministry budget;
he/she will oversee all ministry specific purchases, distribution, and use of all equipment and supplies
for Youth Ministry programming.

• Pray regularly for Youth Ministry staff, volunteers, and programs.
• Report to the Leadership Team updating them on ministry goals, objectives and/or work related

activities.

• Communicate regularly with the Lead Pastor and other ministry leaders to ensure complimentary and

consistent ministry focus.

• Work with other ministries in helping transitions from Children’s to Youth to Young Adult.
• Coordinate with the Lead Pastor to schedule Youth Ministry participation in the leadership of Sunday

worship services and other services.

• Assist with preaching as requested.
• Meet regularly with the Lead Pastor for mentoring, growth and accountability and participate in all

staff meetings as needed and/or requested.

• Attend ECC conferences, retreats, activities, etc. as required and/or as time allows.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position.

Requirements of the position:

• A spiritually mature Christian with a strong desire and ability to minister to the needs of middle and

high school students.

A preferred candidate has:

• An advanced degree (Bachelors, Masters)
• Previous Youth Ministry experience
• Knowledge of or experience with the ministry of Young Life
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong communication skills and an ability to connect with students and parents in small and large

group settings

• Experience in leading groups including children, youth and adults
• Ability and experience in faith sharing
• Knowledge of available Christian Education Curricula and Teaching Resources
• Experience and knowledge of legal responsibilities in working with youth
• Able to use technology and social media to stay connected and engaged with students
• Proven ability to work well with others, to collaborate and to give and receive feedback in healthy ways that encourage and protect an overall healthy culture among leaders, staff and the congregation.

Work Location:

• One location