Love Jesus. Love Students. Help Build Something That Matters. Do you love Jesus, genuinely enjoy teenagers, and get energized by bringing people together? Lake Forest Church is looking for a Youth Ministry Associate Director who wants to invest in the next generation and help create a youth ministry where students want to show up, feel known, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. This isn't primarily a behind-the-scenes ministry job. We're looking for someone who loves being with students and people—showing up at games, hanging out with students, encouraging volunteers, leading from the front, and helping turn great ministry ideas into experiences students remember. You'll work alongside our Youth Pastor and a team of committed volunteers to help shape and execute the vision for our youth ministry. What You'll Get to Do Be a Consistent Presence in Student's Lives You'll build real, trust-based relationships with middle and high school students—not just on Sundays.

That could mean:

Leading or participating in Sunday and midweek youth gatherings Teaching and helping students take their next steps with Jesus Showing up at games, performances, and other important moments Following up when a student is struggling or asks for prayer Celebrating birthdays, milestones, and wins Getting to know parents and becoming a trusted partner to families Praying regularly for students and their families We want students to know they have adults in their corner who genuinely know them and care about them. Help make youth ministry fun, meaningful and worth inviting friends to You'll work with the Youth Pastor to plan and execute weekly programming, small groups, events, and other experiences that help students connect with Jesus and one another. You'll have opportunities to lead from the stage, teach, facilitate activities, shepherd students, and help create environments that are welcoming, engaging, and spiritually meaningful. Build an incredible volunteer team Great youth ministry doesn't happen without great adult leaders. You'll help: Recruit people who love Jesus and students Find the right role for each volunteer Welcome and onboard new leaders Train and equip volunteers to succeed Build schedules and keep everyone informed Encourage and care for volunteers personally and spiritually Help leaders understand the bigger vision and why their role matters Our goal isn't simply to fill volunteer spots. It's to build a team of people who are excited about investing in students. Go where the students go Some of the best ministry happens outside the church building. You'll help plan and lead mission trips, camps, retreats, and other student experiences, including registrations, travel, logistics, preparation, leadership, and post-trip evaluation. Yes, that means some long days and occasional crazy schedules. It also means getting a front-row seat to some of the most meaningful moments in students' lives. Help keep everything moving Youth ministry has plenty happening behind the scenes, too. You'll help with communication to students, parents, and volunteers; student records and attendance; facility requests; calendars and scheduling; ministry budgets; and other details that allow the ministry to run well. You'll also help us maintain a safe environment for every student by following and reinforcing Lake Forest's student safety policies and procedures. You might be a great fit if you're someone who: Loves Jesus and wants your life to point other people toward Him Actually enjoys teenagers and the energy, humor, questions, and occasional chaos that come with them Is outgoing and naturally connects with students, parents, and volunteers Brings energy and fun into a room Loves seeing students develop authentic friendships and grow spiritually Is comfortable leading from the front but doesn't need to be the center of attention Can recruit people and get them excited about being part of a team Takes initiative and doesn't need someone constantly telling you what to do next Can turn ideas into action and follow through on the details Communicates clearly and confidently Works well on a team and enjoys empowering other people Handles change with maturity, humility, and a positive attitude Wants ministry to be both excellent and fun What we're looking for: A thriving relationship with Jesus and a life that reflects your faith Alignment with the mission of Lake Forest Church and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) Essentials of Our Faith A college degree, preferably in ministry, education, or a related field 2+ years of experience working with youth programs, activities, events, or ministry Experience recruiting, leading, and caring for volunteers Strong communication and relationship-building skills The ability to recognize opportunities, solve problems, and get things done A desire to work hard while maintaining a healthy rhythm of life and ministry The Schedule This is a full-time, salaried position with regular working days of Sunday through Thursday, plus occasional evenings, trips, retreats, special events, and other times when ministry requires it. Why this role matters Middle and high school are some of the most formative years of a person's life. Students are figuring out who they are, what they believe, who their people are, and what kind of person they want to become. We believe the local church has an incredible opportunity to walk alongside them during those years. If the idea of knowing students by name, helping them discover Jesus, building an amazing team of adult leaders, and creating a ministry students can't wait to be part of sounds exciting to you, we'd love to meet you. Come help us build a youth ministry where students belong, grow, serve, and pursue Jesus together. To learn more about us, check us out at https://www.lakeforest-westlake.org Lake Forest Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. In accordance with applicable laws, Lake Forest Church does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. As a faith-based organization, Lake Forest Church reserves the right to employ individuals who share and live out our Christian beliefs, in accordance with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) Essentials of our Faith.