Position Summary The Youth Pastor / Children's Ministry Director will provide spiritual leadership for children (birth through 6th grade) and students (grades 6-12) by creating ministries centered on biblical discipleship, meaningful relationships, community outreach, and sustainable program growth. This individual will equip children and students to become lifelong followers of Jesus while empowering volunteers and partnering with parents in the spiritual formation of the next generation. The position will represent Youth and Children's programs on Church Planning and Growth Committees. Youth Ministry Responsibilities (Grades 6-12) Discipleship Develop and lead a comprehensive discipleship strategy for students in grades 6-12. Teach biblically sound, engaging, and relevant messages during youth gatherings. Foster spiritual growth through small groups, mentoring relationships, and leadership development. Encourage students to actively participate in worship, service, and the life of the church. Equip students to share their faith and become disciple-makers within their schools and communities. Community Development Build meaningful relationships with students, parents, volunteers, schools, and community organizations. Create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student feels valued and connected. Identify, plan, organize, and execute outreach events that engage unchurched students and strengthen community relationships. Collaborate with church leadership to integrate youth ministry into the broader mission of the church. Program Capacity Growth Develop strategic plans to expand participation in youth ministry. Recruit, train, mentor, and support volunteer leaders. Establish systems that allow the ministry to grow while maintaining quality care for students. Plan retreats, local and regional mission trips, camps, service projects, and special events. Evaluate ministry effectiveness using measurable goals and continuous improvement. Children's Ministry Responsibilities (Birth-6th Grade) Children's Discipleship Develop a comprehensive discipleship pathway for children from birth through sixth grade. Ensure all children's programming is biblically grounded, engaging, age-appropriate, and centered on helping children know, love, and follow Jesus. Oversee Sunday morning classes, Children's Church, nursery, Vacation Bible School, and other seasonal children's ministries. Encourage children to develop a lifelong foundation of faith through worship, Scripture, prayer, service, and fellowship. Family Partnership Partner with parents as the primary spiritual influencers of their children by providing encouragement, communication, and discipleship resources. Create opportunities for families to grow together through family events, parenting resources, and intergenerational ministry experiences. Build welcoming environments where every child is known, loved, and safe. Volunteer Leadership Recruit, train, schedule, and encourage a team of children's ministry volunteers. Ensure all volunteers receive appropriate orientation, safety training, and ongoing support. Maintain compliance with church child protection and safety policies. Children's Ministry Growth Develop strategies to reach new families in the church and surrounding community. Plan outreach events that connect children and families with the church. Evaluate ministry effectiveness and implement improvements that support healthy growth. Coordinate ministry calendars, curriculum selection, classroom resources, and budget needs. Qualifications A growing and vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A clear calling to ministry with children, youth, and families. Agreement with the mission and beliefs of First Christian Church. Bachelor's degree in Ministry, Biblical Studies, Christian Education, or a related field preferred. Previous experience leading youth ministry, children's ministry, or family ministry. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to recruit, develop, and lead volunteer teams. Demonstrated passion for discipleship and evangelism. Willingness to work flexible hourly schedule, including nights and weekends as required. Ability to work coordinate successfully with church staff and church leadership under guidance of senior Pastor. Submit to all required background check investigations. Personal Characteristics The successful candidate will demonstrate: Deep spiritual maturity and biblical integrity. A heart for discipling children, students, and families. Practical leadership and emotional intelligence. Visionary thinking balanced with practical execution. Energy, creativity, and flexibility. Strong administrative and organizational abilities. Compensation Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications. To Apply Interested candidates should submit: A cover letter describing their calling to ministry. Resume. Three ministry or professional references. A statement of faith. Any available teaching samples or links to sermons/messages. Submit a 3-5 minute video along with your resume introducing yourself, your faith, and the importance of Children's/Youth Ministry. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. Join us as we seek to make disciples, strengthen families, build community, and invest in the next generation for Christ. About First Christian Church First Christian Church is seeking a passionate, Christ-centered ministry leader who is called to invest in the next generation by making disciples, building authentic relationships, and cultivating thriving ministries for children and youth. We desire a leader who will inspire young people to grow in their faith, engage families, and develop ministries that reach both our church and the surrounding community.