Job Description
Youth Pastor Velocity Church Full Time | Salaried | Exempt Salary commensurate with experience Velocity Church is seeking a new Youth Pastor to oversee the SMASH student ministry from 6 th -12 th grade. Teens are bombarded with messages of what the world says they need to be, how they need to act, and what they need to look like. At Velocity, we help students SMASH through these ideas and expectations and learn who God says they are instead. Our goal is to help students explore their relationship with Jesus and learn how following after him can influence their every decision. About Velocity Church Velocity Church is a non-denominational church in the greater Cleveland, OH area. We began in 2009 as a church plant with the mission to ignite the faith that fuels your life to impact the world. That mission drives every part of our ministry. The unique blend of ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds at Velocity reflects the community we live and serve in. In September 2026, Velocity will be transitioning to a 2-campus church. The Youth Pastor will be overseeing both campuses through one combined youth group. The existing youth group has a strong structure of volunteer leaders, a student worship band, and is averaging about 40 students per week and 90 overall. At Velocity, we believe children matter. The right candidate will not view this position as a stepping stone to a lead pastor position, but rather view children and students the same way Jesus did- as the most important people in the kingdom of God. A candidate should desire longevity in this role, with the knowledge they have the full support of the leadership team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching and Discipling Prepare and deliver engaging, Bible-based messages for middle and high school students at our Sunday afternoon youth group. Create engaging, safe, and structured weekly environments that include teaching, worship, small groups, and fellowship. Lead a mid-week Bible Study for students who want to grow deeper in their faith. Create an atmosphere where both churched and unchurched students feel welcomed, seen, and known. Build on the existing foundation while introducing improvements that help all students take steps in their faith, regardless of where they re at on their spiritual journey. Lead and Develop Volunteers Recruit, train, equip, and retain adult volunteers and student leaders. Provide ongoing spiritual leadership and discipleship to volunteers, helping them grow in their faith. Lead regular volunteer meetings, allowing volunteers to feel supported while utilizing their talents best. Promote a team-oriented culture marked by ownership, clarity, and relational investment. Student Discipleship and Pastoral Care Build meaningful relationships with students through consistent presence, mentorship, and pastoral leadership, both at church and in their daily lives. Encourage spiritual growth at every level from those exploring faith to those who are deeply rooted. Help students make the transition from knowing about God to having a meaningful relationship with Him. Partner with parents to give them the tools to disciple their own students. Provide pastoral care as needed, including prayer, crisis response, and family support. Programming and Events Plan and execute yearly events such as summer camp, fall retreat, and winter lock-in. Identify, plan, and execute opportunities in the community for regular outreach and service projects. Manage event logistics including budgeting, communication, promotion, and volunteer management. Ensure all programs or events have a clear next step to get new students involved in SMASH on a weekly basis. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with the leadership team to align student ministry with the broader mission and vision of the church. Work closely with the Children s Director to ensure our elementary aged children see a clear path from Kidz City to the SMASH youth group. Communicate consistently and clearly with parents to build trust and engagement. Participate in staff meetings, church events, and broader church initiatives. Contribute to the overall needs of the church beyond student ministry as needed. Strategy and Systems Maintain a clear system for scheduling, communication, and follow-up. Track attendance, engagement, and ministry effectiveness to drive future decisions. Balance time effectively between the two campuses on Sunday mornings to meet families and students. Qualifications 1-3 years of ministry experience preferably in urban or metropolitan areas, on a paid or volunteer basis Bachelor s Degree in a ministry-based program or proven, relevant experience Strong administrative and organizational skills Proven experience in mentoring and discipling students Must possess a genuine passion to invest in the lives of students with compassion, empathy, and spiritual guidance Must possess reliable transportation to travel between campuses (15 miles/ 30 minutes) The ideal candidate for the Student Pastor position will: Have a humble, teachable spirit, who leads first through serving Show integrity and accountability in all situations and strives to live life above reproach Independently motivated; a self-starter Have proven skill in writing and preaching effective messages that connect with and point students towards God Collaborate with staff and key volunteers on events, service opportunities, and church operations Have a heart for people far from God and a desire to reach them
