Student Ministry Director - Northside UMC, Atlanta

Student Ministry Director - Northside UMC, Atlanta

8/12/2024

Northside is a growing, 5,000+ member congregation in the Buckhead community of Atlanta, Georgia. We are seeking a full-time Director of Student Ministry for 6th-12th grades. Qualified candidates should possess a passion for making Christian disciples while integrating youth into a multigenerational community of faith. We are seeking a dynamic, self-starter who is a team player with managerial skills who can engage students, involve parents, and empower staff. The position requires a bachelor's degree with 3+ years of exceptional student ministry experience. Compensation and benefits are highly competitive. Submit resume with references.

Objective

This position is responsible for building a nurturing environment where youth and young adults from 6th - 12th grade learn and grow in God's love. This person is responsible for the development and implementation of a robust educational and discipleship ministry.

Knowledge

Knowledge of the United Methodist Church beliefs, doctrines, discipline, traditions, and social principles.

Knowledge of the culture and values of Northside Church, articulates and supports its mission and direction; and demonstrates through words and actions the love of God.

Knowledge of how to plan, develop, coordinate, manage and implement effective student programs implementing fellowship, worship, biblical teaching, discipleship, and evangelism, as well as ministry and mission opportunities.

Knowledge of the UMC Safe Sanctuary principles and guidelines.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, promote, implement and evaluate Christian education programs for students, 6th - 12th grades according to the Student Ministry's vision and mission statement.
2. Work closely with church leaders (including staff, lay leaders, and ministry leadership teams) to ensure successful implementation of goals to develop a sustainable student ministry.
3. Energize youth in middle school and high school to develop their personal relationship with Jesus by gathering together with other Christian youth in fellowship, by studying scripture in small groups, and in serving others.
4. Work with the Director of Children's Ministries to encourage attainment and celebration of faith formation milestones, including a strong transition for fifth graders into the middle school ministry.
5. Work with the Children's Ministry Pastor and Adult Discipleship to coordinate discipleship and Christian Education experiences during the Sunday School hour. Responsible for selection of curriculum and teachers for youth experiences.
6. Support graduating seniors by connecting them with college ministers and Wesley Foundations.
7. Create effective channels of communication including social media and other online tools between youth, parents, and the congregation around student ministry developments and publish all activities through newsletters, bulletins, and church calendar as needed.
8. Effectively communicate with student ministry volunteers through regular text messages, phone calls, emails, postcards, etc., to promote a sense of value and encourage continued involvement.
9. Connect youth with spiritual mentors to foster one-on-one and group relationships with youth outside of church functions such as breakfast or lunch, sports events, extracurricular activities, concerts, or any activity in which youth may be involved.
10. Minister to the needs of youth in a safe, trusted place where they are comfortable asking for help and spiritual guidance.
11. Oversee the Confirmation process by engaging pastoral and lay leadership.
12. Participate in planning church wide opportunities for engaging youth and their families in student ministry, worship, music ministry, service, mission trips, camps and conferences.
13. Coordinate and organize events throughout the year that focus on spiritual formation, fellowship, and outreach like retreats, conferences, and mission trips.
14. Recruit, train, nurture and equip adult leaders and students to support the Student Ministry and to become active in the church community.
15. Work cooperatively with other local churches and student ministry leaders to develop inter-church and interdenominational relationships.
16. Develop and manage a ministry budget for the year.
17. Inform college students and their parents about United Methodist scholarship and loan programs.
18. Innovate new approaches that will connect youth to the larger church community through worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities.
19. Plan and execute the Metro Atlanta Project with the Missions Director.
20. Support and supervise the Student Ministry staff.
21. Perform other related tasks as requested by the Associate Pastor of Church Growth, Executive Director or Senior Pastor.

Skills and Qualifications

1. Has a strong and growing faith in Jesus Christ, and a commitment to sharing their faith with others.
2. Ministry-minded with a commitment to the church and its growth.
3. Possess a solid theology of student ministry, specifically in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership.
4. Strong knowledge of scripture and ability to communicate Biblical truths to all ages.
5. Ability to identify materials and curriculum consistent with the needs of the student ministry.
6. Ability to vision cast and articulate a discipleship strategy for students.
7. Ability to teach in a youth context.
8. Highly energetic and committed to student ministry.
9. Excellent people and communication skills across multi-generations.
10. Familiarity and comfortability with social media tools to facilitate communication with youth and families.
11. Current First Aid, CPR, and AED training.
12. Must have valid driver's license.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree, a degree in Student Ministry, Theological, or Biblical Studies is preferred.
2. 3 - 5 years of experience in a Christian educational setting or a combination of education and experience commensurate with the minimum requirements of this position.
3. Experienced in ministering to teenage students and a passion for student evangelism/discipleship.
4. Trained in Christian student ministry or seminary experience.

Contact: Melody Brown

Address: 2799 Northside Dr, Atlanta, GA 30305