Youth Pastor

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Middle School Director/Pastor is an integral member of the StudentLife Ministry Team and is responsible for providing Christ-centered leadership to middle school students. This role primarily includes building strong relationships with students, planning and executing engaging programming, and ensuring ministry alignment with McDowell’s vision. The Middle School Director/Pastor manages and oversees Sunday morning and evening programming, as well as various camps and special events, working closely under the direction of the StudentLife Pastor for alignment in ministry goals and values. 

The Middle School Director/Pastor will assist the StudentLife Pastor in coordinating volunteers, ensuring they are scheduled for programs, and events, particularly during Sunday services and special events. The Middle School Director/Pastor ensures a welcoming environment for all students, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and community building. 

THE ROLE & ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• 2-3 years of youth ministry experience 
• Degree in Biblical Studies, Youth Ministry, or a related field, required 
• Strong commitment to learning and spiritual growth 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on ministry goals 

   

McDowell is a community following Jesus, learning to love. We are passionate about equipping the next generation to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The mission of StudentLife at McDowell is to help students encounter Jesus, journey together, and discover their purpose. 

YOU ARE:  

• A humble servant leader who takes direction and works well with teams.  
• Passionate about students and their potential to impact the world for Jesus 
• A high-energy personality with strong interpersonal skills, ready to hang with students anytime. 
• Adaptable and willing to experiment with innovative ministry strategies 
• Someone with a pastoral heart who is dedicated to shepherding people and cultivating deep relationships 
• A natural planner who thrives in organizing and planning programs 
• Relational, self-motivated, and faithful 
   

YOU WILL:  

• Student Engagement: Foster relationships with middle school students through touchpoints both inside and outside church settings, including our afterschool ministry at Trailhead Coffee. 
• Weekly Communication: Engage with middle s school parents, students, and volunteers through email, texts, and social media, ensuring clear and consistent messaging. 
• Digital Management: Assist in managing the StudentLife website and marketing efforts, including event promotion, calendars, graphics, and social media. 
• Volunteer Management: Manage communication and scheduling for middle school volunteers to ensure the smooth execution of all programs. 
• Event & Camp Planning: Assist the StudentLife Pastor in planning, executing, and managing logistics and administration for MS Camp, HS Camp, Winter Camp, mission trips, and other special events. 
• Programming & Ministry Leadership: With direction from the StudentLife Pastor, plan, organize, and execute Sunday morning & all middle school programming. 

• Logistical Support: Oversee supplies shopping, food ordering, and other necessary logistical tasks for ministry programs. 

   

STAFF TEAM GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

• Start with prayer – thanking God, acknowledging our need for Christ, and following the Spirit. 
• Believe the best – giving the benefit of the doubt and seeking clarity when we don’t agree or understand. 
• Set the table – humbly serving this community with excellence. 
• Travel together – communicating well, inviting others into the process, and having fun as we lead. 
• Stay fit – staying healthy spiritually, relationally, physically, emotionally, and financially. 
• Remain open-handed – sharing what God has given us and inviting others into the journey for the good of His Kingdom.