Director of Youth Ministry

Manchester UMC is seeking its next Director of Youth Ministry. This person will cast vision and lead programs that welcome youth in grades 6 to 12 from all backgrounds, helping them take meaningful steps in their holistic faith journeys within a safe, attractive, and exciting environment.

About the Church

Manchester UMC is a large and historic United Methodist congregation with more than 2,500 members, located in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. The mission of Manchester UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in St. Louis and beyond. The church envisions a faith community centered around a big table of Christ-followers, growing in a holistic love of God and neighbor.

About the Ministry

Manchester UMC’s youth ministry engages students in grades 6–12 through a range of spiritual formation and fellowship experiences offered on Sundays, Wednesdays, and during special events. A highlight of the year is Spirit Camp, a long-standing summer tradition that brings together youth, high school leaders, and adult mentors in meaningful community and faith building experiences. On a typical week, 40–50 middle and high school students are active in youth ministries, with over 100 youth participating throughout the year. The Director of Youth Ministry is supported by a pool of nearly 30 dedicated adult volunteers. In addition, two well-developed youth leadership teams provide pre-existing support for the incoming staff person.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience working with young people in a church setting, along with education or training in a ministry-related field. A wholehearted commitment to loving and ministering to all youth, including affirming LGBTQ+ individuals, is essential. At Manchester UMC, creating space for honest questions and meaningful conversations is a key part of helping youth connect their faith to everyday life. This candidate should be a collaborative team player, relationally driven, and grounded in a deep faith in Jesus Christ. They will feel called to youth ministry and demonstrate the ability to lead, manage, teach, and inspire. As a creative and thoughtful leader, they will work closely with youth and their influencers—parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, and the congregation—to make disciples of Jesus and nurture holistic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual leadership to middle and high school students and their families, equipping students to become followers of Christ through worship, devotion, compassion, and justice, and encouraging them to be increasingly engaged in the life of the church.
• Recruit, train, equip, encourage, and lead a strong network of volunteers.
• Serve as the primary shepherd for the vision of youth ministry at Manchester UMC.
• Develop relationships with youth and families that foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, collaboration, acceptance, and fun.
• Be a resource for parents and guardians in need of support and guidance, serving as a spiritual advisor, confidant, and encourager.
• Design and/or implement curriculum and programs that promote spiritual growth, personal development, and youth engagement.
• Minister to college-age young adults (up to age 22) and help keep them connected to the church.

Qualifications

• A vital and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to seeing lives changed by Jesus.
• Ability to teach biblically sound and culturally relevant lessons and communicate effectively in various settings.
• Personal faith consistent with the theology and polity of the United Methodist Church.
• A commitment to excellence, a strong personal work ethic, and healthy boundaries.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple programs with flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in a ministry-related field preferred.

Salary & Benefits

The anticipated salary range is $60,000 – $65,000, with generous benefits including health insurance, retirement, paid time off (PTO), and continuing education support.