PRIMARY PURPOSE & FUNCTION

The Youth Pastor role exists to drive a vision for youth ministry that draws in students and empowers them to pursue Jesus. The essential responsibilities include building and implementing a strategic vision for youth ministry, teaching and shepherding youth in their spiritual journeys, overseeing all aspects of youth ministry, recruiting and empowering volunteers, and building relational connections with students and their families.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & CORE COMPETENCIES

• 5 years or more of experience in leading youth initiatives, teaching youth, and building strong programs to support youth work; church leadership experience is desired

• College degree required; candidate should have an undergraduate degree in youth ministry or be working toward a seminary degree and/or ordination within the EPC

• Talent for building and implementing a captivating vision for youth ministry, envisioning and inspiring others and framing ideas that stir interest and capture the attention of students

• Enjoyment of students along with a desire to see healthy, age-appropriate community become a reality

• Established skill in recruiting and casting vision for volunteers

• Excellence in communication especially in the art of teaching/preaching, using language to clearly and effectively articulate ideas PERSONAL TRAITS/DISPOSITION:

• A thriving relationship with Jesus which leads by example, attracts others, and inspires people to follow

• A spiritually-aligned and compelling spirit of full participation in the mission of Lake Forest Church

• Strong desire to see students’ lives transformed through teaching, community, and acts of service

• High level of relational vitality including personal energy and a fun, attractive approach to life

• Passionate spirit for exploration, innovation, and change

• Marked orientation toward vision and strategies along with the ability to execute the vision in ways that are accessible to a wide variety of people

• A work approach resulting in performance at the highest levels of quality

• Inclination to work independently and under self-direction but with healthy interdependence on others

• Interpersonal discernment, approaching relationships with a blend of maturity, humility, and boldness

• Intentionality about maintaining a healthy work/life balance

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Building and implementing a strategic vision for youth ministry

• Developing ideas, structures, and experiences for students by engaging both theological and creative perspectives on curriculum, programming, and gatherings

Carefully aligning the vision for youth ministry with the missional identity of Lake Forest Church

• Shepherding youth in their spiritual journeys as primary teacher for Sunday large-group gatherings

• Developing relationships with local schools and participating in relevant activities to maintain connections with those schools

2. Leading a team of staff and volunteers to develop and execute youth ministry programming

• Determining broad content focus for the entire ministry year ensuring connection with Next Gen overarching goals and plans

• Developing sermon series and small group discussion content, intentionally focusing on age appropriate spiritual formation

• Planning events to engage parents in relevant topics and shepherd them in the nurturing of their middle and high school kids

3. Overseeing all aspects of youth ministry

• Participating in the planning, executing, leading, and evaluating of activities such as camps, retreats, and service opportunities that are designed for teaching, relationship building, and formative experiences that result in tangible expressions of faith in the everyday lives of students

• Protecting students through the implementation of and adherence to safety protocols, following guidelines for appropriate interactions between adults/youth as well as males/females, and knowing and following published guidelines and emergency response procedures

• Communicating regularly with volunteers, students, and parents to promote and encourage honest, trust-based relationships and to maintain their connection to the ministry

• Collaborating with the Worship & Youth Band Leader to ensure cohesion of worship with the Sunday evening youth experience

4. Overseeing budget development for the ministry

• Building a network of volunteers fully committed to seeing the ministry thrive

• Recruiting and placing individuals in roles and on teams according to their passions and abilities

• Articulating the youth ministry vision to volunteers at every possible opportunity, constantly inviting and challenging each person to be fully invested in the team

• Caring for volunteers relationally and spiritually

• Leading individuals or groups through necessary change, managing both process and expectations

5. Building strong relational connections with students and their families

• Connecting with first time attenders and their parents within the week of their first visit

• Investing in students’ lives, building trust-based relationships that extend beyond Sunday gatherings

• Strengthening relationships by attending students’ activities, connecting over social media and apps, following up on prayer requests/concerns, and recognizing special occasions

• Intentionally connecting with parents at Sunday morning services and Sunday evening gatherings

• Regularly praying for students and their families throughout the week

• Caring for families as they face life’s celebrations and challenges

6. Leading direct staff reports

• Investing in each person’s development, challenging them to grow and encouraging them toward opportunities to stretch them

• Regularly evaluating team member performance in informal conversation and formal evaluations

• Coaching team members where improvements are necessary

7. Participating fully as part of the Lake Forest Staff team

• Prioritizing all staff gatherings (morning prayer, staff meetings, retreats, etc.)

• Engaging in team and church-wide events and activities as necessary

• Stewarding budgeted resources and financial obligations for respective ministry area

Lake Forest Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. In accordance with applicable laws, Lake Forest Church does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

As a faith-based organization, Lake Forest Church reserves the right to employ individuals who share and live out our Christian beliefs, in accordance with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) Essentials of our Faith.

To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter and any video links of you in action with youth to jointheteam@lakeforest.org