Job Overview

Step into a healthy, well-resourced student ministry at Fifth Reformed Church in vibrant Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a ministry with a solid foundation, a committed volunteer team, and a church that values the spiritual formation of its students. You are not being asked to repair something broken. You are stepping into a place where growth is possible and where your leadership can help shape what comes next.

Fifth is ready for its next chapter and they are looking for someone who can help write it. In this role, you will guide a shift toward a true team-led model, helping volunteers lead with confidence while you design the structure that supports them. If you love building relationships, thrive in collaborative environments, and carry a Reformed theological lens, this is a place where you can help a good ministry become a great one.

If developing leaders, strengthening systems, and investing in students sounds like the kind of work that brings you energy, Fifth Reformed Church would love to meet you.

Job Description

About the Church

Fifth Reformed Church is a vibrant and historic congregation, founded in 1886 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The church has a membership of 417, with an average weekly worship attendance of 300 people at its blended service. Members describe their church family as "tight," "close," and "friendly". Fifth Reformed is situated in a neighborhood that is currently mostly Caucasian and upper middle class but is experiencing increasing cultural diversity.

About the Ministry

The youth ministry currently serves approximately 70 students on the rolls (sixth through twelfth graders), with a typical weekly attendance of around 30. Primary programs include a Sunday night youth group and monthly events. The ministry has a strong relational foundation, offering a culture of acceptance and safety, and places a high value on connecting youth with other generations. It is well-supported by dedicated adult volunteers and is financially capable of sustaining significant growth.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate possesses strong biblical and theological knowledge, with a corresponding ability to teach the faith and thoughtfully respond to difficult questions. This leader should embrace a discipleship-centered mission strategy and be willing to engage in ministry personally with the whole church. The church is looking for someone who is logistically good at communicating and organizing, with the capacity to cast a bold vision that inspires others to follow.

Key Responsibilities

– Oversee all programming related to student ministries, including youth group, mission trips, retreats, and the annual Profession of Faith class.

– Recruit, develop, and lead adult leaders to extend incarnational ministry through programs and individual contact work (e.g., attending student events).

– Pursue and develop relationships with church member students who do not regularly participate in student ministry opportunities.

– Supervise the Children's Ministries Director and collaborate to lead and implement a planned, intentional K-12 faith formation approach.

– Serve as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) and participate in the leadership of worship services regularly.

Qualifications

– Strong ability to relate to students and disciple them in an age-appropriate, relational way.

– Strong biblical and theological knowledge with the ability to teach the faith and give thoughtful responses to difficult questions.

– Embrace a biblical worldview based on the broad teaching of Reformed theology.

– Possess good relational skills, organizational skills, and communication skills (verbal and written).

About the Community

Grand Rapids is a vibrant West Michigan city, located only 25 miles from Lake Michigan.The city is known for its history as the "Furniture City" and continues to be a world leader in office furniture production and manufacturing excellence. Grand Rapids has successfully diversified its economy, with expanding sectors in medical services, agribusiness, technology, and higher education.