Job Overview

The youth pastor will guide, mentor, and support young people (grades 6-12) in their spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus Christ. We desire this person to provide leadership for a youth ministry that will encourage a Christ-centered life and empower youth to become leaders within the church and beyond. The ministry will help prepare students to thoughtfully and effectively engage the culture and the world for the sake of the Gospel. The pastor will be responsible for creating a dynamic and engaging environment where students can learn about the Bible, develop their faith, and build community. The youth pastor will help equip students to live out their faith in everyday life and foster positive relationships with peers and adults. Additionally, the youth pastor plays a crucial role in partnering with families to support the spiritual development of youth and provide guidance in navigating challenges unique to their stage of life.

We seek a humble, teachable person to minister to Midland Evangelical Free Church's youth and families. This position is a full-time, salaried role with our church. Under the mentoring supervision of our Lead Pastor, we are committed to equipping the man the Lord has for our church toward broader opportunities in church leadership, ministry to parents and families, and development toward a seasoned life of gospel ministry.

The salary range for this position is $45,000-65,000 plus benefits.

Job Description

Qualifications:

• Calling from God to build up Christ's church, including ministering to youth.
• College education at a bachelor's degree level with training relevant to church ministry is strongly preferred, and graduate-level seminary training is valued.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth ministry.
• Agree with the Statement of Faith of Midland Evangelical Free Church.
• Spiritually mature with a growing understanding of biblical truth.
• Spiritually gifted in leadership, shepherding, and teaching.
• Ability to set a vision and strategic direction for the youth ministry.
• Ability to recruit, equip, and lead volunteer workers.
• Good organizational, communication, team building, and management skills.

Position Relationships:

• Reports to Lead Pastor.
• Coordinates ministry with Children's Ministry Director and other ministry leaders.

Primary Responsibilities:

A. Leadership in Youth Ministry

• Teach and preach God's Word, ensuring clear and sound doctrine.
• Provide vision, strategic direction, and goals for Midland Free youth ministry that are aligned with those of the larger church body.
• Assure that all youth ministry programs support and advance the vision of the Midland Evangelical Free Church.
• Develop a comprehensive curriculum plan and oversee the selection or creation of a curriculum aligned with the youth ministry's educational and spiritual growth goals.
• Coordinate and implement appropriate policies and standards for the youth ministry program (e.g., risk management, emergency procedures).
• Develop annual plans and budget for submittal to the Elder Board.
• Regularly communicate the ministry's strategic plans, goal progress, and future direction to the pastoral staff, Elder Board, and parents.
• Coordinate facility and space issues as related to the youth ministry.
• Be an effective role model for the youth of Midland Free.
• Be involved in the lives of the youth of Midland Free.
• Seek to stay current with culture and technology.
• Help equip and encourage parents in their role as the primary spiritual leaders over their children.
• Develop and grow mechanisms for the integration of youth into other ministries within the church to create opportunities for discipleship by other adults.

B. Oversight of Youth Ministry Volunteer Staff

• Develop and implement a volunteer staffing plan, which includes recruitment, training, evaluation, discipleship, and recognition.
• Screen and interview all potential volunteers for the youth ministry. Develop a list of approved volunteers.
• Oversee/supervise paid supporting staff, if any exist, for the youth ministry.

C. Coordination of Youth Programs

• Develop strategies and provide oversight for the Discipleship Group (DG) program or equivalent.
• Train and provide ongoing support for Discipleship Group leaders. Seek feedback from the DG leaders to continuously improve the program's effectiveness.
• Coordinate and provide leadership for middle school and high school weekly programs.
• Provide teacher support and evaluation of the Sunday School curriculum/teaching plan. Solicit feedback on the curriculum and student learning to continuously improve the Sunday School program's effectiveness.
• Develop strategies and provide oversight of the youth missions program.
• Coordinate and provide oversight for youth events and outreach activities (concerts, retreats, community outreach, etc.).

D. Other

• Assist the Lead Pastor when called upon to share in ministerial duties.
• Participate in pastoral staff meetings.
• Pursue continual spiritual growth and ministerial education.

E. About The Church

Midland Evangelical Free Church (Midland Free) is a vibrant and welcoming congregation committed to biblical teaching, community building, and outreach. As part of the Evangelical Free Church of America denomination, MEFC holds to a strong foundation of Scripture and focuses on helping individuals grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. The church offers a variety of programs and ministries for all ages. Midland Free is known for its engaging worship services and strong teaching ministry that encourages personal spiritual growth and discipleship. The church is also deeply involved in local and global missions, with opportunities for members to serve both within the Midland community and abroad. Midland Free is a growing church of 600+ that desires the people of our body to glorify and enjoy God, embrace His Word, and engage His world.

F. About Midland

Midland, Michigan, is a vibrant and welcoming community known for its strong sense of local pride, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to education and the arts. Located in the heart of the state, Midland is home to around 42,000 residents and offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city is perhaps best known as the headquarters of Dow Chemical Company, which has shaped much of its economic and cultural landscape. Midland boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place to raise a family. The city also has a rich cultural scene, with venues like the Midland Center for the Arts offering performances, art exhibits, and educational programs. Additionally, the community hosts many local events, festivals, and service projects. Overall, Midland is a friendly, close-knit city that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.