Full-Time Director of Youth & Faith Formation at First Church (Grandville, MI)

First Church: Listening to God, Responding with Love

Job Title: Director of Youth & Faith Formation

Classification: Full-time (0.8 FTE, 32hrs/wk), salary

Position Summary: The Director of Youth & Faith Formation nurtures a Christ-centered culture of discipleship for youth, families, and the wider congregation. This person provides direct leadership to the high school Youth Group, supports and equips middle school youth group leaders, and oversees pathways of faith formation, including Sunday morning programming, profession of faith, intergenerational engagement, and Safe Church training. Through relational ministry, volunteer development, and creative programming, this role helps students grow as lifelong followers of Jesus and strengthens the connection between home, church, and community.

Essential Functions:

1. Youth Group (High School) – Direct Leadership

• Provide primary leadership for an active, spiritually formative youth ministry.
• Recruit, train, and support a strong team of volunteers.
• Mentor and develop student leaders.
• Plan and lead Sunday evening youth group gatherings, including lessons, discussions, and community-building activities.
• Organize and lead fall and winter retreats and the annual summer trip.
• Maintain meaningful connections with students outside of weekly programming (mentoring, school activities, small groups).

2. Middlers (Middle School) – Support & Engagement

• Recruit, support, and encourage Middlers volunteer leaders.
• Build relationships with middle school students.
• Attend approximately 5–6 Middlers programs or activities each year.

3. Faith Formation Pathways

• Support and coordinate Sunday morning discipleship opportunities for students.
• Guide and prepare students for Profession of Faith.
• Provide leadership for intergenerational programs that bring children, youth, and adults together.
• Support leaders of adult faith formation groups and encourage the creation of new groups.

4. Family Support & Inclusion

• Partner with parents and caregivers to support faith formation at home.
• Offer resources, coaching, and occasional family-focused programming.
• Champion inclusion and belonging for students with disabilities or diverse learning needs.

5. Safe Church & Ministry Development

• Oversee Safe Church training and screening for children’s and youth ministry volunteers.
• Serve as leader of the Discipleship Team, helping align vision and ministry strategy.
• Serve as a member of the Christian Education Team.
• Collaborate with staff and ministry teams to strengthen the congregation’s discipleship pathway.

6. Community Engagement & Summer Programming

• Support summer programming in partnership with our “Glocal” ministry team.
• Explore and develop opportunities for youth engagement in the community.

Key Relationships:

• Reports to the Senior Pastor
• Collaborates with the Director of Children’s Ministries, Administrative Assistant, and oversees the Youth Group and Middler volunteer teams
• Member of the First Church staff, participating in weekly staff meetings
• Leads the Discipleship Team, serves on the Safe Church Team and Christian Education Team

Qualifications:

• A growing, mature relationship with Jesus Christ and the ability to articulate faith naturally with youth and adults.
• Strong ability to build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Proven skill in recruiting, equipping, and supporting volunteers.
• Creative, organized, collaborative, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Clear communication skills (verbal, written, and digital).
• Affirmation of Reformed theology and alignment with the mission of the church.
• Bachelor’s degree required

Compensation: $48,000–$56,000 annually (based on 0.8 FTE; full-time equivalent $60,000–$70,000), commensurate with experience & education

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a significant employer contribution to your Health Savings Account, and a generous paid time off policy.

Applicants: Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by Sunday, March 1.