Full-Time Youth Director / Pastor at Providence CRC (Holland, MI)

Director of Student Ministries

General Purpose

Provides spiritual and structural leadership to middle and high school students at Providence Church and a connecting point for young adults post high school.  Equips volunteers and staff to be able to empower students to Boldly Share Jesus’ Love and Hope.

Essential Functions and Position Expectations

Leadership

• Develop, communicate, and own a vision for the Student Ministries that produces passion in students to follow Christ and to live out their calling.
• Lives out the mission and values of Providence.
• Recruit, develop, and oversee volunteers and staff to facilitate the vision of the student ministries programs.
• Create, manage, and compile student ministries budget.
• Other ministry and leadership tasks as assigned by the Lead Pastor.

Relational Ministry

• Fosters an environment and rhythm of life that engages students and their peers.
• Intentional presence on the campuses of local middle and high schools.
• Facilitate discipleship and fellowship opportunities and oversee the transition of graduating high school students/young adults.
• Maintain a flexible schedule that allows for approved and scheduled site visits with youth in a variety of ways. (i.e. attendance at extracurricular activities, time of crisis, lunch with students, etc.)
• Communicate with church leadership, staff, parents, and congregation in a timely manner utilizing available resources (email, website, app, newsletter, bulletin boards, etc.)

Discipleship (UP)

• Develop annual rhythms and spaces (1 on 1, small group, large group, Bible study,etc.) that foster an authentic faith in Jesus Christ for student ministries.
• Identifies important faith-forming milestones and leads students toward a growing and passionate faith walk in a Reformed tradition.
• Creates opportunities for families to grow spiritually together in collaboration with the Director of Children’s Ministry.
• Pursue and participate in continuing education events and training opportunities within youth ministry practices.
• Develop and execute a Profession of Faith Program in collaboration with the lead pastor.  Review annually.

Family Life (IN)

• Partners and supports parents in the growth and spiritual development of students.
• Effectively collaborates with other Providence staff in planning, developing, and implementing all aspects of a balanced and engaging youth ministry in the life of the Providence family.
• Preach and teach biblically sound sermons and Bible studies in collaboration with the leadership team and lead pastor.

Missional (OUT)

• Provide students with opportunities to engage in local and global missions.
• Assist students in identifying their unique calling and approach toward missions and provide opportunities to intentionally live it out.
• Values collaboration and seeks to partner with local and global ministry opportunities to bring Kingdom impact.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum 3 years’ experience (preferred) in student ministry related leadership; this includes developing, organizing, and effectively managing youth programs.
• Educated in and teaches from a Reformed theological perspective.
• Ability and willingness to preach quarterly is preferred.
• Proven ability to build relationships with youth (middle school and high school).
• Builds constructive and effective relationships and can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably. This includes coaching, discipling, and personally connecting.
• The ideal candidate has a passion for intergenerational relationships and enfolding youth and children into the life of the church.
• Experience exhibiting a personal and growing relationship with God.
• Experience coordinating activities and compiling and/or disseminating information related to youth programs/events, civic activities, meeting/travel arrangements, etc.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively under shifting conditions, competing priorities and challenging situations.
• Ability to think strategically and act tactically.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation.
• Proven ability to equip volunteers to be involved in students’ lives.
• Proven ability to recognize and engage those who are on the fringe and disconnected, and able to build support around them.
• Skilled at listening, conflict management, and critical/creative thinking.
• Ability to effectively use office automation, communication, and software tools and apps.

Additional Details

• Salaried full-time position
• Local travel required; occasional national travel required:  Yes
• Primary Location: Office space provided at Providence, expected to meet students at local schools, and provide community outreach
• Schedule: Flexible schedule with frequent night and weekend event attendance required.
• Compensation: Available upon request
• Reporting: This position is accountable to the Lead Pastor
• Benefits: medical insurance provided with staff co-pay, 401(k) match and paid vacation. Additional information available upon request.