Full-Time Youth Pastor at Gateway Church (Merced, CA)

Job Description:

Gateway Youth Pastor

Overview:

The Youth Pastor marked with a vibrant Christian faith will lead Gateway Church in reaching, discipling, and caring for youth and their families, guiding the next generation into a growing relationship with Jesus and His Church.  This Youth Pastor will recruit and develop volunteer teams, model outreach to unchurched youth and parents, and cultivate a ministry culture that forms lifelong followers of Christ.

Primary Responsibilities:

Develop & Multiply Leaders

• Cast compelling vision for Youth Ministries (6th – 12th grade) that aligns with Gateway’s mission and vision and fuels excitement for what God is doing among the youth.
• Build and lead a disciple-making culture by recruiting, equipping, and empowering passionate adult and youth leaders.
• Work with teams to create a welcoming, relevant, and fun youth culture at Gateway that appeals to both churched and unchurched youth.
• Create opportunities for youth to experience the life of the church through participation in church-wide events and explore leadership within the youth ministry and the church as a whole.
• Develop systems that support excellence, safety, and sustainability in volunteer leadership.

Model Relational Outreach

• Build meaningful relationships with youth beyond church walls – showing up in their spaces, engaging in their world, and demonstrating a visible, approachable presence within the community.
• Cultivate a ministry mindset that reaches unchurched youth and families with warmth, humility, and authenticity.
• Equip and mobilize adults and youth leaders to actively participate in relational, incarnational outreach.

Provide Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Care

• Shepherd youth and families with wisdom, compassion, and intentional discipleship.
• Develop pathways for spiritual growth that move youth from curiosity to commitment to leadership.
• Partner with parents, equipping them to be confident and faithful spiritual leaders in their homes.
• Maintain a strong pastoral presence on Sundays – connecting naturally with youth and families within the broader life of the church.

Lead as a Part of Gateway’s Pastoral Team

• Collaborate with staff and elders to strengthen unity, creativity, and mission across ministries.
• Contribute to church-wide vision, community engagement, and spiritual health.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, leadership development and strategic planning as appropriate.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned in support of the overall health and mission of the church.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate a vibrant Christian faith marked by humility, spiritual maturity, and a commitment to ongoing growth in Christ.
• Affirm and serve in alignment with Gateway Church’s Reformed perspective, mission, and vision.
• Commit to active participation in the life of Gateway Community Church and be willing to become a member with his/her family.
• Possess a genuine love for youth and a passion for helping them grow as followers of Jesus.
• Hold an undergraduate degree and/or relatable experience in Christian Ministry or education. Graduate degree preferred or encouraged after joining staff.
• Exhibit strong, organized leadership with the ability to equip, empower, and develop volunteer youth leaders.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with youth, parents, volunteers, and staff across in person and digital platforms.
• Model authentic, culturally aware leadership that welcomes unchurched youth and faithfully stewards people and resources toward spiritual growth.
• Work collaboratively as a team player, prioritizing the good of the church and community over personal preference.

Department: Youth Ministries

Time Requirements: This is an exempt, full-time, salaried position.

Salary: $54,000 – $64,000 (plus family health benefits and more)