Minister for Youth

Reisterstown UMC is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as the designated leader of youth ministry (6th-12th grade), providing the guidance necessary to help them grow and mature in their Christian faith.

Education and Experience

1. Minimum of two year’s previous experience in youth ministry or Christian education required.
2. College credits in youth ministry, Christian education, or theology preferred. 

Youth Program

1. Develop a year-round youth program that includes bi-weekly youth group gatherings during the school year, with the primary goal being spiritual growth. 
2. Plan and coordinate periodic events designed to engage youth at all levels of spiritual maturity, including those who do not have a commitment to Christ. These events might include fun outings, retreats, or outreach / mission projects and may take place during the summer or in place of a regularly-scheduled weekly meeting. Planning should include determining costs, defining details, and recruiting adult volunteers. 
3. Participate on the Confirmation team as an instructor on a rotation-basis. 
4. Participate on a team of servant leaders that plans and implements RUMC’s Wednesday outreach to Franklin Middle School students.  
5. Promote youth participation in Baltimore-Washington Conference Summer Camps and youth activities, as well as RUMC Vacation Bible School. Participates as a leader as time allows.  
6. Develop leadership abilities in youth; encourage youth participation in congregational activities.
7. Develop ways for the church to support / stay connected to recent high school graduates & young adults.

Planning and Oversight

1. Maintain accurate records related to youth ministries at RUMC. Track participants for each activity, ensure timely payments, and ensure appropriate permissions are obtained for all youth participating in activities / events, including, but not limited to, approval to participate, to photograph, to transport, etc. Maintain records in an easily accessible filing system. Ensure adult leaders responsible have the appropriate forms / documents prior to commencement of an activity / event. 
2. Ensure fiscal responsibility and oversight of the funds in the youth budget. Provide receipts for all activities, materials, and expenses in a timely manner. Ensure all payments / deposits collected are recorded and forwarded to the appropriate financial administrator. 
3. Establish routine communications with youth, adult leaders, and parents. Provide updates including upcoming events, activities, and information. Communicate using a variety of methods (email, newsletter / bulletin, social media, website) to ensure youth and guardians receive the information. Ensure communications are timely and allow for adequate planning for youth, parents, and leaders.
4. Serve as a resource for other staff and be a committed team member. 

Core Competencies and Qualifications

1. Spiritual leader with deep faith and insight into the Bible.
2. Shares faith easily, and communicates with all ages of youth and their families in a relevant way.
3. Has a passion for working with youth; is available to the youth and willing to support them in their daily lives.
4. Values youth and accepts them as they are; offers an inclusive approach to ministry that embraces young people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations; respects families of all structures.
5. Demonstrates ability to provide inspired leadership of youth through relationships, teaching and example.  
6. Ability to oversee youth and maintain order with consistency and fairness.
7. Excellent communication skills including the ability to convey information clearly to youth, adult leaders, guardians and the congregation.  
8. Ability to build and equip a team of volunteers, and be a team player with volunteers and with staff.
9. Knowledge of United Methodist/Wesleyan theology and the ability to determine which materials are acceptable for use and which are not acceptable.
10. Strong organizational skills.

Reporting

The Minister for Youth will report to the Pastor and shall attend Church Council meetings when requested. He/She/They may be asked to provide quarterly updates to the Church Council to assist the Council in strategic planning.

Position Classification

This is a part-time position with expectations of an average of 12 hours per week, with fewer hours in the summer and the potential for more during the school year. Opportunities for compensatory time off are available in consultation with the Pastor.