Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries

Salem United Methodist Church Overview

 Our congregation is a mission minded blend of conservative, traditional, and socially moderate mindset of values and beliefs. All love each other and work well together. Salem has and continues to have open minds, hearts, and doors within and outside our immediate community.  Salem United Methodist is a very welcoming congregation and has a very strong and active church staff who welcome strong pastoral leadership.  We are located in a growing suburban area in Denver, NC which is just north of Charlotte.

We have a couple of positions that will be coming open by the end of the year. One is due to a family relocation and the other due to an upcoming career change. As we fill our open positions, we are evaluating and realigning roles and responsibilities. We have open roles which include Christian education, youth ministry, young adult ministry, contemporary worship leader, social media communications, and outreach. This post is focused on Christian education, youth ministry, and young adult ministry roles. If you are interested in parts of this position but also have the skills and desires to serve in other roles, we would consider realignment of roles and responsibilities to align with your specific skills to meet our needs.  Salary is negotiable based on experience and responsibilities.

 Position Summary

The Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries shall promote the study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in Scripture in accordance with the Mission Statement of Salem UMC, and shall provide ministry and care to the youth, children, and adults of Salem UMC and their families.

This position will provide spiritual leadership and discipleship formation as well as direction for effective Salem UMC middle school, high school, and young adult ministries. This includes program development and leadership, recruiting, training, and oversight of volunteer leaders to enable effective ministries, community outreach, and missions.

The Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries must have a sense of call and passion for Christion education and ministry that is grounded in an understanding and appreciation of United Methodist theology.  This person shall have a commitment to the Christian faith, and ability to nurture people as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in Christian education and/or youth ministry (2-3 yrs. preferred).
• Knowledge of faith development and the ability to incorporate this understanding into programs.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with volunteers and people of all ages.
• An ability to identify and foster leadership in adults, youth, and children.
• Excellent oral, written, and computer-based communication skills.
• An attitude of flexibility and adaptability in the face of the changing moods and plans especially when working with children, youth, and adults.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and preserve confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assesses needs, evaluates materials, initiates, develops, and implements programs, and oversees volunteers for:
  • Sunday School classes and small groups for all ages
  • Youth programs and Young Adult programs
  • Short term and ongoing opportunities for the purpose of nurturing and growing faithful disciples
  • Areas related to education, age level ministries and faith formation
  • Special intergenerational community outreach and seasonal activities
  • Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers
• Provides resources and support for Youth Ministry, Age Level Ministries, volunteers, staff, congregation, and Church Leadership Team.
• Develops and maintains annual budget for Youth and Young Adults, Education, Age Level and Family Ministries, and Safe Sanctuaries in consultation with Church Leaderships Team.
• Maintains communication with the:
  • Church Leadership Team
  • Church Staff, which includes Pastor, Director of Music and Fine Arts, Administrative Secretary, Worship Leader, and Facilities Manager
  • Congregation
• Implements and maintains the Safe Sanctuaries policy in coordination with Trustees.
• Works in conjunction with staff and volunteers to communicate with printed materials and online tools including social media and church website to celebrate and promote current and future events.
• Flexible in work hours, including weekends and evenings; present on Sundays.
• Serves on church staff and participates in weekly staff meetings.
• Maintains current education on knowledge of family systems, faith formation, and discipleship processes, and applies biblical teaching to daily life in the context of United Methodist theology.
• Assist with setting goals, developing and recruiting and retaining well trained volunteers in Youth and Young Adult Ministries to ensure successful and effective ministry for middle school, high school and young adults.
• Manages the Salem United Methodist Church Safe Sanctuary programs for Youth and Young Adult ministries. Ensures compliance with all Safe Sanctuary policies.
• Have a vision for the growth of our youth and young adults' faith and for the growth of the Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
• Design, implement and continue to build upon existing youth and young adult programs that integrate relationship building, worship, spiritual formation, and missional opportunities.
• Recruit volunteers, both youth/young adult, as well as Adults, to serve on the Youth Council. Collaborate with volunteers to offer opportunities for youth and young adults. Develop opportunities for the Youth and Young Adult Group to connect with other groups and Salem UMC as a whole.
• Provide oversight, direction, and support to the Youth Council. Develop, plan, and distribute an annual program/event calendar with assistance and input from the Youth Council.
• Develop and execute a plan and a vision for the Young Adults Group at Salem UMC, including growth and outreach to new members.
• Lead and promote Bible studies, conversations, and other learning opportunities for the Youth and Young Adults Group to grow in knowledge of the scriptures and connect with one another.
• Recruit, develop and train students and adult leaders who wish to participate in the planning and execution of Youth/ Young Adult in church wide ministries.
• Share responsibilities for planning, attending and overseeing special youth/young adult events and trips that offer mission opportunities and community outreach.
• Collaborate with church staff and key lay leaders to integrate the Youth and Young Adult Ministry into the overall life of the church.
• Provide oversight and support for weekend and midweek programs to include Christian education and social time.
• Maintain adequate and appropriate communication with students, parents and the congregation regarding youth and young adults via church media. Use social media and technology effectively and appropriately.