Youth Pastor

Position Overview: This is a really cool job! The Youth Pastor will lead and develop a vibrant, engaging ministry for students, focusing on spiritual growth, discipleship, and community involvement. This role requires a passion for working with youth, creativity in programming, and a collaborative spirit to enhance the overall mission of The Grove Church. Let me give you some insight into our youth group at The Grove. We have a bunch of really excited students about what God is doing in theirl lives and the life of Grove Students. We just got back from a winter camp that brought their love for God and each other to a whole other level. I am the interim youth pastor (did it for a lot of years), and as I look out at this group of 30-40 students wtih 6-7 dedicated volounteers, I get really excited for the next person that will take it over. We have not been giving 100% to this group, but we are looking for someone that will. If you are brand new in student ministry or you have been doing it for while, we want to talk to you. Do you love God? Do you love your family? Do you love ministry? Are you called to ministry? These are the questions we want you to ask yourself. 

OK, read below and see all of the important churchy stuff!

About the church: The Grove is a “new” church that is experiencing a lot of excitement and growth. The Grove Church began as a dream that two churches could be more effective if they merged into one.  One of those churches, Downers Grove Community Church, stood at a crossroads of what was next for them after decades of fruitful ministry and the other church, Four Corners Community Church, found itself at a similar place specifically as their warehouse was no longer an option to stay in. Over a year of planning and dreaming led to the creation and start of a new church. The Grove Church became  a new, multi-generational, healthy church community that is a blessing to the community of Downers Grove and beyond.  We have already seen God's blessings on this merger and continue to dream and pray that God would do more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Grove Students is our ministry for 6-12 grade students. We currently meet on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings.m We have trips and events throughout the year. There is a lot of new growth in our ministry and we are excited to see who will be the next person to lead it.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Development:
   • Plan, implement, and evaluate engaging student programming, including weekly gatherings, special events, and retreats.
   • Design and lead a dynamic Tuesday night youth group that fosters community, worship, and learning.
   • Coordinate Sunday morning Bible classes that promote scriptural understanding and personal application.
2. Discipleship:
   • Mentor students in their spiritual journeys, providing guidance, support, and accountability.
   • Train students to be disciples who make disciples.
   • Develop small group leaders and volunteers to facilitate discipleship and encourage student leadership.
3. Event Planning:
   • Organize fun and meaningful events throughout the year to build relationships and foster a sense of belonging among students.
   • Collaborate with other ministries to create integrated church-wide events that engage families and the community.
4. Team Collaboration:
   • Work closely with the greater team at The Grove Church to align student ministry goals with the church's overall mission.
   • Participate in regular staff meetings and training to share ideas, updates, and collaborate on church initiatives.
5. Community Engagement:
   • Foster relationships with parents, volunteers, and community organizations to strengthen the youth ministry's impact.
   • Encourage students to serve in the church and the local community, promoting a lifestyle of outreach and service.

Qualifications:

• A deep faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and the mission of The Grove Church.
• Experience in youth ministry or related fields is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to connect with and inspire students and volunteers.
• A creative mindset with the ability to plan engaging programs and events.

Are you the right person for this postion? We are looking for a man or woman that has a huge heart for students. We love the students of The Grove. They need someone who genuinely cares abd can help them make sense of their experiences with God. You don't have to be amazing at playing XBOX, but it will be a plus. The youth room has all of the emenities to help you make you and your students feel at home. If you become our student pastor/director, you will not believe how supportive this church will be for you. 

If you are interested, apply. If we like what we see and we are interested in your resume, you will recieve a questionaire.