Director of Youth and Family Ministry

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter telling us about yourself, and one letter of reference, to Pastor Josh Brecht (he/his) via mail or email.

jbrecht@gslcelca.org

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

327 Woods Mill Road

Manchester, MO 63021

http://goodshepherdlutheran.com

Job Title:                    Director of Youth and Family Ministry

Reports To:                 Pastor of Discipleship

Effective:                     March 11, 2025

Status:                         Full-Time

FLSA:                           Exempt

Job Summary:

The Director of Youth and Family Ministry will lead the congregation in ministry to, with, and among middle school, high school and college-age youth and their families.  The director will work to cultivate a culture where young people and their families can encounter the deep and unconditional love of God, experience spiritual growth, build Christian community and a sense of belonging, and explore their own ministries.

Staff Mission Statement:  Equipping, encouraging and empowering the people of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to Follow Christ, Grow in Faith and Share God’s Love.

Essential Functions:

• Build and nurture relationships with and among middle school, high school and college students, and between these age groups and the rest of the congregation.
• Lead spiritual growth for 6^th-12^th grade, by coordinating and overseeing regular programming, special events, and trips.

• Encourage and equip youth to share in leadership among the congregation.

• Coordinate outreach to college students.

• Serve as the primary staff person for care for youth and college students, and their families.
• Recruit and equip volunteers to help with your ministry areas.
• Foster community for parents of youth and encourage them to engage in the life of the congregation.
• Support, accompany, and equip parents of 6^th-12^th graders to lead faith formation at home.

General:

• Prepare budget and maintain oversight of spending for Youth and Family Ministry programming.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Participate in the life of the congregation.

• All other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Organizational and planning skills: This person must be able to be organized enough to delegate and ensure programs and volunteers are prepared.
• Communication skills:  This person must be able to communicate clearly, in a timely manner, and in a style appropriate to the context, with youth and adults.
• Leadership development: This person must have passion and skill for recruiting, developing, and showing appreciation for youth and adult leaders.
• Flexibility: Hours, responsibilities, and ministries require flexibility and a joyful spirit.  Be able to project a compassionate and encouraging spirit, especially during stressful times.
• Interpersonal relationships: This person must be able to work together with staff and teams of people.
• Vision and purpose:
  • Passion and heartfelt concern and welcome for all youth and their families.
  • Knowledge, understanding and general acceptance of Lutheran doctrine.
  • Communicate the importance of youth ministry with the congregation.
  • Awareness and openness to new areas of youth ministry.
  • A good sense of how growing and supporting our youth and their families fits with the overall mission of Good Shepherd.
  • Personal growth:  continued spiritual and professional growth through reading, worship, and education.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field of learning and faith formation. Five plus years of experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move freely in and out of different small-group settings.
• Ability to speak in a public forum.