Hire a Youth Pastor

Job Description

Position Summary:
The Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries is responsible for leading and overseeing a comprehensive, gospel-centered ministry to students (grades 6–12), children (birth through 5th grade), and their families. This leader will cultivate environments of discipleship, equip and empower volunteers and parents, and build bridges to the broader Midland community. The goal is to foster lifelong faith in Christ by nurturing spiritual formation at every stage of development.

Core Responsibilities:
1. Youth Ministry Leadership (Grades 6–12):
• Cast and implement a vision for student ministry aligned with the church’s mission. • Lead and equip volunteers to lead weekly student gatherings (e.g., Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights).
• Teach and model biblical truth in culturally relevant and theologically sound ways. • Recruit, equip, and shepherd volunteer leaders and small group mentors. • Develop a discipleship strategy that integrates evangelism, biblical literacy, spiritual formation, service, and leadership opportunities.
• Organize outreach events, retreats, mission trips, and service projects. • Foster an environment that supports students in owning their faith and engaging their world. • Integration of youth into other ministries within the church. 2. Family & Children’s Ministry Oversight (Birth – 5th Grade):
• Provide leadership and support to the Children’s Ministry. • Oversee the Children’s Director and support staff for Children’s and Youth ministry. • Ensure curriculum, programming, and strategy across age groups are cohesive and developmentally appropriate.
• Oversee safety and security procedures, background checks, and training for all volunteers. • Equip parents to grow as the primary spiritual leaders of their children through resources, events, and training.
3. Volunteer Development & Leadership:
• Develop and implement a volunteer staffing plan. • Build and sustain healthy teams of volunteers across youth and family ministries. • Provide regular training, evaluation, encouragement, and discipleship for volunteers. • Recognize and celebrate volunteers’ contributions and growth. 4. Parent Partnership:
• Create regular channels of communication with parents. • Offer coaching, workshops, and tools that help parents disciple their children at home, support the spiritual development of youth, and provide guidance in navigating challenges faced by children and youth of various ages. • Encourage and facilitate intergenerational connection and support within the church body. 5. Community Engagement & Evangelism:
• Build bridges to local schools, neighborhoods, and youth organizations. • Represent the church in the community through presence at key events. • Encourage students to see themselves as missionaries in their spheres of influence. 6. General Pastoral Duties:
• Participate in pastoral care and shepherding of the broader church body. • Occasionally preach and assist in Sunday services as needed. • Contribute to staff meetings and strategic planning for church-wide ministry goals. • Pursue ongoing personal spiritual growth and ministry development.

Qualifications:
Spiritual & Personal:
• A mature, growing, and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. • A life of integrity that meets the biblical qualifications of a church leader (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1). • A clear call to ministry, particularly to youth, children, and families. • Teachable, humble, and passionate about the next generation. • Emotionally intelligent and relational. • Agreement with the church’s Statement of Faith and Core Values. Educational & Professional:
• A seminary degree, with a minimum 2 years of experience in youth or family ministry leadership or in a broader pastoral role.
• Or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 5 years of experience in youth or family ministry leadership or in a broader pastoral role.
Skills & Competencies:
• Strong biblical teaching and communication abilities. • Demonstrated leadership in creating a vision, setting a strategy, and aligning others to achieve goals.
• Proven ability to build and lead teams and develop and shepherd volunteers. • Competent in planning and managing events and budgets. • Skilled in apologetics relevant to youth culture • Organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities. • Collaborative team player with leadership and administrative acumen. Relationships & Accountability:
• Reports directly to the Lead Pastor. • Oversees children’s and youth ministry staff and volunteers. • Works collaboratively with other ministry leaders and the elders. • Accountable to the elders.

The compensation for this position will range from $55,000-75,000, plus other benefits. Let us know if you’d like additional details. You can find the full job description here. If you are interested in exploring the next step, please submit a cover letter, resume, and include a link to two videos of your teaching (teaching over preaching would be preferred) to PastorSearch@midlandfree.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Midland Evangelical Free Church

Midland Evangelical Free Church (Midland Free) is a vibrant and welcoming congregation committed to biblical teaching, community building, and outreach. As part of the Evangelical Free Church of America denomination, MEFC holds to a strong foundation of Scripture and focuses on helping individuals grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. The church offers a variety of programs and ministries for all ages. Midland Free is known for its engaging worship services and strong teaching ministry that encourages personal spiritual growth and discipleship. The church is also deeply involved in local and global missions, with opportunities for members to serve both within the Midland community and abroad. Midland Free is a growing church of 600+ that desires the people of our body to glorify and enjoy God, embrace His Word, and engage His world.

Midland, Michigan, is a vibrant and welcoming community known for its strong sense of local pride, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to education and the arts. Located in the heart of the state, Midland is home to around 42,000 residents and offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city is perhaps best known as the headquarters of Dow Chemical Company, which has shaped much of its economic and cultural landscape. Midland boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place to raise a family. The city also has a rich cultural scene, with venues like the Midland Center for the Arts offering performances, art exhibits, and educational programs. Additionally, the community hosts many local events, festivals, and service projects. Overall, Midland is a friendly, close-knit city that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.