Hire a Youth Pastor

Experience

/// CAMP DIRECTOR | Camp Kaleo, Forsyth, GA | August 2021 – July 2025 Successfully directed all year-round operations and summer programming for a multi-faceted Christian camp and retreat center, operating under the state mission board with significant independence and direct responsibility for all outcomes.

-Pastoral Leadership & Staff Development: Recruited, trained, and provided pastoral oversight for 30+ summer staff (high school and college-aged), mentoring them in spiritual leadership, small group facilitation, and youth development. Fostered a discipleship culture that resulted in high staff morale and retention. -Strategic Turnaround & Growth: Navigated a complex ownership transition while at the helm, ensuring operational continuity and stabilizing ministry focus. Pioneered new partnerships with local SBC churches and Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), opening previously closed doors and driving an increase in camper enrollment. -Ministry Operations & Stewardship: Functioned as the primary year-round administrator, managing all booking, marketing, budgeting, and program logistics with a lean two-person team. Stewarded the ministry’s resources with integrity and scrappy ingenuity to maximize impact. -Curriculum & Program Design: Engineered engaging, gospel-centered summer curriculum and thematic activities for 600+ students annually. Designed and utilized creative games and team-building exercises to foster community and reinforce spiritual lessons.

/// EVENT COORDINATOR | Shocco Springs Retreat and Conference Center, Talladega, AL | 2013 – 2021 Orchestrated large-scale events and provided logistical leadership for a major Baptist conference center.

-Served as the primary coordinator for major student ministries, including Student Life and Super Summer, managing logistics for thousands of attendees. -Cultivated lasting relationships with church leaders and ministry partners, earning a reputation for excellence and reliability that led to high client retention. -Mentored and trained seasonal staff in hospitality, recreation, and guest relations with a focus on servant leadership.

/// YOUTH MINISTER | Maynard Baptist Church, Forsyth GA | 2004 – 2005

-Led the student ministry through weekly teaching, discipleship, and pastoral care and coaching. -Planned and executed all youth events, including retreats, service projects, and weekly programming, fostering a vibrant community for students.

Education

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
University of Georgia | A.B.J. Business Advertising, Cum Laude | 2004
Young Harris College | A.A. Liberal Arts, Cum Laude | 2002
Certifications: Serve Safe Manager, Certified Pool Operator, Class 4 Well Certification, Project Adventure Workshop

MISSIONS & VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP:
-International Missions: Actively served on short-term mission trips to Mexico (home building), Haiti (VBS and teacher training), and -Ecuador (camp construction), demonstrating a commitment to the Great Commission. -Small Group Leader: Invested in high school and young adult small groups, providing consistent mentorship and Bible study leadership. -Church Media Volunteer: Served faithfully on the video production team as a camera and ProPresenter operator for live worship services. -NAMB Certification: Certified as a Royal Ambassador Leader Trainer by the North American Mission Board.

Skills

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP
- Relational Ministry & Mentoring - Public Speaking & Teaching - Leadership Development - Pastoral Care & Coaching - Small Group Facilitation

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
- Creative Curriculum Design - Thematic Program & Game Creation Large-Scale Event Coordination
- Youth Retreat & Mission Trip Planning - Team-Building & Low Ropes

ADMINISTRATION & STEWARDSHIP
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight - Volunteer & Staff Recruitment - Partnership & Community Building - Risk Management & Safety Protocols - Strategic Planning & Execution

Additional information

To the Church,

My wife, Melody, and I are prayerfully seeking our next place of service, and I'm grateful for the chance to share my heart for ministry with you.

My calling has always been to student and young adult ministry. My goal is simple: to help build a faith with roots. I want to come alongside a church and help create a student ministry where faith isn't just an event they attend, but a real, lasting part of who they are. I believe that happens when students are given a safe space to be themselves, are challenged to think deeply about God's Word, and are shown how to be an active, valued part of the entire church family.

My most formative leadership experience was serving as the Director of Camp Kaleo. It was a role that stretched me in every way and taught me what it takes to run a holistic ministry. That job taught me how to manage all the moving parts—from budgets and buildings to recruiting and coaching college staff—all while keeping the main thing the main thing: showing students Jesus in everything we do.

What I'm looking for is more than just a position; my family and I are looking for a church to call home. We want to find a place where we can plant deep roots, build relationships, and lock arms with the leadership to pour ourselves into the vision God has for your community.

If my experience and heart for ministry seem like they might be a good fit for your church, I would be honored to start a conversation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

In Christ,
Luke Foster