Director of Youth and Family Ministry - Job Posting

Trinity Lutheran Church, Kutztown, is currently seeking candidates for a Full Time (36 hours/week) Director of Youth and Family Ministry. Interested applicants should email a resumé to office@trinitykutztown.com (cover letter optional). Full job description and minimum requirements are below or click here to download as a PDF file.

Overview:

The Youth Director will be primarily responsible for equipping youth to be servant leaders of Christ who live out the teachings of Jesus by setting the example through compassion and a mutual respect, while creating a safe place for young people with questions and doubts. The Youth Director will provide leadership for youth activities, ranging from Bible studies, discipleship, mission and service projects, and fellowship events in a safe and engaging environment. The other area of focus will be attending to the family by equipping parents/guardians to be the primary faith educator for their child(ren) through good communication, engagement, education, and inter-generational events.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and is in the rural college town of Kutztown, about 1.5 hours from the city of Philadelphia. The town, which attracts thousands of students every year from around the United States and the globe, keeps Kutztown brimming with energy, the arts, and new ideas. The town slogan, "A Most Agreeable Town," perfectly embodies the balance of Kutztown's blend of small-town living and modern conveniences. With a vibrant college population and multiple school in the area, it is a place of many opportunities to share the Good News and show the love of Jesus.

Responsibilities:

1.Youth Ministry Leadership

  • Plan, implement, and lead age-appropriate activities for 1st grade – 12th grade that promote community through fellowship, fun, faith development and service.

  • Plan and lead engaging and relevant youth group meetings, Bible studies, and discipleship activities.

  • Work on building up and empowering a volunteer base to facilitate and lead elementary and middle school youth groups.

  • Provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and mentorship to young individuals, addressing their unique needs and challenges.

  • Encourage the youth to actively participate in worship services, outreach programs, and community service opportunities.

  • Organize and oversee retreats, camps, mission trips, and other special events that promote spiritual growth and fellowship.

2. Campus Ministry

  • Co-lead Trinity’s KU campus ministry through the Lutheran Centre.

3. Teaching and Discipleship

  • Schedule and organize at least a bi-monthly youth group time for students to attend.

  • Create opportunities for small group discussions, Bible studies, and discipleship relationships to nurture the faith of young individuals.

  • Facilitate conversations that encourage critical thinking, exploration of personal beliefs, and application of biblical principles in daily life.

4. Relationship Building

  • Develop meaningful relationships with youth, parents, volunteers, and church staff, building trust and fostering a sense of community.

  • Provide pastoral care and support to youth and their families during times of crisis, challenges, and life transitions.

  • Collaborate with parents and guardians to support and reinforce the spiritual development of their children.

  • Create opportunities for families to engage within the broader church community by creating inter-generational events that parent(s)/guardian(s) can attend with their child(ren).

  • Recruit, train, and mentor volunteers to assist in various aspects of the youth ministry, promoting teamwork and shared responsibility.

5. Outreach

  • Seek to develop ecumenical youth opportunities.

  • Assist at the after-school program, Oasis.

  • Attend students’ sporting events, concerts, etc.

6. Administration and Communication

  • Communicate regularly with parents, church leadership, and the congregation about upcoming events, activities, and youth ministry updates.

  • Manage the youth ministry budget and resources responsibly, seeking approval and guidance from church leadership as necessary.

  • Work with youth ministry & learning teams to prepare & submit an annual budget to the finance team.

  • Coordinate fundraising for special youth activities.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Experience in youth ministry, education, or counseling.

  • Committed to growing in the Christian faith.

  • A passion for young people.

  • Hold strongly to the belief that young people can make a difference in our world.

  • Passion to see children as the Church of now

  • Have respect for youth, their passions, struggles, questions, and doubts.

  • Passion for justice, inclusion, and equity.

  • Affirm Trinity’s welcome statement.

  • Ability to teach and communicate tenants of faith effectively to youth of diverse backgrounds, utilizing creative and engaging methods.

  • Clears background checks as required by Trinity and the ELCA.

Strongly Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Demonstrated excellence in leadership

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Position is hourly, non-exempt status and the anticipated schedule is 36 hours a week with $46,800 base per year + benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings, and continuing education.

Trinity’s Mission Statement:

  • The mission of Trinity is “to equip God’s people to do God’s work and bring good news to hungry people.”

Trinity’s Welcome Statement:

  • Trinity is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We affirm and encourage the full participation of the LGBTQIA+ community into our church family and ministries. Please become acquainted with our welcome statement found here.