To apply, contact:

St. John’s Lutheran

Attn: Di Loptin

322 N. Molley St.

Bennington, NE 68007

402-238-2483

stjohnsbennington@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

Director of Youth Ministry

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Bennington, NE

 

Youth Director Wanted!

To lead a dynamic and comprehensive, Christ-centered program for 6th through 12th grade students and their families.

Relationships

The Director of Youth Ministry (DYM) is to work in conjunction with the Pastor of our congregation.

As a member of the ministerial staff, the DYM meets:

  • Quarterly with the Youth Ministry Board (who actively supports the DYM position and gives guidance)
  • Monthly to work collaboratively with the Youth Ministry Team (a group composed of parents and students that volunteer to assist and successfully implement Youth Ministry programs)
  • Weekly with the Confirmation Team (who assists the DYM with planning and preparation for 7th & 8th grade Confirmation using Faith Incubators)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Self-starter – willing to take initiative
  • Previous experience in Youth Ministry or related field
  • Previous experience teaching Confirmation (Faith Incubators)
  • Musical ability with experience leading group singing and/or skills in playing piano or guitar
  • Demonstrated ability to work positively and energetically for our established ELCA congregation
  • Commitment to working in a team staff environment
  • Experience recruiting adult volunteers
  • Proven track record in building relationships with youth
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Be a role model/mentor—be a Christian in your actions, words, and deeds
  • Modesty in appearance required to be an example to our youth
  • Verifiable references and background check

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time position with benefits.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

  • Management & public relations
    • Goal: To develop and manage a growing Christ centered youth ministry in coordination with and responsive to the congregation and Youth Ministry Board.
      • Understands and respects ELCA Lutheran tradition; its theology, resources, and practices
      • Recruit, train, and work with volunteers (Youth Ministry Team).
      • Meet monthly with Youth Ministry Team to implement youth ministry programs
      • Meet quarterly with the Youth Ministry Board
      • Attend weekly staff meetings and meet periodically with Pastor to coordinate progress
      • Attend monthly ELCA youth ministry meeting
      • Attend monthly Church Council meeting when necessary
      • Publish a calendar of events shared with youth, Youth Ministry Team, Youth Ministry Board, church, and the school.
      • Publish and advertise upcoming youth events throughout the church, community, and school — newsletters, mailings, flyers, and website.
      • Assist with website development to post pictures and develop calendar with aid of church members currently working on this publicity.
      • Be visible in the community by attending school and community events, (for example organizing and promoting the post game “5th Quarter” program sponsored by St. John’s). 
      • Coordinate and teach confirmation and related activities in conjunction with the Confirmation Team and Pastor.
      • Plan and implement youth fundraisers.
      • Properly manage youth accounts and youth budget.
  • Youth Ministry Team
    • Goal: To develop and work with a team of youth and adults who share the love of God in achieving the youth ministry goals.
      • The Youth Ministry Team is a supportive group of adults and youth who will assist the DYM in carrying out the ministry.
  • Outreach
    • Goal: To build a relationship with youth and parents, working to draw them closer to Christ and the church.
      • Contact active and inactive youth and parents to encourage involvement.
      • Plan activities on a regular basis that encourage parental and family involvement in assisting the church in outreach goals.
      • Expand attendance and worship by challenging youth to bring inactive members, younger youth, and guests to youth ministry events.
  • Fellowship
    • Goal: To share the word of God with youth and their families through activities, personal interaction, and guidance.
      • Plan activities and events for youth and their families.  A calendar needs to be developed and committed to.
      • Support recreation and other church-centered activities that involve youth in the congregation and community.
      • Develop intergenerational events.
  • Faith nurture & learning
    • Goal: To guide and encourage youth in their witness and outreach to others while they grow in a faith journey.
      • Develop Jr./Sr. Youth (pre-adolescent → high school graduate) youth mentoring programs.
      • Encourage youth to go beyond normal fellowship opportunities so they grow in their faith.
      • Lead retreats and mission trips.
      • Provide opportunity for structured bible studies, retreats, service projects, annual mission trips, and other activities/experiences.
      • Facilitate youth worship involvement.  Youth should be encouraged to participate in any and all worship services by serving the Lord through music, lecturing, ushering or other designated ways.
      • Develop and encourage youth leadership skills.  Challenge youth to participate in leadership retreats that are available.
  • Networking and Communication
    • Maintain constant communication with youth and adults via newsletters, flyers, mailings, committed calendars, e-mails, bulletin boards, personal visits, website, and phone contacts.
    • Be in contact with other youth ministers/directors and openly encourage joint activities.
  • Discipline
    • Goal: To help maintain a behavior management policy that will allow youth to share fellowship in a safe and fun environment.
      • The Youth Ministry Board will provide supportive guidelines for the DYM.
      • The DYM is accountable to the Youth Ministry Board, Pastor, and Church Council in administering the agreed upon guidelines.
      • The Pastor will review DYM performance annually and report to the Church Council and Youth Ministry Board.
  • Service
    • Goal: To provide opportunities for youth to grow as servants of the Lord.
      • Confirmation service projects should be scheduled and coordinated within the guidelines of the confirmation program.
      • Youth service projects should be scheduled on a regular basis.
      • Youth service projects should include church, community, and global outreach.