Pastor of Youth and Discipleship

The Pastor of Youth and Discipleship will oversee and lead the youth ministry (grades 7-12) and coordinate discipleship initiatives within the church family and community. He will serve as a shepherd to the youth and their families, providing sound and substantive biblical teaching and helping them grow toward maturity in Christ. He will also help the church carry out its disciplemaking mission. The ideal candidate will be a relational person with gifts in biblical teaching, servant leadership, gospel witness and community-building. The position the church is seeking to fill is a full-time salaried position.

The pastor of youth and discipleship will have two main responsibilities: youth and discipleship. These responsibilities will not be weighted equally; the majority of the responsibility will fall on the side of youth. In seeking to fill this position, Riverview Church is looking for someone who can meet the following criteria in terms of education, qualifications, responsibilities and accountability:

Education:

• It is preferred that the candidate have an undergraduate (or graduate) degree in Christian ministries, youth ministry, or biblical and theological studies. If the candidate does not have such a degree, he should have some form of equivalent training or experience and/or be working toward the completion of a degree.
• In addition to formal education or training, the candidate should have related life experience and ministry skills to foster spiritual growth and discipleship, especially in youth.
• The candidate is to be licensed or willing to be licensed/ordained in the EFCA.

Qualifications:

• The candidate is to have a humble heart, a love of God’s Word and a vibrant and mature faith in Christ as his Savior and Lord
• The candidate is to have an unwavering commitment to the full authority of Scripture over all areas of life
• The candidate is to meet the qualifications for elder as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-7
• The candidate is to be gifted in Bible teaching, one who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), with demonstrated commitment and skill in exposition and faithful application of biblical texts
• The candidate is to have strong relational skills
• The candidate is to have a passion for outreach and discipleship
• The candidate is to have strong leadership and management skills
• The candidate is to have good written and verbal communication skills
• The candidate is to be a team player who is able to work well with other staff
• The candidate is to demonstrate faithful and wise stewardship of the youth ministry budget
• The candidate is to align with the EFCA Statement of Faith, EFCA denials and affirmations, and Riverview church constitution and policies

Responsibilities (youth):

• Plan, carry out and oversee Wednesday night events. This includes: 1) providing substantive Bible teaching through faithful exposition in a way that promotes sound doctrine; 2) overseeing a small group ministry in which students can fruitfully engage the biblical text and grow in their discipleship.
• Plan and coordinate youth retreats, conferences, mission trips and fellowship events.
• Facilitate fundraising efforts for the youth ministry as needed.
• Build relationships with the youth to shepherd them and help them grow spiritually.
• Recruit, train and oversee a team of volunteers to assist with youth ministry.
• Help integrate the youth into the greater church body through discipleship, mentoring and activities that build up the church family.
• Provide oversight and training/guidance to the youth worship team.
• Maintain healthy and consistent communication with students and parents about all upcoming activities.
• Actively engage with youth when able through community involvement, school visits, social gatherings, mentoring and attendance at sporting events or other activities.
• Develop and implement a vision and strategic plan for youth ministry. Champion family-based discipleship.
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and monthly leadership meetings.

Responsibilities (discipleship):

• Plan and coordinate community and outreach efforts.
• Preach occasionally (possibly 6-8 times per year) as requested by the senior pastor.
• Serve in weekly worship services as requested.
• Plan and coordinate discipleship-growing ministries or programs within the church family.
• [Help] oversee/manage the church’s warehouse ministry.
• Build relationships with visitors and families to help them get connected to the church family and grow in their discipleship.

Accountability:

• The pastor of youth and discipleship will report to the senior pastor.
• The pastor of youth and discipleship will undergo annual reviews by the senior pastor in conjunction with the elder board.