Director of Middle School Ministry

Position Summary: The Director of Middle School Ministry provides vision, leadership and hands-on ministry for our students in grades 6-8. This role focuses on helping middle school students grow in their relationship with Jesus, connect with the church community and partner with families.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Ministry Leadership and Vision
• Develop and implement a clear, biblically grounded vision for MS ministry that is aligned with Lakes Free vision and mission.
• Plan and lead weekly programming (Wednesday evening youth group, Sunday morning classes)
• Create a welcoming, engaging and spiritually-formative environment for our students.
2. Discipleship and Student Engagement
• Disciple students in their faith through teaching, mentoring and small groups
• Encourage student participation in church life, service and outreach events
• Plan and implement special events and retreats
3. Volunteer Recruitment and Development
• Recruit, train and support a team of adult volunteers
• Provide ongoing support and encouragement for our leaders
• Ensure a healthy volunteer-to-student ratio for all events
4. Partner with Students’ Families
• Provide consistent and clear communication with students' parents regarding all ministry activities and program direction
• Equip parents to disciple their children at home
• Be a resource to families
5. Administration
• Manage ministry budget
• Maintain student records
• Administer ministry calendar

Working Relationships:

1. Accountability – The director of middle school ministry is accountable to the executive pastor in the performance of their duties.
2. Collaboration – The director will partner with the director of student programming for administrative leadership.
3. Team Member - The director shall be a member of the student ministry team and work with them to carry out all their responsibilities.

Personal Qualifications:

1. Evidence of a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Must have a love for students and a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with youth, parents and staff
3. Experience in building and working with a lay youth ministry team to carry out the youth ministry goals
4. A seminary degree or a college degree with an emphasis on Christian ministry
5. Be in full agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith
6. Be in full agreement with and support the Lakes Free mission statement, constitution, bylaws and policy statements
7. Able to teach in a relevant, impactful manner
8. Able to manage the administration of a larger student program
9. Be willing to submit to a background check

How to Apply:

Submit the following application documents in MS Word or PDF file format.
• Letter of interest – Include the earliest date you would be available to start if selected
• Resume – Include the contact details that will allow us to contact you confidentially
• Three references – Include at least one professional and one pastoral reference (required)
References will only be contacted if a candidate is under continuing consideration at the conclusion of the application review and initial interview steps.

Send by email to search@lakesfree.org

• Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.
• All applications will be handled with confidentiality.