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Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries - FT - University City UMC Charlotte, NC

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Classifieds

September 12, 2023

University City UMC is looking for a candidate to grow our youth ministry and to continue the development of our young adult program. We prefer someone with a degree in Christian education, religious studies, or related field and 3-5 years' experience in youth ministry. Salary will be based on education and experience as a youth leader. Please see the full job description below:
 

Our Vision:
We are a community oriented Christian Church. We intentionally develop relationships with God and neighbor, one person at a time.
Our Mission:
To change the world by making disciples who Bless others, Belong in community, and Believe in Jesus Christ
Core Values:
  • Externally Focused
  • Boldly taking risks
  • Genuinely Welcoming
  • Intentionally sharing our faith stories
  • Lovingly caring for one another
 
The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will collaborate with the Director of Generational and Serving Ministries and the Director of Children and Family Ministries to fulfill the Mission and Vision of the church. Each Director will be encouraged to align essential job responsibilities and duties as seen below within the three B’s of the mission of the church.
 
The primary functions of the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries are to:
  • Provide spiritual leadership, guidance, supervision, and direction for the Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade students)
  • Engage and vision with the congregation and community at large to develop ways to grow the program, increase participation, and better connect youth and young adults to Jesus, the church, the community, and to one another.
  • Develop a God-centered program with the following characteristics:
    • Biblically based teaching
    • Relational development among the youth, leaders, and congregation
    • Communication and listening opportunities between the youth, parents, and lay leaders
    • Physically and emotionally safe environment for spiritual growth, engagement, trust, and support
    • Inclusivity and openness to needs of middle and high school youth
    • Fellowship, recreation, and mission opportunities
  • Provide spiritual leadership to Young Adults (i.e., age 18 - 30) and develop opportunities for fellowship and growth.
 
 

UCUMC Expectations of All Employees: 
 
  • Leads by example and continuously pursues spiritual maturity and the life of a disciple of Christ.
  • Works within the parameters of the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the UCUMC.
  • Shows integrity, honesty, and respect in all interactions with staff, laity, and the community.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of and complies with all church policies and procedures.
  • Is willing to accept and to provide honest feedback, and to be accountable for all actions. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Youth Ministry
 
  • Develop, nurture, and lead a biblically based, Youth Ministry under the UCUMC Ministry Action Plan. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
    • Sunday morning Prayer Furnace or associated programming (every Sunday morning throughout the calendar year
    • FUSION Youth Ministry and Small Groups (Sunday nights during the school year)
    • Youth Leadership Team (throughout the calendar year)
    • Confirmation Class (offered annually)
    • Youth Sunday (one Sunday morning during the school year)
    • Youth Bible studies, retreats, mission activities, and fellowship events (throughout the calendar year)
  • Develop an intergenerational partnership with the congregation and community at large which could include:
    • Fellowship activities both within and outside the church
    • Opportunities for the youth to serve within the church
    • Mission activities both inside the church and in the broader community
  • Develop, build, and train a team of volunteers to assist in leading the following elements of the ministry:
    • Small group activities/lessons
    • Confirmation Class
    • Fellowship Activities such as games, music, or other large group events
    • Mission Activities
    • Youth Retreats or other group trips
    • Meal preparation
  • Identify or create contemporary curricula for use in the Youth Program on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights that are age and content appropriate.
  • Communicate regularly with students, parents, and adult volunteers to keep them updated on Youth Ministry events. This communication could include:
    • Weekly parent/student emails
    • Weekly social media posts including pictures and/or videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok
    • Information on current youth needs, both spiritually and emotionally
  • Participate in student life by building relationships with families, attending extracurricular activities, and connecting in other meaningful ways. Engagement with students in the community at large provides opportunities to help connect them to Christ and our church.
  • Pray for and build relationships with adult volunteers, parents, and students, while encouraging and supporting them in serving and in their faith journey. Appropriately manage any conflicts related to parents, volunteers, or youth.
 
Young Adult Fellowship
 
  • Develop, nurture, and lead the Young Adult Ministries of the church, responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
    • Young Adult Bible Study and small group coordination
    • Young Adult Sunday School
    • Young Adult Mission, fellowship, recreation, or other use of Fresh Expression type activity to engage young adults wherever they are.
    • Coordinate with other young adult ministries such as Niner United or other area groups
  • Identify or develop curriculum for Young Adult Bible Study or small groups that are engaging, nurturing, and biblically based.
  • Develop opportunities within the group to serve both the church and community including missions and community service.
  • Develop lay leaders and/or a lay team to assist with the recruitment and retention of young adults within the church.
  • Communicate on a regular basis with young adults and lay leaders via email, texting, and/or social media.
  • Pray for and build relationships with the young adults in the church body and in the community.
 
General requirements for both Youth and Young Adults
 
  • Assist young adults, youth, parents, and adult volunteers in discovering their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities and help them to use them in ministry and service to God and others.
  • Participate as needed in Worship to share upcoming youth or young adult related events (through videos or in person) or assist in Worship as needed and schedule allows upon the request of either the Senior Pastor or Director of Worship and the Arts.
  • Pursue and exemplify spiritual growth as a Disciple of Christ through prayer, Bible study, faithful giving, service to others and witnessing your faith to others.
  • Attend and participate in weekly worship services at UCUMC, staff/prayer meetings and other training/team building activities as needed.
  • Keep expenses, timelines, supplies, ministry spaces, and young adult/student/parent/volunteer information current and organized and in accordance with the Financial Services Policy manual.
  • Provide a detailed budget each year to the Finance/Budget Team and manage that budget throughout the year.
  • Coordinate clean-up of facilities after Youth and Young Adult Ministries events and activities
  • Coordinate training and implement the fidelity of the Safe Sanctuaries® Policy for Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults in conjunction with Director of Children and Family Ministries
  • Identify and develop age-appropriate spiritual growth milestones and curriculum for students and their families.
 
All department managers/directors:
Controls expenses by gathering and submitting budget information; scheduling expenditures; monitoring variances; implementing corrective actions.
 
 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned to support Generational and Service Ministries.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Minimum age requirement: 23
  • Has a Christian commitment to Jesus Christ, the Church and the community
  • Maintains a high sense of dependability to—and accountability for—the Youth and Young Adult Ministries
  • Comfortable and able to share the Gospel and model a strong prayer life to groups of youth/adults
  • Maintains a knowledge of and connection with the culture of today’s youth and young adults, including the spiritual and/or secular issues that they may be encountering.
  • Energetic, passionate, visionary, patient, and people-oriented
  • Able to recruit, train, equip and empower volunteers to lead.
  • Comfortable and able to work with youth of diverse backgrounds and capabilities.
  • Able to work on Sunday, weeknights, and have flexibility for schedule changes based on ministry needs
  • Strong organizational/time management skills, with an attention to detail
  • Able to work independently—i.e., a proven self-starter.
  • Able to work as part of a team.
  • Strong leadership skills around goal setting/expectations, building consensus for the team and moving everyone forward towards completing goals/expectations.
  • Able to give/receive feedback, guidance and direction, then move forward to achieve goals.
  • Able to plan and execute multiple overlapping events including meeting management, delegation, and communication.
  • Ability to move fluidly between virtual and in-person environments.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communication through email and social media platforms.
  • Basic knowledge of word processing/spreadsheet tracking software, such as that in Microsoft Office Suite

Education and/or Experience:
Preferred qualifications:
  1. A member of the United Methodist Church and/or familiar with the teachings and practices of the United Methodist Church
  2. Prior work experience in youth or young adult ministry
  3. Prior experience leading Bible studies or Sunday School classes, or teaching/preaching the Gospel
  4. A degree in Christian education, religious studies, or related field
  5. Prior experience leading a team and delegating tasks accordingly
  6. Prior experience recruiting, training, equipping and empowering volunteers to lead
  7. Prior experience in planning and executing group events
  8. Prior experience developing and managing an operating budget

Language Skills:

English, other languages a plus

Math Skills:

Basic math skills

Reasoning Ability:

Critical thinking and ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Employment Conditional upon the Results of the Following: 
  • Criminal background check to include:  Federal and State Fingerprint Database, Sex Offender Registry
 
As Required:
  • Acceptable driving record per company insurance policy requirements.

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to low to moderate noise level.
Our Vision:
We are a community oriented Christian Church. We intentionally develop relationships with God and neighbor, one person at a time.
Our Mission:
To change the world by making disciples who Bless others, Belong in community, and Believe in Jesus Christ
Core Values:
  • Externally Focused
  • Boldly taking risks
  • Genuinely Welcoming
  • Intentionally sharing our faith stories
  • Lovingly caring for one another
 
The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will collaborate with the Director of Generational and Serving Ministries and the Director of Children and Family Ministries to fulfill the Mission and Vision of the church. Each Director will be encouraged to align essential job responsibilities and duties as seen below within the three B’s of the mission of the church.
 
The primary functions of the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries are to:
  • Provide spiritual leadership, guidance, supervision, and direction for the Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade students)
  • Engage and vision with the congregation and community at large to develop ways to grow the program, increase participation, and better connect youth and young adults to Jesus, the church, the community, and to one another.
  • Develop a God-centered program with the following characteristics:
    • Biblically based teaching
    • Relational development among the youth, leaders, and congregation
    • Communication and listening opportunities between the youth, parents, and lay leaders
    • Physically and emotionally safe environment for spiritual growth, engagement, trust, and support
    • Inclusivity and openness to needs of middle and high school youth
    • Fellowship, recreation, and mission opportunities
  • Provide spiritual leadership to Young Adults (i.e., age 18 - 30) and develop opportunities for fellowship and growth.
 
 

UCUMC Expectations of All Employees: 
 
  • Leads by example and continuously pursues spiritual maturity and the life of a disciple of Christ.
  • Works within the parameters of the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the UCUMC.
  • Shows integrity, honesty, and respect in all interactions with staff, laity, and the community.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of and complies with all church policies and procedures.
  • Is willing to accept and to provide honest feedback, and to be accountable for all actions. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Youth Ministry
 
  • Develop, nurture, and lead a biblically based, Youth Ministry under the UCUMC Ministry Action Plan. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
    • Sunday morning Prayer Furnace or associated programming (every Sunday morning throughout the calendar year
    • FUSION Youth Ministry and Small Groups (Sunday nights during the school year)
    • Youth Leadership Team (throughout the calendar year)
    • Confirmation Class (offered annually)
    • Youth Sunday (one Sunday morning during the school year)
    • Youth Bible studies, retreats, mission activities, and fellowship events (throughout the calendar year)
  • Develop an intergenerational partnership with the congregation and community at large which could include:
    • Fellowship activities both within and outside the church
    • Opportunities for the youth to serve within the church
    • Mission activities both inside the church and in the broader community
  • Develop, build, and train a team of volunteers to assist in leading the following elements of the ministry:
    • Small group activities/lessons
    • Confirmation Class
    • Fellowship Activities such as games, music, or other large group events
    • Mission Activities
    • Youth Retreats or other group trips
    • Meal preparation
  • Identify or create contemporary curricula for use in the Youth Program on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights that are age and content appropriate.
  • Communicate regularly with students, parents, and adult volunteers to keep them updated on Youth Ministry events. This communication could include:
    • Weekly parent/student emails
    • Weekly social media posts including pictures and/or videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok
    • Information on current youth needs, both spiritually and emotionally
  • Participate in student life by building relationships with families, attending extracurricular activities, and connecting in other meaningful ways. Engagement with students in the community at large provides opportunities to help connect them to Christ and our church.
  • Pray for and build relationships with adult volunteers, parents, and students, while encouraging and supporting them in serving and in their faith journey. Appropriately manage any conflicts related to parents, volunteers, or youth.
 
Young Adult Fellowship
 
  • Develop, nurture, and lead the Young Adult Ministries of the church, responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
    • Young Adult Bible Study and small group coordination
    • Young Adult Sunday School
    • Young Adult Mission, fellowship, recreation, or other use of Fresh Expression type activity to engage young adults wherever they are.
    • Coordinate with other young adult ministries such as Niner United or other area groups
  • Identify or develop curriculum for Young Adult Bible Study or small groups that are engaging, nurturing, and biblically based.
  • Develop opportunities within the group to serve both the church and community including missions and community service.
  • Develop lay leaders and/or a lay team to assist with the recruitment and retention of young adults within the church.
  • Communicate on a regular basis with young adults and lay leaders via email, texting, and/or social media.
  • Pray for and build relationships with the young adults in the church body and in the community.
 
General requirements for both Youth and Young Adults
 
  • Assist young adults, youth, parents, and adult volunteers in discovering their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities and help them to use them in ministry and service to God and others.
  • Participate as needed in Worship to share upcoming youth or young adult related events (through videos or in person) or assist in Worship as needed and schedule allows upon the request of either the Senior Pastor or Director of Worship and the Arts.
  • Pursue and exemplify spiritual growth as a Disciple of Christ through prayer, Bible study, faithful giving, service to others and witnessing your faith to others.
  • Attend and participate in weekly worship services at UCUMC, staff/prayer meetings and other training/team building activities as needed.
  • Keep expenses, timelines, supplies, ministry spaces, and young adult/student/parent/volunteer information current and organized and in accordance with the Financial Services Policy manual.
  • Provide a detailed budget each year to the Finance/Budget Team and manage that budget throughout the year.
  • Coordinate clean-up of facilities after Youth and Young Adult Ministries events and activities
  • Coordinate training and implement the fidelity of the Safe Sanctuaries® Policy for Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults in conjunction with Director of Children and Family Ministries
  • Identify and develop age-appropriate spiritual growth milestones and curriculum for students and their families.
 
All department managers/directors:
Controls expenses by gathering and submitting budget information; scheduling expenditures; monitoring variances; implementing corrective actions.
 
 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned to support Generational and Service Ministries.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Minimum age requirement: 23
  • Has a Christian commitment to Jesus Christ, the Church and the community
  • Maintains a high sense of dependability to—and accountability for—the Youth and Young Adult Ministries
  • Comfortable and able to share the Gospel and model a strong prayer life to groups of youth/adults
  • Maintains a knowledge of and connection with the culture of today’s youth and young adults, including the spiritual and/or secular issues that they may be encountering.
  • Energetic, passionate, visionary, patient, and people-oriented
  • Able to recruit, train, equip and empower volunteers to lead.
  • Comfortable and able to work with youth of diverse backgrounds and capabilities.
  • Able to work on Sunday, weeknights, and have flexibility for schedule changes based on ministry needs
  • Strong organizational/time management skills, with an attention to detail
  • Able to work independently—i.e., a proven self-starter.
  • Able to work as part of a team.
  • Strong leadership skills around goal setting/expectations, building consensus for the team and moving everyone forward towards completing goals/expectations.
  • Able to give/receive feedback, guidance and direction, then move forward to achieve goals.
  • Able to plan and execute multiple overlapping events including meeting management, delegation, and communication.
  • Ability to move fluidly between virtual and in-person environments.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communication through email and social media platforms.
  • Basic knowledge of word processing/spreadsheet tracking software, such as that in Microsoft Office Suite

Education and/or Experience:
Preferred qualifications:
  1. A member of the United Methodist Church and/or familiar with the teachings and practices of the United Methodist Church
  2. Prior work experience in youth or young adult ministry
  3. Prior experience leading Bible studies or Sunday School classes, or teaching/preaching the Gospel
  4. A degree in Christian education, religious studies, or related field
  5. Prior experience leading a team and delegating tasks accordingly
  6. Prior experience recruiting, training, equipping and empowering volunteers to lead
  7. Prior experience in planning and executing group events
  8. Prior experience developing and managing an operating budget

Language Skills:

English, other languages a plus

Math Skills:

Basic math skills

Reasoning Ability:

Critical thinking and ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Employment Conditional upon the Results of the Following: 
  • Criminal background check to include:  Federal and State Fingerprint Database, Sex Offender Registry
 
As Required:
  • Acceptable driving record per company insurance policy requirements.

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to low to moderate noise level.