Position Overview: To develop and coordinate the planning and implementation of the youth ministries in order to provide a strong foundation in Christian faith, with emphasis on creating opportunities for youth to develop to their highest potential consistent with biblical and church teachings.

Duties and Tasks:

1. Ministry management: includes planning and implementing middle school and senior high small group programs, Confirmation small groups, as well as recruiting and training adult volunteers for youth program staff.
2. Service and Mission: includes developing and leading church youth in experiences beyond the local church including service projects and camps. Also includes providing leadership for fundraising, skill building, and communication for such projects.
3. Support to Youth: should create an atmosphere that allows youth to speak freely of joys, concerns, and fears. Refer parents and teens to proper support systems and programs when necessary.
4. Provide for leadership development of youth (including providing resources, publicity, and program support) to encourage their participation in decision making and leadership in the church.
5. Develop and implement programs to encourage relationships with new and inactive families.
6. Represent Elk River UMC at local youth ministry functions, as well as District and Conference meetings and events when possible.
7. Recommend annual budget needs for youth programs;
8. Plan and oversee youth fundraising; maintain records of individual youth accounts; provide monthly reconciliation of youth related income and expenses. Ensure all activities and purchases are within the approved budget.
9. Outreach: developing relationships with youth where their interest lie; i.e. sports, school, jobs, etc. Include activities where youth can be relational with other youth and/or churches in our community.
10. Design, write and distribute a quarterly newsletter with youth input; develop articles for church publications; call youth and adults to encourage participation in youth programs.
11. Meet with the Education Committee on matters that relate to elementary, middle and senior high youth.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A Jesus centered life
Leadership experience with youth ministry
Strong organizational and fundamental financial skills
Self motivated
Proficient in written and oral communication

Bachelors Degree in youth ministry or 2-3 years experience in youth ministry preferred.