DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY/MINISTER FOR YOUTH

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The director of youth ministry/minister for youth serves under the supervision of the senior pastor and the staff-
parish relations committee and reports to the church council regularly. The director or minister for youth shall work
collegially with other program and ministry staff members.

The director of youth ministry/minister for youth will advocate and model United Methodist theology, doctrine, and
polity. The director of youth ministry/minister for youth will participate in district and conference connectional
meetings and events, giving leadership in these settings as opportunities arise.

The director of youth ministry/minister for youth shall be at least twenty-two years old. The director/ minister for
youth shall have, at a minimum, earned a high school diploma.

Responsibilities of the Director of Youth Ministry/Minister for Youth

Youth and Parents (family ministry)
• develop healthy relationships with youth and their families;
• guide youth and their families in spiritual formation and growth;
• provide support groups and/or short-term study groups for parents;
• assist in the integration of youth into the life of the whole congregation: worship, choirs, committees, missions,
and so forth;
• reach out to inactive youth.

Leadership
• support, educate, and train all volunteers according to the church’s and the annual conference’s policies for the
prevention of child abuse;
• coordinate monthly meetings of the youth council to be led by youth for the purpose of planning, implementing,
and leading youth ministry in study, worship, fellowship, and mission;
• train and support a team of adult workers with youth to help supervise, guide, mentor, and lead the youth;
• coordinate parent meetings four to six times a year;
• attend continuing education events at least annually for training and spiritual growth.

Programming
• coordinate with the church council and other church committees;
• coordinate weekly UMYF programs for junior and senior highs;
• coordinate weekly Bible study, Sunday school, and DISCIPLE Bible study for junior and senior highs;
• coordinate monthly mission opportunities;
• include youth in worship leadership for the congregation as well as for the youth group;
• coordinate summer plans (missions, retreats, camps, fun, and so forth);
• coordinate participation in district, conference, jurisdictional, and General Conference activities.

Other duties as they arise in youth ministry

Responsibilities of the Church for the Director of Youth Ministry/Minister for Youth
(Fulfilling these responsibilities will help to assure the success and health of the director/minister
for youth by providing benefits, education, and boundaries.)
• competitive salary;
• health insurance coverage;
• pension plan;
• continuing education funds;
• travel expense reimbursement;
• compensation time for overtime worked and for trips taken;
• vacation—at least two weeks, preferably three, per year;
• holidays as days off—same as the other church staff members.
This is a sample form. It needs to be modified to meet the specific needs of your congregation. For information
about creating policies and procedures for the safety of children and youth, please see Safe Sanctuaries, Safe
Sanctuaries for Youth, or Santuarios Seguros published by Discipleship Resources.

© 2003 Discipleship Resources; Permission is given to reproduce this form for churches who have purchased Safe
Sanctuaries.