Director of Youth Ministries - Fort Collins First UMC, Fort Collins, Colorado

"Make disciples who make a difference" with a particular focus on 6th-12th grade students through organization, development and direction of the ministries and activities for this age group.  The ability to teach Jesus' approach, working with a "Belonging. Behaving. Believing." paradigm.  Engage youth in the mission of FCFUMC, which is a dynamic community of approximately 1,500 members who share a commitment to open hearts, open minds and open door.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES FORT COLLINS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Life Long Faith Formation Executive Pastor
Full Time

PURPOSE/MISSION OF THE POSITION:

• “Make disciples who make a difference" with a particular focus on 6th-12th grade students through organization, development and direction of the ministries and activities for this age group.

• The ability to teach Jesus’ approach, working with a “Belonging. Behaving. Believing.” paradigm.

• Engage youth in the mission of FCFUMC, which is a dynamic community of approximately 1,500 members who share a commitment to open hearts, open minds and open doors.

• To facilitate the ability of the church members to fulfill the vows the church has taken for its children at their baptism.

• To facilitate the ability of the church members to fulfill the great commandment by loving our kids and families in the name of Jesus.

SPECIFICS OF THIS ROLE:

• This director will be the day-to-day leader of the youth ministry, focusing on 6th-12th grade students, parents, adult leaders, and staff.

• This director will teach classes including Sunday school, as well as administer the Confirmation classes for 8th and 9th graders at FCFUMC. The director will also facilitate UMYF on Sunday evenings as well as Wednesday “check-in” meetings for high school students at a local restaurant.

• This director will spend a significant part of his or her time each week communicating to, recruiting and supporting adult lay leaders, parents and volunteers. The director will utilize the Youth Council as a planning resource and sounding board.

• This director will support the vision of “Life Long Faith Formation.”

• The director will act as liaison between the church and youth organizations that meet at

  FCFUMC, such as the Boy Scout troop that meets at the church.

• Part of this director’s focus will be mobilizing students to serve in other areas in the church,

  including liturgists, fundraising activities, and filling needs for events.

• This director will work with Youth Council to develop and implement a plan to attract and

  integrate youth from both the FCFUMC community and the greater Fort Collins community,

  including high school lunch visits.

• This director will work with Youth Council to provide at least three (3) mission opportunities

  every year for the youth of FCFUMC, such as an out-of-state/out-of-country mission for Grades 9-12, a Denver mission (DENUM) for Grades 7-8 and a Fort Collins mission for Grades 6-12.

• This director will coordinate the Human Sexuality workshop with the Larimer County Health Department for middle schoolers, typically held in January.

• This director will serve as a member of the Lifelong Faith Formation Team, which includes the Director of Children’s Ministries and the Adult Faith Formation Director, as well as representatives from College and Young Adult Ministries, Youth Council and a supportive team of clergy, staff and volunteers at FCFUMC.

• This director will oversee the Youth Leadership Team consisting of members of the youth group and assist them with coordinating meetings and events.

• This director will be responsible for praying for youth and their families, as well as being available for offsite meetings with youth on a one-on-one basis and their parents. The director must be available by cell phone. Safe Sanctuary rules will always be observed.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• College degree preferred. Professional certification in Youth Ministry in the United Methodist church is preferred. An ordained minister, a licensed local pastor or a certified lay minister designation is preferred or work toward any of these designation is required.

• Proven experience in youth ministry and a proven leadership record

• Can articulate their call to youth ministry, loves young people and has a passion for evangelism and outreach, both personally and at the ministry level

• Effective written and oral communication skills with both youth and adults

• Adept at social media and communications

• Ability to create and work within a budget

• Ability to create energy and enthusiasm and understand the value of both fun and setting boundaries in discipling teens

• Willingness to work with and submit to United Methodist polity and this church’s specific reconciling ministry.