Youth and Young Adult Director
General Summary:
First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is seeking a full-time staff member for youth and young adult ministries. Fort Smith is a wonderful small city with many attractions in a beautiful part of Arkansas. FUMC is a historical downtown church with a tradition of strong youth ministry and potential for growth. Successful candidate will take initiative, build teams, disciple, and organize well. The Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries leads youth (grades 6-12) and young adults (ages 18-30) to become Biblically informed and spiritually transformed disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Essential Job Functions:
Work alongside supervisor, staff, and laity to implement youth programming consistent with church-wide goals and efforts.
Recruit and equip laity (including but not limited to parents) for ministry with youth.
Equip and empower student leadership at appropriate levels.
Execute a comprehensive youth ministry program including: Sunday School, Sunday morning worship, Sunday evenings, Wednesday evenings, retreats, and other events/programs.
Develop and maintain youth calendar by planning weekly emphases and major events well in advance. Coordinate calendar with church-wide calendar and youth needs/conflicts.
Actively engage staff and pastors in prompt, professional communication including attending to email, phone calls, meetings, etc.
Prepare annual youth ministry budget in consultation with supervisor and Business Administrator.
Attend closely to the youth ministry budget and spending as it relates to the year-long programming needs. Promptly complete financial paperwork.
Maintain all youth-related spaces (the LOFT, classrooms, storage, etc.) so that they are clean, well-organized, and create a hospitable environment for youth ministry.
Oversee technical equipment of the LOFT so that everything is regularly in good, working order. Seek training and/or professional assistance when necessary.
Develop positive, appropriate relationships with youth.
Maintain professional relationships with parents/guardians that foster mutual trust and respect.
Schedule regular, appropriate visits with youth outside of church including supporting them at school functions (sports, music, drama, etc.).
Actively maintain multiple forms of communication regarding youth program (phone, email, social media, group and individual text messaging, church newsletter and bulletin, etc.).
Actively promote FSFUMC and youth program in relationships, through various media, and in the community.
Regularly seek out and invite new/additional youth/families to be involved.
Develop relationships with local high schools and junior high schools working to build relationships with students when possible.
Encourage continued discipleship of graduating seniors by submitting their contact information to respective campus ministries.
Plan and execute appropriate young adult ministry in support of church members of that age and as outreach to young adults in the community (e.g., local university and medical school)
Emphasize with young adults regular participation in FSFUMC worship, development of discipleship groups, and missions/service opportunities.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts/Science degree.
Experience in youth/young adult ministry.
Understanding of and commitment to Wesleyan theology and The United Methodist Church.
Send resume to: breeves@arumc.org