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