Youth Minister

Orpington Christ Church is a medium sized evangelical church on the edge of London. We are seeking to be devoted to Christ and dedicated to community. We are an active, vibrant, caring and resourceful church family. We serve the poorest in our community. We have excellent church premises and halls, enabling various ministries. Our people are supportive, faithful and generous. We value our unity, which we have. As the Youth Minister we believe you will feel loved, listened to, supported and wanted by a congregation and leadership team ready to embrace and grow with you and God’s plans for youth work in this church.

 We are looking to appoint an experienced and dynamic Christian to lead and expand our Youth work. Do you love growing relationships with young people and encouraging them to grow in faith? Do you relish the challenge of developing and growing youth work over a 3 year period? Have you got experience of leading and being on the leadership team of a Christian youth ministry? Groups meet both on Sundays and during the week and we also have good links with other churches and local schools.

 Christ Church are enthusiastic for developing youth work and recently financially supported the appointment of a youth worker at a gift day. You will work with our new Vicar Rob Powell to develop the youth work.

 We are being offered support by the diocese in training a youth worker where they do not have a qualification.

Youth Minister (18 hours)
Job Description

 Purpose: to take responsibility for the church's mission and pastoral ministry to young people from Y6 – Y13, and young adults (aged 18-30).

 1.    Supporting the existing volunteers working with youth work by motivating, training, coordinating and building them up.

2.    Recruiting and training new volunteers.

3.    Undertaking the associated administration for the youth work with assistance when available.

4.    Relating to and presenting Christian teaching and values to young people of secondary school age and in the 18-30 age group.

Responsible to: Vicar and PCC

Practical Duties:

1.    There will be an initial induction programme

2.    Organise youth groups on Sundays (on rota during term time)

·      Pathfinders (Sunday 10:30 to 12:00pm)

·      Juice (Sunday 6 to 8pm)

3.    Organise church youth clubs (including a rota during term time)

·      Friday Night @ The Base from 7-8.30pm (fortnightly) (development in second year for those who have additional needs to be considered)

·      Base on Saturday from 7 to 9pm predominantly for Years 6-9. (initially monthly but could be fortnightly)

4.    Organise discipleship groups for young adults (aged 18-30).

5.    Responsibilities include teaching/facilitating learning, social events, youth services etc

6.    Meet regularly with Vicar.

7.    Seek to work together where appropriate with other churches in Orpington in youth work.

8.    Reach out to young people outside the church. In conjunction with other church leaders determine the most appropriate means of doing this. This is likely to include developing and building relationships with secondary schools or other areas where young people gather. Enabling church young people themselves to reach out to other young people.

9.    Developing contacts/bridges with parents and families of young people.

10. Enable good communication between young people and their parents and other members of the church.

11. Work with others to establish a discipleship pathway for children & young people at Christ Church.

12. Other ad hoc duties as requested.

We are looking for someone who will...

·      be a committed Christian; not necessarily Church of England but respectful of different church traditions, styles of worship and Christian experience and be able to demonstrate sympathy with the ethos and values of Christ Church

·      have experience of running a youth ministry and either a youth work qualification or be prepared to train for a qualification.

·      Preferably at least two years experience of working in a youth ministry

·      have evidence of leadership skills and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative in developing new Christian work, activities, and groups

·      demonstrate the ability to work flexibly and creatively with a team of voluntary workers and relate to the organisation both within the life of the church and in the community.

·      build a positive relationship with young people. Inspire and excite young people with a passion for Jesus and minister Christ to them.

·      be a good listener; able to relate to people of all ages and to share faith sensitively

·      take responsibility for your personal development.

·      be responsible for handling cash involved in youth ministries.

·      have an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding  and an awareness of current legislation

·      be prepared under the direction of the Vicar to grow the work among the youth age group in Christ Church over a 3 year period.

Hours of work

Your commitment is expected to average 18 hours per week, but this is variable. It is likely to be more during term time and less during the school holidays. Holidays granted during term time will be exceptional.

Requirements

You will be expected to become a member of Christ Church Orpington. You will need a DBS check and two references. There will be a three month probationary period and you will be expected to comply with diocesan requirements on safeguarding training.  This post is available for a 3 year period initially.

Salary

£16,000