Youth Pastor

Role Purpose

The Youth Pastor will build a Spirit-led, community rooted youth ministry that makes Jesus known to young people across Preston.

As part of the Diocese of Blackburn’s Ignite Project, the role will help grow a thriving community of young people and create pathways to faith. Through this project, our aim is to increase the number of young people engaged in active discipleship and raise up local leaders within our churches and communities.

The Youth Pastor will work with 11–18-year-olds across various church settings, schools, and our Spear employment programme, focusing on outreach, evangelism and discipleship. Further, by investing in relationships and training local volunteers, we aim to embed a sustainable, culturally relevant youth ministry into parish life.

This post would suit someone who has previous experience of youth ministry, either paid or voluntary, and is ready to take their next step in leadership. The post would be well supported by the line manager, wider staff team and church community, as well as the Ignite Project Mentor, the Ignite Leaders Community and where theological training is involved, Emmanuel College.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Growing Youth Ministry

• Expand the church’s youth provision by designing and promoting engaging events that attract and retain young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Establish consistent outreach spaces such as weekly “hangouts” and run Alpha Youth courses tailored to the local context.
• Organise and lead youth camps, weekends away, and offsite events to deepen relationships and spiritual formation.

Discipleship & Teaching

• Actively disciple young people through midweek groups, mentoring, and Sunday involvement.
• Teach the Bible in creative and relevant ways across youth gatherings, small groups, and all-age services.
• Support young people in exploring faith, asking questions, and developing a personal relationship with God.

Outreach & Engagement

• Engage young people beyond church contexts through intentional outreach and relationship-building.
• Work with the Spear Preston team to help integrate Spear trainees with the wider life of church.

Leadership Development

• Recruit, train, and support a team of volunteer youth leaders.
• Foster a healthy team culture of collaboration, prayer, and ongoing development.

 Family & Church Integration

• Build strong, supportive relationships with families, encouraging faith to be nurtured at home as well as in church.
• Strengthen pathways for young people to feel fully part of the wider church community through e.g. Teams.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure all youth ministry activities meet safeguarding standards and best practice.
• Maintain appropriate training, policies, and procedures for working with children and young people.

Team & Church Leadership

• Actively contribute to weekly staff meetings, one-to-one supervision, and PCC meetings as required.
• Collaborate with the wider church team to align youth ministry with the overall vision and mission of Preston Minster.
• Play an active role in the Ignite Project with the Diocese of Blackburn, and other regional youth networks such as The Gathering.
• Any other reasonable duties as required by the senior leadership.

 Person Specification

Essential:

·       A committed Christian

·       Passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.

·       Proven experience in youth ministry, with strong relational and teaching skills.

·       Confident communicator with both young people and adults.

·       Ability to lead and train volunteers effectively.

·       Sound understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures.

·       Organised, self-motivated, and a team player.

Desirable:

·       Experience working for an Anglican Resource Church.

·       Theological training or youth ministry qualification.

·       Experience working in a church context with multiple stakeholders.

·       Creative approach to outreach and discipleship.

·       Familiarity with using digital tools and social media for ministry.

Occupational Requirement

Given the nature and context of the work, there is an occupational requirement that the post holder is a Christian. This role is therefore exempt under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

Safeguarding Statement

Preston Minster Parish is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and attend safeguarding training as part of their role.