Director Youth Ministries

The Encounter is a dynamic modern church in East Peoria, Illinois. We want people to encounter God through our various ministries and be a safe place to ask dangerous questions. We are a congregation of real people, with real problems, that have one real solution—Jesus Christ. The Encounter is a member of the Free Methodist denomination.

Our core beliefs:

• We believe in one living God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• We believe in the authority of God’s Word over our lives.
• We believe humankind are created in the image of God as free moral persons.
• We believe that new life in Christ free from the guilt and penalty of sin, is given to all who believe.
• We believe in The Church. The people of God, who exist to fulfill the purpose of God in Christ.
• We believe in the kingdom of God established now in the hearts of believers, the return of Christ, at a time chosen by the Father, and our hope in the resurrection and eternal glory.

 Our core values

• Come as you are.
• The Bible is relevant to everyone and transforms lives. 
• Transformation is the expectation for all believers.
• Authentic relationships strengthen faith.
• Followers of Jesus are generous givers in all all areas of our lives.
• The Kingdom of God is expanded through planting churches and developing strategic partnerships..

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Director of Student Ministries functions as an integral part of The Encounter. East Peoria

Ministerial Staff Team. The primary purpose of this position is to provide Christ-centered

leadership by overseeing and developing ministry to students in 6th-12th grades and their families

through active discipleship practices. This position is responsible for overseeing all ministerial

operation functions during weekend services and during the week, developing adult leaders,

recruiting ministry partners to assist with ministry functions, and coordinating family-oriented

ministry events throughout the year.

General Duties:

1. Effectively lead and provide ministerial guidance for all ministry related functions and

events including youth services and programs for 6th-12th grades, and family-oriented

ministry events in collaboration with the lead pastor and church staff team members.

2. Prioritize connecting with student ministry team members/partners once a quarter

outside of weekend service times in a face-to-face non-church related setting.

3. Recruit, develop, and train ministry partners for youth ministry by building rapport and

establishing good relationships with all team members.

4. Effectively utilize Planning Center as the primary means for all ministry correspondence,

coordination, and planning.

5. Schedule ministry partner schedules through Planning Center weekly.

6. Attend all required staff meetings.

7. Attend a weekly Refuge small group meeting.

8. Report directly to the Lead Pastor for all ministry operation follow-up and guidance.

Youth Ministry Duties:

1. Plan weekly youth service for 6th-12th graders and implement at least one youth

service quarterly that is oriented toward non-believing friends of youth participants.

2. Oversee teaching curriculum in collaboration with lead pastor for students in 6th-12th grade.

3. Develop small group leaders for weekend youth meetings.

4. Develop a follow-up system with small group leaders for new and returning

students via text messaging or phone calls.

5. Effectively utilize Planning Center for all ministry correspondence, coordination, and

planning.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has supervisory responsibilities including supervision of ministry partners (teachers,

chaperones, small group leaders, etc.).

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

Other duties as assigned by the Lead Pastor

Please note this position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of

activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties,

responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES/SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education/Qualifications:

• High School Diploma minimum.

• Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Bible (Old and New Testaments).

• Be open to continuing education if no undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies

have been completed.

• Maintains good reputation within the church and community.

• Faithful in Christian Marriage or singleness.

• Agree to adhere to the doctrines and Articles of Religion of the Free Methodist Church, USA.

Competencies:

• Team player: works well with others.

• High sense of ministry vocation.

• Self-motivating with minimal requirement for direct oversight.

• Creative and proactive thinking skills for problem solving.

• Good communication skills to diverse audiences of children and families (written and verbal).

• Flexible learner who works well in a high-pressure environment.

• Punctual with project deadlines.

• Above reproach Christian character.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate skills using or willing to learn how to use Planning Center.

•Intermediate familiarity with Mac and iOS software.

• Willing to learn how to use ProPresenter.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Ability to pass Background Screening.

References:

• One professional and one personal reference required.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

1. Ability to sit, stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.

2. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

3. Vision abilities required by this job include: close, distance, color vision, and the ability to

adjust focus.

4. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high volume (examples:

business offices with computers and printers, light traffic, children playing, loud games,

concerts, etc.).

If you have a disability or other condition that would require you to need reasonable

accommodation under the ADA to complete the essential functions of this position, please notify

the HR to complete the accommodation request process.