Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (Full-Time) – Hickory, NC

We are a multigenerational and mission minded ELCA congregation in a Lutheran university town located in the foothills of Western, NC. Our Vision is “Renewed by God’s Grace and Welcoming to All, the Holy Spirit inspires us to Worship, Grow in Faith, and Equip Disciples for Service”

We also have a 3-year focused strategic plan called Vision 2025. The overall goals are:
– ELEVATE our relationships with Christ and each other.
– EMPOWER people to respond to the Great Commission of Christ to “Go make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).
– ESTABLISH 100 new relationships with God’s love and grace. In particular, we hope to engage with young people
and families and reach out to varied racial and ethnic groups to expand our diversity.

Our Ministry Programs Include:

1. WORSHIP – (traditional/liturgical + casual contemporary) Music/Arts for all ages (choir, handbells, praise team,
instruments, liturgical dance, creative arts, etc.)
2. DISCIPLESHIP – Children’s Ministry, Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, and Adult Education Faith
3. SERVICE/OUTREACH – Strong ELCA/Synod Mission Support, ELCA Mission Partners + Trips (The Dwelling,
Winston-Salem + Living Waters, Cherokee), active and generous support w/ local service agencies and hosting outside
groups.
4. Healthy Youth Ministry for late elementary (3-5th grade), middle school (6-8th grd) and high school (9-12th grd)
5. Active Adult Education (3 or more weekly classes/Bible study groups)
6. We love music for all ages! Choirs, handbells, instrumentalists, and praise band
7. Senior Adult Ministry (food and fellowship)
8. Large/healthy Stephen Ministry program who intentionally cares, visits, and builds relationships
9. Majestic Worship spaces and expansive Building Facilities (debt free!)
10. The People! (A friendly multigenerational

We have raised $3.5+ million to complete a variety of construction projects including:

• new outdoor ministry pavilion,
• new covered drop-off (for Pre-School, visitors, and special needs),
• new coffee bar + technology to our fellowship area
• renovations and upgrades to classrooms and community rooms
• new audio and lighting in worship areas

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Hickory, North Carolina

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Exempt; 40 hours/week                    (Sunday, weekdays, occasional Saturdays, flexible)

Description

The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (DYYA) will develop and nurture vibrant faith among children, youth, young adults, and families at Holy Trinity through ministry programs that promote a Christian life of discipleship via active participation in worship, faith formation, service, and fellowship.

Primary Duties

• Develop and lead programs that engage and teach youth to grow in faith, practice a life of discipleship, serve others, and share fellowship with other youth
• Provide leadership for High School Faith Formation
• Organize and lead youth/young adult programs (weekly/monthly/quarterly) that nurture and sustain faith, such as small group activities, faith retreats, service projects, summer camp programs, and mission trips for:
  • Rainbow Kids (3rd – 5th grade)
  • Middle School Youth (6th – 8th grade)
  • Senior High Youth (9th – 12th grade)
  • Young Adults, including College Ministry (ages 18-30 something)
• Organize and lead Family Ministry events (3-4 times a year)
• Train, schedule, and coordinate acolytes and crucifers (in partnership with the Ministry Coordinator and parent volunteers)
• Participate as an active member of the Youth Ministry Team to coordinate faith retreats, mission trips, and ministry programs, and to recruit youth mentors/chaperones
• Assist and support the Associate Pastor with Confirmation Ministry
• Assist and support the Associate Pastor and Faith Formation Ministry team with Vacation Bible Camp (VBC)
• Partner with the Service and Outreach Ministry Team to provide leadership and support for Summer Day Camp with Centro Latino
• Partner with the Evangelism Ministry Team to provide leadership and support for the Harvest Welcome Center (Halloween at HTLC)
• Manage the HTLC Children and Youth Protection Program
  • Track background checks and training of adults working with youth and youth leaders (helping w/ VBC, Nursery, etc.)
• Develop and maintain program budgets for Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry

 Additional Leadership Responsibilities

• Participate as an active member of the Faith Formation Ministry Team
• Schedule and conduct events, reserving equipment, tracking registrations and payments in cooperation with parents and staff
• Communicate effectively with youth, parents, program staff, ministry partners, youth leaders, and other participants
• Organize, communicate and maintain an accurate calendar of youth and family ministry activities
• Coordinate special ministry programs and events such as:
• Confirmation Retreats, ELCA National Youth Gathering – organizing, recruiting, registering, fundraising, and leading/chaperoning
• Mission trips and philanthropic service projects/trips – recruiting, fundraising, and leading/chaperoning students
• Serve as the primary leader of the Word for Children in Sunday worship and manage the schedule in coordination with the pastors
• Plan and oversee Wednesday Night Youth and Family programming in partnership with the Associate Pastor, Parish Life Ministry Team, and volunteers
• Serve as the primary leader for Pre-School Chapel and manage the schedule in coordination with the pastors
• Manage and approve the purchase of supplies needed to maintain a vibrant, year-round, Youth and Family ministry program
• Participate in Stewardship ministry to promote generous giving in the congregation.
• Plan and lead specific youth programs in support of God’s ministry at HTLC and in service to our community, synod, and the world
• Attend Synod and ELCA events related to youth and family ministry
• Participate in other continuing education opportunities with support from the Associate Pastor and the Youth Ministry Team chair

Supervision Received and Exercised

• The Associate Pastor shall serve as the day-to-day supervisor for this position
• An annual evaluation will be provided for feedback and goal setting
• A mid-year meeting may be conducted, with additional meetings as needed, for feedback, evaluation and goal review, at the request of the employee or supervisor
• The Senior Pastor may make compensation recommendations to the Finance team, based on the review process with input from the Associate Pastor
• Employment authority rests with the Congregation Council as representatives of the congregation with input from the Senior Pastor and/or Personnel Committee
• Exercises supervision of all youth leaders/chaperones (both paid and volunteers)
• Exercises supervision of Children’s Church leaders and Fellowship and Play staff (college students)

Administration and Teamwork

• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the HTLC Personnel Handbook.
• Adhere to the standards of conduct as outlined in HTLC Child and Youth Protection Program
• Actively contribute to a staff team that promotes mutual respect and cooperation.
• Ensure confidentiality in all interactions and communications.
• Demonstrate effective collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, within your qualifications and available time

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Master’s degree highly favored
• Youth ministry experience preferred

Knowledge of

• Children and/or youth faith development
• Lutheran theology
• Relationship and team building activities
• Developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for different age groups
• Retreat planning, organization, and leadership
• Basic budgeting and accounting

Ability to

• Effectively use a computer, email, and office equipment
• Remain self-directed, accept delegated responsibilities, and follow through until tasks are complete
• Provide care, safety, supervision, and play activities for children & youth
• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms
• Work cooperatively with the Pastors, Director of Staff, Director of Worship and Music, Communication and Content Coordinator, Financial Administrator, Pre-School Director(s), other staff members, Congregation Council, congregation, ministry teams, and volunteers
• Recruit, organize, and training and support to volunteers
• Effectively problem solve and communicate with team members
• Demonstrate loyalty to the congregation’s mission
• Follow basic safety procedures and precautions

Environmental and Physical Conditions

• Physical Demands: Engage in moderate to heavy physical work, including lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 20 lbs. frequently, up to 30 lbs. occasionally, and up to 50 lbs. rarely.
• Activity Level: Frequent walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Communication: Regular verbal communication is required.
• Movement: Frequent reaching, bending, and stooping.
• Noise Exposure: Exposure to moderate to loud noise levels.
• Schedule: Flexible schedule coordinated with the Senior Pastor, including evenings and weekends.