Church of the Messiah is a progressive parish in the historic village of Rhinebeck NY, located in the heart of the Mid-Hudson Valley region. We are seeking a Youth Minister to develop a year-round, vibrant, first-class youth program that will engage our youth and is consistent with the core values of Church of the Messiah.
Our youth minister will…
- Guide youth group members in their spiritual growth and education by creating and implementing an engaging and creative Sunday Church School program.
- Communicate effectively with the young people and their parents, as well as other key positions within the parish.
- Plan periodic events and programs that promote community connections and spiritual reflection for our youth.
Sunday Church School
This area of the job includes …
- Establishing the Church school curriculum.
- Overseeing Church school budget
- Recruit, train and support volunteer teachers
- Managing and obtaining all Church school material
- Establishing Church school calendar
- Ensure this calendar coordinates with other diocesan activities and other parish youth programs as applicable.
- It should be noted, our Church school is held on most Sundays, September into June, starting at 9:45 a.m.
- Reaching out to parish parents to encourage participation in program by youth and if applicable understand their hesitations or issues.
- Coordinate with the New Members program.
- Overseeing Safe Church programs for all volunteers working with youth.
- Willingness to attend Diocesan educational opportunities and training events.
Communication
This area of the job includes …
- Communication with youth
- Develop (as appropriate) new media channels (E-mail, Facebook, Web page, etc.) to establish and extend communication directly to youth of the parish.
- Provide guidance to youth in establishing open, honest and continual communication with their parents.
- Provides “youth leadership” opportunities and training.
- Communication and coordination with Father Richard
- About confirmation class
- About monthly family service activities
- About planned events.
- About activities to coordinate with other committees.
- About any concerns regarding the youth of the parish
- Communication with parents
- About Church school activities
- About special events
- About any concerns or questions they may have regarding their child’s spiritual development.
- Provide guidance to assist parents in nurturing the faith of their children
- Communication with congregation at large
- Weekly update on youth activities to be distributed in weekly announcements (e-mail and in bulletin).
- Create a report for the annual meeting.
- Establish office hours (occasional on-site, else via phone and e-mail).
- Communication with Choir Director, acolytes and verger.
- About Christmas pageant music
- Music for monthly family service
Plan events
This area of the job includes …
- Overseeing the Summer Bible School.
- Overseeing the Christmas pageant
- Either directing or recruiting a director
- Recruiting and overseeing all volunteers and (with the director if applicable) delegating tasks.
- Coordinating the music with the choir director.
- Overseeing the costuming and any props
- Special service events for non-church school Sundays, such as decorating of the cross at Easter, the Easter Egg Hunt, Mother’s Day Craft, etc.
- Coordinate with Father Richard regarding hosting and planning a twice yearly activity focusing on a “life skill” for the youth, such as tolerance or communication skills, or a more in-depth study of some element of the faith to increase their fluency in the Episcopal Church.
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- Coordinate youth participation in select community wide events.
Prerequisites
- 3-5 years of experience working with youth
- Fun-loving, joyful spirit and a good sense of humor.
- Strong Christian background. Episcopal knowledge is preferred but not required.
- Degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug testing
- Completion of (or current certification in) Church Safe