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First Houston United Methodist Church

Director of Youth Ministry

  • Houston, TX
  • Full-Time
  • United Methodist

Job Summary

Description

Position Title: Director of Youth MinistryDepartment: Family and Discipleship Ministries
Reports To: Family and Missions Pastor
Status: Full-Time; ExemptPosition SummaryThe Director of Youth Ministry provides strategic, relational, and spiritual leadership for students in grades 6–12, equipping them to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Director will lead and expand a vibrant youth ministry, increasing active engagement from approximately 6–8 students to 25–30 within two years. This role builds bridges between students, families, and the larger congregation through intentional discipleship, service, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities1. Vision and Program Development
  • Design and implement a three-year growth strategy for youth discipleship and outreach.
  • Develop weekly Sunday School and mid-week programs integrating scripture, Methodist teaching, and practical faith formation.
  • Encourage youth participation in worship, missions, and service projects throughout Houston.
2. Relational Ministry and Pastoral Care
  • Build authentic relationships with students and families, attending school events and key milestones.
  • Provide spiritual mentorship and crisis support in coordination with pastoral staff.
  • Foster a culture of belonging and Christian hospitality.
3. Volunteer Recruitment and Leadership Development
  • Recruit and equip 8–10 adult volunteers to serve as mentors and small-group leaders.
  • Ensure all volunteers complete Safe Sanctuaries and MinistrySafe training.
  • Offer leadership development and recognition for adult and student leaders.
4. Events and Special Programs
  • Plan annual retreats, mission trips, and confirmation retreats.
  • Integrate 5th–6th grade students through confirmation and bridge programs in partnership with Children’s Ministry.
  • Participate in district and Conference youth events including Annual Conference.
5. Administration and Communication
  • Manage budgets, schedules, registrations, and communications with families.
  • Maintain consistent digital communication channels and social media presence.
  • Participate in weekly staff meetings and report to SPRC as requested.

Desired Skills

Qualifications
  • Mature faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with United Methodist doctrine.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; ministry or theological training preferred.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in youth or family ministry (preferably in a large church setting).
  • Proven ability to grow ministries and develop volunteers.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Background check and Safe Sanctuaries certification required.
Position Goals
  • Spiritual Formation: Build youth who are biblically grounded and spiritually resilient.
  • Community: Create a relational environment where youth feel known, loved, and supported.
  • Engagement: Involve youth in meaningful service, leadership, and mission.
  • Integration: Connect youth with the wider church body and multi-generational discipleship.
  • Outreach: Reach unchurched students who commute downtown for school or activities.
Performance Benchmarks
  • Increase average weekly attendance to ≥ 20 students in 12 months; ≥ 25–30 in 24 months.
  • Establish 8–10 trained volunteers and 2 student leaders within first year.
  • Conduct a minimum of 1 annual mission trip and 2 retreats each year.
  • Maintain 100 percent Safe Sanctuaries compliance.
Scheduling Rhythms
  1. Weekend Anchor Gathering (Primary touchpoint
  • Time: Sunday morning
  • Focus: Worship, Bible teaching, small groups, fun community
  • Format: Large group + breakouts (age or gender-based)
  1. Monthly Connect Event (Fun & relational)
  • Friday or Saturday evening
  • Invite-friendly, fun activities that build belonging (e.g., escape rooms, service projects, open mic nights, sports).
  • City-based venues for accessibility, such as Main Street Park, First Café, and Quillian Memorial Center.
  1. Online Touchpoints (Weekly)
  • Stay connected between physical gatherings through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts.
  • 1-2 minute devotionals, Q&A, testimonies, upcoming events.
  1. City Service (Quarterly)
  • Volunteering with ministries, such as NIA, Wesley Community Center, Lifeline, etc.
  1. Student Sunday (Annual)
  • Youth lead main service (worship, reading, testimonies, prayer).
  1. Retreats (Occasional)
  • Spiritual renewal, missions, and/or fun in a non-urban setting.
Alignment NotesThis position is governed and guided by the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, particularly:
  • ¶256.3 – Responsibilities for Ministries with Youth.
  • ¶256.4 – Responsibilities for Ministries with Young People.
  • ¶340 – Pastoral Duties of Nurture and Leadership.
  • ¶601–¶604 – Connectional Structure and Accountability.

INCLUSION

Full Inclusion

Salary

$65,000

Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Opportunitiy for additional Life and AFLAC Coverage
  • Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • 403(b)
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