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First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach

Minister of Youth

  • Cocoa Beach,
  • FL
  • Full-Time
  • United Methodist

Job Summary

Description

The Minister of Youth will build and lead a thriving, Christ-centered youth ministry (grades 6–12) that helps students grow as disciples of Jesus Christ within the Wesleyan/United Methodist tradition. This is a rebuilding role: the current youth ministry is a small, volunteer-led discussion group, and the church seeks a leader to develop a sustainable ministry from the ground up. In partnership with parents and by equipping adult volunteers, the Minister of Youth will establish a clear discipleship pathway—belonging, growing, serving, and leading—to cultivate a healthy ministry of 15–20 active youth over the next three years.

The Minister of Youth will plan, implement, and lead a comprehensive youth ministry that includes weekly gatherings, small groups, worship participation, service and mission opportunities, retreats, and special events. This role emphasizes building relationships with students and families, recruiting and developing volunteers, engaging the community, and creating a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment consistent with the church’s mission, theology, and Safe Sanctuaries policies.

Three-Year Outcomes (How Success Will Be Measured)

By the end of Year 1:

  • A consistent weekly youth gathering is established with a clear rhythm and communication.
  • A trained volunteer team is in place (3–5 consistent adults, depending on attendance).
  • Youth participation expands beyond the current core group through intentional invitation and outreach.

By the end of Year 2:

  • A sustainable ministry structure is in place (program + volunteers + parent partnership).
  • Regular service opportunities and at least one retreat, camp, or mission experience are established.

By the end of Year 3:

  • A consistent, healthy youth ministry of 15–20 active youth exists, with an ongoing pathway for discipleship and leadership development.

Responsibilities

Disciple-Making & Spiritual Leadership

  • Lead a weekly youth gathering for middle and high school that is relational, biblically grounded, and developmentally appropriate.
  • Develop a simple, repeatable discipleship pathway for youth that encompasses worship, learning, fellowship, service, and leadership development.
  • Provide pastoral care and mentoring for youth; recognize when situations require referral to parents, clergy, or professionals.
  • Help youth connect faith to daily life through teaching, conversation, prayer, and Christian discipleship practices.

Program Development & Growth

  • Design and implement a three-year youth ministry growth plan with clear milestones (participation, volunteer team development, outreach, and integration into church life).
  • Create an inviting “front door” for new youth and friends of current youth through consistent communication, a welcoming culture, and well-planned events.
  • Establish an annual rhythm that includes at least:
    • Weekly youth gathering
    • Periodic social/outreach events
    • Service projects
    • Retreat/camp and/or mission experience (as feasible)

Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Leadership Development

  • Recruit and develop a team of screened, trained, and supported adult volunteers (small group leaders, drivers/chaperones, hospitality, event support).
  • Provide volunteer onboarding, clear roles, regular communication, and appreciation/recognition.
  • Build a ministry model that is sustainable (not dependent on one person doing everything).

Family Partnership & Communication

  • Build strong, trust-based relationships with parents/guardians and communicate consistently (weekly) about schedules, goals, and opportunities.
  • Support parents as primary faith-shapers through resources, touchpoints, and partnerships.

Integration Into the Life of the Church

  • Collaborate with pastors and staff to connect youth with worship, intergenerational relationships, and the congregation’s broader ministries.
  • Develop opportunities for youth to serve in worship and church ministries (readers, tech, music, hospitality, outreach, etc.).
  • Lead confirmation classes as needed in partnership with clergy and lay leaders.

Administration, Safety, and Stewardship

  • Maintain a ministry calendar, permission forms, communication systems, and basic records appropriate for youth ministry.
  • Ensure compliance with Safe Sanctuaries (children and youth protection) policies, including training, background checks, and appropriate adult-to-youth ratios.
  • Develop and manage the youth ministry budget in collaboration with staff and finance leadership.
  • Participate in staff meetings and provide regular updates and evaluations to the supervising pastor.

Desired Skills

  • A vibrant, growing Christian faith and a clear commitment to United Methodist theology and practice (Wesleyan emphasis on grace and discipleship).
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships with middle and high school students and earn trust with parents.
  • Capacity to rebuild and grow a youth ministry through a clear strategy and consistent follow-through.
  • Ability to recruit, train, delegate, motivate, and sustain a volunteer team.
  • Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and digital), including comfort with social media and group messaging tools for ministry communication.
  • Organizational strength: planning, scheduling, event coordination, and attention to safety and logistics.
  • Emotional maturity, sound judgment, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries with youth and families.
  • Ability to collaborate with clergy, staff, and lay leadership in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior experience in youth ministry (volunteer or staff) is strongly preferred.
  • Training in ministry, education, or a related field (not required, depending on candidate strength and experience).
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends; occasional overnight trips.
  • Successful completion of background screening and Safe Sanctuaries training within the required timeframe.

INCLUSION

Moderate (Big Tent)

Salary

See below

Benefits

Start Date: Will be negotiated
Compensation/Benefits: Will be negotiated

Potential MLC Residency Placement 

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