PERRY RISE BAPTIST CHURCH
Forest Hill, London, SE23 2QL
YOUTH WORK LEADPosition Details
Position Type: Two sessions per week (currently Thursdays 6–8pm and Sundays 11am–1pm, totalling approximately five hours per week). Additional hours apply for special activities such as Friday night events, holiday clubs, and summer camps. Time for preparation (e.g. Bible study and Sunday morning leading) is included within the role and agreed with the line manager. There is potential to develop further youth work both within the church and in the wider locality, which may lead to an increase in hours as the role grows (subject to budgetary considerations).
Schedule: Sundays and (currently) Thursday evenings, plus agreed additional sessions
Reporting to: Lead Pastor / Leadership Team via Church Secretary
Salary: £12.50 to £18.00 per hour, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience. The church will apply a clear framework to determine which qualifications and experience are counted and rewarded within this range.
Pension: Contributions to Baptist Union Pension Scheme or similar approved scheme
Our Mission & Vision
2026 Church Verse: ‘For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness’ — Psalm 26:3
Purpose of Role
To lead, coordinate, and develop youth (ages 11–25) ministry at Perry Rise Baptist Church, in alignment with the church’s vision. The role focuses on reaching, teaching, discipling, and encouraging young people in their Christian faith.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Coordination
- Plan and lead youth activities, currently youth discussion group (Thursday evenings) and Junior Church (Sundays)
- Recruit, train and coordinate volunteers for mid-week, Thursday, and Sunday programmes
- Manage administration including rotas, resources, and term plans
- Plan and co-lead summer holiday club and youth camps and special events, e.g. Worship Night, where applicable
- Provide bi-monthly reports to church Trustees
- Assist young people moving on to higher education to develop links with Christian Unions and local churches, and to support those transitioning from education into employment
Ministry Development
- Pioneer creative events to reach more young people for Jesus
- Develop volunteer skills and encourage team growth
- Build relationships with local communities, other local youth leaders and liaise with London Baptists Children, Youth and Families Lead
Discipleship & Teaching
- Regularly lead Bible teaching for young people
- Develop termly teaching overviews for volunteers
- Encourage young people to use their gifts within the church
Pastoral Care
- Build meaningful relationships with young people and their families
- Attend children’s and youth groups at least monthly
- Maintain consistent presence at Thursday evening events
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding policy and foster a culture of protection
Person Specification
We seek a committed Christian with strong faith—a godly, approachable, and creative person with a heart for reaching and discipling young people. You should have good Bible knowledge, pastoral skills, and the ability to inspire both youth and volunteer teams.
Essential Requirements
- Practising Christian with living faith in Christ (A Genuine Occupational Requirement applies – Equalities Act 2010, Section 9)
- Active member of a Christian church
- Good knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology
- Experience working with young people
- Experience leading and working within teams
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Enhanced DBS Certificate
Desirable
- Nationally recognised training in youth/children’s ministry
- Theological training or Bible college qualification
- Experience coordinating youth work in a church setting
- Experience managing volunteers
Character Qualities
- Holy Spirit filled with desire to share the gospel with others
- Person of integrity; gracious and patient
- Approachable with a good sense of humour
- Confident and able to inspire others
- Self-motivated, creative thinker with initiative
- Able to work effectively with a wide age range of young people (ages 11–25)
Application Requirements
- The successful candidate will sign Perry Rise Baptist Church’s statement of faith
- The successful candidate is encouraged to become a member of Perry Rise Baptist Church
- Appointment subject to three satisfactory references
- Appointment subject to Enhanced DBS clearance
To Apply or Request More Information
Please contact Perry Rise Baptist Church, Forest Hill, London
Pay: £12.50-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
