Purpose of the Role:
To lead and grow a Christ-centred, discipleship-focused youth ministry (Year 7 to 13) that reaches out to the community, helps young people encounter Jesus, belong to the church family, and develop as lifelong disciples. The Youth Pastor will build strong relationships with young people and their families, develop and support volunteer leaders, and connect the youth ministry into the wider life and mission of Sawyers Church.
Key Responsibilities:
Vision, Discipleship and Pastoral Care
- To be part of Core Leadership Team at Sawyers Church
- To lead and develop the vision of the Youth Ministry at Sawyers Church.
- To provide pastoral support to the young people of Sawyers Church.
- To reach out to young people in the community
Youth Programme and Events
- Organise a vibrant youth programme at Sawyers Church, including outreach, activities, ministry, worship and teaching.
- Organise special youth events, including mission, youth camps and outreach.
Administration, Safeguarding and Policy
- Support the youth programme administratively, including communication with young people and their parents/carers.
- Make day-to-day decisions in keeping with the purpose, policies and values of Sawyers Church (including operating our Safeguarding Policy in partnership with the Safeguarding Team).
Volunteer Management
- Develop and support the volunteers who work with our young people.
- Recruit volunteers to the Youth Leadership Team.
Partnerships, Schools and Networks
- Extend the Youth Ministry of Sawyers Church into local secondary schools and work with the Brentwood Christians Schools Workers Trust.
- Develop relationships and partnerships with local, national and regional youth ministry, especially through the Assemblies of God, including Youth Alive and Young Lions.
Training and Development
- Attend training events and conferences, as agreed by the Core Leadership Team, that will develop you as a leader and in your work as a Youth Pastor.
Integration in Wider Church Life
- Link the Youth Ministry with other ministries across Sawyers Church.
- Be part of the preaching team and service-leading team on a Sunday.
- Encourage young people to serve and participate in the wider life and mission of the church, and support transitions (e.g., moving from youth to young adults) in partnership with relevant leaders.
Planning, Evaluation and Reporting
Develop appropriate systems for planning, evaluation and reporting for the youth ministry (including attendance, consent, rotas, budgets and safeguarding records), and provide updates to the Senior Pastor/Core Leadership Team as agreed.
Staff Member Responsibilities:
Attend staff meetings and other meetings relevant to the role, as agreed with your line manager and within contracted hours (or with TOIL where applicable).
Primary work base is the church office at Sawyers Hall Lane; some flexibility/hybrid working may be available by agreement where the role permits.
Provide reception/administrative cover from time to time as required and as reasonably requested.
Some flexibility may be required during peak periods; any additional hours will be by
prior agreement and managed through TOIL in accordance with policy.
Essential / Desirable Criteria:
✓ Personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and demonstrate the reality of this in your life and testimony. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement.
✓ God-centred and servant-hearted, firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God, and surrendered to the working of the Holy Spirit.
✓ Is a role model in the way you live your day-to-day Christian life, able to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities while balancing the demands of home and church life.
✓ Demonstrate strong, clear leadership and are also a committed team player.
✓ Have a natural love for people and are able to relate well to individuals from a range of backgrounds.
✓ Able to minister independently, being self-directed and self-motivated, with evidence of effectiveness.
✓ Demonstrate strong interpersonal and conflict-management skills, able to implement creative and practical solutions to everyday problems.
✓Ability to teach the Bible clearly and engagingly to young people, and to facilitate small groups.
✓Able to build trust with young people and communicate well with parents/carers.
✓Proven ability to recruit, train, motivate and support volunteers, working collaboratively as part of a wider staff/leadership team.
✓Strong organisational skills, including programme planning, event delivery, and appropriate administration.
✓A clear commitment to safeguarding and safer recruitment, with willingness to undertake training and an enhanced DBS check as required.
✓Flexible approach to working hours (including evenings and Sundays).
✓A relevant youth/ministry qualification and/or willingness to undertake Assemblies of God training (1 Year Leadership Training (LIT) or 3 Years Ministers Training (MIT)) as agreed.
Additional recruitment and compliance information:
- Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, which may include references, right to work checks, and other checks relevant to the role.
- Safeguarding: this role may require compliance with safeguarding policies and training. Where applicable, employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check at the appropriate level.
- Equal opportunities: Sawyers Church is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and does not discriminate unlawfully.
- Applicant data: information you provide during recruitment will be processed in accordance with UK data protection law and the church’s recruitment privacy notice (available on request).
What do we offer:
✓Competitive rates of pay
✓25 days paid holiday per annum (excluding of Bank Holidays)
✓Enhanced sick pay on completion of probation
✓Pension
✓Ongoing training and development
✓A friendly and supportive working environment
✓Onsite parking
✓Tea/ Coffee facilities
For more information about this role, or to register an interest and receive an application form, please email the Church Administrator at [email protected].
You can find out more about Sawyers Church at www.sawyerschurch.org
