Date Posted: 10/2/2025
Keller UMC, Keller, TX
Job Description
Position Title: Director of Grades 5-8 Youth Ministries
Status: Full Time
FLSA: Exempt
Reporting Relationship: Senior Pastor
Position Purpose: To fulfill the vision of Keller UMC by creating and implementing ministries of discipleship, learning and community for youth and families in the greater Keller area and the congregation of Keller UMC. Create and provide opportunities for children from 5th grade to 8th grade to grow in their journeys of faith, experience the love of Christ, and share that love with others.
Essential Functions:
- Create and maintain a clearly communicated path of discipleship and spiritual formation for younger youth. Prepare short- and long-term goals for 5-8 grade youth ministry that provide measurable outcomes.
- Understand and uphold the current Keller UMC Child and Youth Protection Policy.
- Develop youth leaders and recruit adult volunteers that build relationships with specified age groups.
- Develop and implement a confirmation program for 7th graders.
- Work with worship staff to support the development of worship leadership and music opportunities for youth, as applicable to the youth group needs.
- Purchase and customize curriculum for all youth ministry groups.
- Guide 5th and 6th graders in spiritual formation and youth connection.
- Guide 7th and 8th graders in spiritual formation and transition from Middle School to High School, in partnership with the Director of Upper Grades Youth Ministries.
- Plan and supervise yearly Junior High mission trips.
- Work with other program staff and volunteers to plan special events.
- Identify and communicate opportunities for community and church involvement for grades 5-8 youth and their families.
- Attend school-sponsored events with Keller UMC youth participants.
- Actively work to re-engage inactive youth families (no recorded attendance at any youth activities in six + months). Contact individually to check in and invite participation.
- Provide resources for and engagement with parents of 5th -8th graders. Refer families for congregational care or other support as needed.
- In conjunction with the Director of Upper Grades Youth Ministry, prepare yearly Youth Ministries budget.
- Identify and plan professional continuing education opportunities.
Other Responsibilities:
- Attend weekly meetings of full staff, program staff, and other meetings as needed.
- All other duties as requested by the Senior Pastor or SPRC.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or family systems or equivalent experience with youth
- Extensive knowledge of childhood development and education
- Sound theological understanding that matches the mission of Keller UMC
- Effective communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) with various age groups
- Organization and time management skills
- Energy, creativity and passion regarding youth ministry
- Event planning
Core Competencies:
- Spiritual Formation/Discipleship: Demonstrates an understanding of spiritual formation/discipleship as journey or process; invites others into reflection about personal spiritual journey; teaches a variety of spiritual practices to lead others in deepening and developing spirituality; creates teaching and small group environments that promote discipleship.
- Teaching: Designs effective lesson plans and facilitates learning experiences in both small and large group settings; selects teaching topics that are relevant, provocative and contribute to a deeper understanding of scripture, theology and spiritual practice; uses a variety of teaching topics to maintain interest and build connection.
- Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with parents/guardians, youth and staff members; works well with people at all levels of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport; considers the impact of his/her actions of others.
- Time Management: Is able and willing to focus time on tasks that contribute to organizational goals; uses time effectively and efficiently; values time and respects the time of others; concentrates his/her efforts on the most important priorities; can appropriately balance priorities.
- Attention to Detail: Consistently attends to the many small pieces which must be assembled into an organized whole; follows up on missing or out of balance items; resolves unanswered questions needed to address a problem; keeps the larger picture in mind while tending to the smallest of details.
How to Apply
Please send Statement/Letter of interest and Resume to pattiew@kellerumc.org.
Contact Email: pattiew@kellerumc.org
Contact Phone: 8174311332