Date Posted: 8/21/2026
A&M United Methodist Church, College Station, TX
Job Description
A&M United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry to lead and shape a thriving ministry for students in grades 6–12. We believe teenagers are not simply the future of the Church—they are an essential part of the Church today. Working alongside parents and caregivers, volunteers, pastors, and ministry staff, the Director will cultivate a community where students know Jesus Christ, grow as disciples, discover their God-given gifts, and become Christian leaders who faithfully serve God throughout their lives.
The Director of Youth Ministry will provide caring, strategic, and organizational leadership for all aspects of youth ministry. Success is measured not simply by attendance or events, but by students whose lives are transformed through Jesus Christ—young people who build a resilient faith, ask honest questions, serve others with compassion, and confidently follow God's call wherever it leads.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter of youth ministry in one of the fastest-growing congregations in the Texas Annual Conference. Located directly across from Texas A&M University, A&M UMC is a vibrant, multi-generational church where students worship, serve, and lead alongside every generation. As part of a healthy, creative, and deeply committed ministry team, the Director will help strengthen families, develop student leaders, and prepare the next generation to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
Key Responsibilities:
Disciple Students
- Provide leadership and oversight for all ministries serving students in grades 6–12.
- Develop engaging, biblically grounded, Wesleyan discipleship opportunities through Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday evenings, retreats, camps, and special events.
- Teach regularly while equipping volunteers and student leaders to disciple others.
- Lead the church's Confirmation ministry, helping students understand the Christian faith, the Wesleyan/United Methodist tradition, and the meaning of church membership.
- Create environments where students ask honest questions, wrestle with Scripture, and develop a resilient, lifelong faith.
- Foster meaningful rhythms of worship, prayer, service, and mission that deepen students' relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Partner with the Director of Contemporary Worship, Director of Media and Technology, and Pastors to plan and develop student leadership for Sunday Night Youth Worship.
- Mentor students to discover their gifts, discern God's calling, and actively lead in the life of the church.
Shepherd Students & Partner with Families
- Build authentic, Christ-centered relationships with students through consistent presence in their lives both within the church and throughout the community.
- Cultivate a ministry where every student is known, welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Build trusted partnerships with parents/caregivers, recognizing them as the primary spiritual influence in their children's lives.
- Equip parents/caregivers with resources and encouragement that support discipleship at home.
- Collaborate with the pastoral staff to provide appropriate care for students and families during seasons of celebration, transition, and challenge.
- Support key milestones including entering youth ministry, Confirmation, graduation, and the transition into college and young adulthood.
Develop Student & Volunteer Leaders
- Recruit, mentor, and encourage students to serve in worship, Bible study, missions, outreach, and the broader life of the church.
- Develop and lead a parent Youth Leadership Team that serves as a trusted partner in strengthening two-way communication with families; gathering feedback and generating ideas; recruiting and enlisting volunteers; and building the support needed for effective ministry.
- Develop and lead a student Youth Council that cultivates student leadership and gives youth meaningful voice, ownership, and responsibility in the ministry.
- Create opportunities for students to teach, lead, mentor younger students, share testimonies, and participate in worship leadership.
- Recruit, equip, encourage, and shepherd a diverse team of adult volunteers and interns.
- Cultivate an intergenerational volunteer culture that connects students with caring Christian adults.
- Ensure volunteers receive appropriate training, encouragement, Safe Sanctuaries certification, and ongoing support.
Lead the Ministry
- Develop and implement an annual ministry plan to grow the ministry aligned with the mission and values of A&M United Methodist Church.
- Plan retreats, camps, mission trips, service opportunities, and seasonal events that support student discipleship.
- Select biblically grounded, Wesleyan curriculum appropriate for each stage of adolescent development.
- Manage the youth ministry budget with integrity and faithful stewardship.
- Communicate consistently and effectively with students, parents/caregivers, volunteers, and the congregation.
- Collaborate with Children's Ministry, College Ministry, Worship, Communications, Media & Technology, and other ministry areas to create a seamless pathway of discipleship from childhood through young adulthood.
- Participate fully in the worship, fellowship, and ministry life of A&M United Methodist Church and perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who sees youth ministry as discipleship, not simply programming. The ideal candidate is a spiritually mature leader who loves students, teaches Scripture faithfully, partners with parents/caregivers, equips volunteers, and builds healthy ministry systems. Above all, we seek someone whose life reflects the Gospel they proclaim and whose leadership inspires young people to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
Qualified candidates will demonstrate:
- A vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to youth ministry.
- A commitment to Christian discipleship rooted in Scripture and the United Methodist/Wesleyan tradition.
- The ability to teach God's Word in engaging, age-appropriate, and theologically grounded ways.
- A passion for building authentic relationships with students and families.
- A heart for developing student leaders and equipping volunteers.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- A collaborative leadership style marked by humility, creativity, flexibility, and teamwork.
- 3-5 years of experience leading youth (or other closely related) ministry in a United Methodist Church or comparable ministry setting.
- A bachelor's degree in youth ministry, theology, education, or a related field is preferred; equivalent ministry experience will be considered.
- A willingness to embrace the mission and ministry of A&M United Methodist Church.
About A&M United Methodist Church
A&M United Methodist Church is a vibrant, growing, and multi-generational congregation located directly across from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Rooted in the United Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, we are passionate about helping people know Christ, grow as disciples, discover their gifts, and serve with joy through meaningful worship, intentional discipleship, compassionate outreach, and authentic community.
Our staff values collaboration, innovation, excellence, and authentic relationships. Students are not isolated from the congregation—they worship, serve, and lead alongside every generation as active participants in God's mission today. If you are passionate about forming lifelong disciples, developing young leaders, partnering with families, and serving as part of a healthy, collaborative ministry team, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- Cover Letter
- Résumé,
- Philosophy/Theology of Youth Ministry
- Three References
Send application materials to:
Rev. Lance Richards
Senior Pastor
lance@am-umc.org
Contact Email: lance@am-umc.org
Contact Phone: (979) 846-8731