Job Description

Director of Youth Discipleship

First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth

Supervisor

Executive Director

Direct Reports

Program Staff and Youth Ministry Interns and Volunteers

Basic Function

The Director of Youth Discipleship creates and leads a comprehensive ministry focused on developing young disciples of Christ during the critical early, middle, and late teen years (grades six through twelve). This position integrates youth ministry into the church's broader vision of lifelong discipleship, working closely with families and the wider church community to nurture faith development.

Primary Responsibilities

Faith Formation and Programming

Design and implement youth programming that addresses the distinct developmental needs of early teens (13-14), middle teens (15-16), and late teens (17-18), recognizing their different stages of faith development and increasing capacity for abstract thinking about faith
Create opportunities for youth to develop a mature, personal faith in Christ while being positively influenced by significant adults in their faith journey
Establish regular rhythms of worship, study, fellowship, and service that help youth grow as disciples who love God fully, love their neighbors, and live righteous, peaceful, and joyful lives
Integrate the Wesleyan understanding of faith development through Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason into youth programming
Organize and lead immersive discipleship opportunities for youth including but not limited to overnight retreats, mission trips, camping ministries, and other appropriate ministries

Family and Intergenerational Ministry

Partner with parents and families, recognizing their primary role in youth faith development
Equip parents with resources and support to nurture their children's faith development at home
Create meaningful opportunities for intergenerational connection and mentoring between youth and other adult members of the congregation
Collaborate with other ministry areas to ensure smooth transitions from children's ministry to youth ministry and from youth ministry to adult ministry

Confirmation Ministry Leadership

Develop and lead a comprehensive confirmation program for sixth-grade students that prepares them to confirm their baptismal vows and become professing members of the church
Create a meaningful preparation process that helps confirmands understand and embrace the vows of membership in The United Methodist Church
Utilize confirmation curriculum that teaches core Wesleyan theological concepts and United Methodist traditions
Recruit and equip adult mentors and teachers to journey alongside confirmands
Coordinate with pastoral staff to ensure confirmands are ready to profess their faith and assume the vows of membership
Plan and execute confirmation retreats, service projects, and other spiritual formation experiences
Partner with parents to help them support their children through the confirmation journey
Organize and lead the confirmation service in coordination with pastoral staff

Leadership Development

Recruit, train, and support adult volunteers who can serve as positive faith influences for youth
Develop leadership capabilities in youth through service opportunities, peer ministry, and leadership roles within the church
Create service events that allow youth to practice social holiness and understand their connection to the larger church
Plan and lead mission trips, retreats, and camping experiences that deepen faith and develop leadership skills

Administrative and Strategic Leadership

Maintain effective communication with youth, parents, church staff, and the congregation
Oversee and allocate youth ministry budget and resources effectively to support program goals and maintain fiscal responsibility
Participate in staff meetings and collaborate with other ministry areas
Coordinate support of the Justin Youth Building facilities needs with FUMC facilities staff
Stay current with youth ministry best practices and adolescent development research
Support and participate in all-church events and special services

Plus, other duties as assigned by senior leadership.

Qualifications and Skills

5+ years' experience in youth ministry leadership
Deep understanding of adolescent development and faith formation
Strong theological foundation in Wesleyan tradition
Excellence in building relationships with youth, parents, and volunteers
Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to create safe, welcoming environments for all youth
Experience with social media and technology commonly used by youth
Deep understanding of United Methodist confirmation theology and practice
Experience leading confirmation programs preferred
Ability to teach complex theological concepts to young adolescents
Skill in coordinating large-scale discipleship programs
Valid driver's license and ability to drive church vehicles for youth events
Compliance with MinistrySafe certification will be required, including background checks

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

Demonstrates a mature and growing faith
Models authentic Christian discipleship
Values both traditional and innovative approaches to ministry
Understands and teaches United Methodist theology and practice
Shows sensitivity to and inclusion of diverse backgrounds and experiences
Brings creativity and energy to program development
Maintains appropriate boundaries and ethical standards, particularly in observation of MinistrySafe policies and procedures
Committed to continued professional development and spiritual growth

This is a full-time position with retirement and health benefits. Included in full-time status is participation in ministries on nights and weekends and all-church events (such as but not limited to Holy Week, Vacation Bible School, and Christmas Eve.) Salary is commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: 817-

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