Snapshot

Denomination: Episcopal

Weekly Attendance: 867

Location: Houston, TX

The Role: Director of Student Ministries

Meet The Church of St. John the Divine:

The Church of St. John the Divine (SJD) has worshiped and glorified God for 80 years, becoming the second-largest Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Texas and one of the largest in the United States. Through God’s provision, we are a healthy, stable congregation. We are a vibrant, urban parish in America’s fourth-largest city, and we embrace the Gospel’s call to mission by being an active, visible, and engaged Christian actor in our community. We place a high value on being a warm and welcoming community of Christians with varied backgrounds. St. John the Divine seeks to be a place of belonging for people wherever they are in their faith journey. We are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas within the Episcopal Church and we proudly join other churches in tradition, liturgy, history, and fellowship in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

About the Director of Student Ministries

The Youth Minister will disciple youth in spiritual growth to develop a lifelong and sustaining faith. The person in this role will lead youth ministries at SJD by building relationships and community, developing an atmosphere of belonging, modeling and teaching Biblical principles, as well as encouraging worship and community outreach. The Youth Minister will create and lead ministry events and become actively involved in the life of our church. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position that is exempt from overtime pay. The regular schedule is Sunday through Thursday with flexibility required for evening and weekend commitments.

The Director of Student Ministries Responsibilities Include: 

• Develop and lead youth programs and curriculum to equip students for a life of faith beyond graduation.

• Build consistent and supportive relationships with students through multiple contact points, including regular attendance at community and school events.

• Grow participation in youth ministry by recruiting youth attending SJD and local schools.

• Recruit, train, and direct the activities of youth ministry volunteers.

• Create, plan, organize, and execute youth activities (including small group ministries, Bible studies, social functions, retreats, mission trips, etc.). Set the calendar for youth activities and events in coordination with the overall church calendar.

• Develop ties with parents to support youth faith formation.

• Collaborate with other ministries to integrate youth into the full life of the church

• Pray with and for youth and their families.

• Maintain an inclusive culture for our youth and students that is welcoming and fun while providing depth and support.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Director of Student Ministries:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher level of education

• 3 + years of ministry and/or educational experience

• Proven experience in leading Bible studies or other Biblical teaching

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Life experiences that allow for meaningful discussions with young people

• A strong understanding of youth culture, trends and issues so he/she understands what young people are facing today 

• Bible-based teachings, knowledgeable, spiritual depth, teacher; able to help students grow spiritually.

• Willing to seek out and incorporate innovative approaches for youth programs.  

• Proficient understanding of the challenges and needs of today’s youth combined with an affinity to serve young people

• Ability to develop and communicate a vision for SJD’s youth program going forward.

• Organization skills to lay out longer-range plans.

• Proven record as leader of successful youth programs

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects

• Strong interpersonal skills, evidenced by the ability to build trust with teens

• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with social media

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Commitment to support the mission of The Church of St. John the Divine and the Episcopal Church

• Passion for youth, feels “called” to this ministry with young people

• Evident personal Christian faith with a desire to develop faith in others

• Relational, humble, invitational heart, listener

• Willingness to “think outside the box” of traditional youth ministry

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic

• Cool, “It” factor; engaging, energetic, dynamic, relatable, and relevant to our youth 

• Strong and effective communication with youth, parents and young adults to encourage deeper family and community connections at SJD

• Understands and can relate to the young people, but also willing to broaden SJD community, reach new youth audiences

• Entrepreneurial

• Collaborative

• Organized

• Builder of a fun community

• Openness to try new things from students

What it's Like to Live in Houston, TX: 

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of Texas! It offers several nationally acclaimed restaurants, shopping centers, and events. 

The city is the home of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest concentration of healthcare, research institutions, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center where the Mission Control Center is located. 

Rated as a global city, Houston’s economy has a broad industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. It is also leading in health care sectors and building oilfield equipment; only New York City is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters. The city has a population with various ethnic and religious backgrounds and a large and growing international community. It is also home to many cultural institutions and exhibits in the Museum District, which attracts more than seven million visitors a year. 

There’s an active visual and performing arts scene in the Theater District, and it offers opportunities to experience resident companies in all major performing arts genres in Houston throughout the year. Houston, Texas is a great place to call home, be surrounded by a great community of people, and raise a family.

Think you're a great fit for this role? Become a candidate below.