Youth Minister

Job Description

Youth MinisterSaint Matthew Church | Walnut Creek, CaliforniaAbout Saint Matthew

Saint Matthew Church is a progressive, contemporary ELCA congregation in Walnut Creek, California, committed to helping people experience God’s radical love, grow deeply formed lives, power positive aging and nurture children, youth and family wholeness.

We cultivate communities of belonging, justice, and wholeness. We believe children and students are not simply the church of tomorrow. They are the church today. We are building a sustainable, relationally driven family ministry rooted in the conviction that faith is formed through belonging, trusted relationships, spiritual practice, service, and intergenerational connection. Our ministry is guided by Saint Matthew’s Sustainable Family Ministry Guidebook and a long-term vision for forming resilient, thoughtful, compassionate young adults.

We are seeking a relational, creative, spiritually grounded Youth Minister to lead and shape ministry with middle school and high school students.

Position Summary

The Youth Minister will lead and oversee all aspects of student ministry (grades 6–12), creating environments where students are welcomed, known, valued, and invited into authentic faith formation. This leader will develop healthy volunteer systems, build strong relationships with students and families, cultivate meaningful small groups, and create engaging ministry experiences that help students connect faith to everyday life.

The ideal candidate is a strong relational leader, thoughtful communicator, gifted recruiter and equipper of volunteers, and someone who can connect deeply with both students and parents in a rapidly changing culture.

Primary ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Ministry Oversight

• Lead all middle school and high school ministry environments
• Oversee weekly programming, retreats, camps, mission experiences, and milestone events
• Manage ministry calendars, budgets, communication, and operational systems
• Ensure safe ministry practices, including volunteer screening, mandated reporting, and safety procedures
• Create organized, sustainable systems that support long-term ministry health

Volunteer Recruitment and Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and care for adult volunteer leaders
• Build a relational volunteer culture rooted in consistency and trust
• Develop leadership pathways for volunteers and student leaders
• Equip leaders to facilitate meaningful small groups and mentoring relationships

Teaching and Spiritual Formation

• Curate and oversee curriculum aligned with Saint Matthew’s theology and values
• Teach in ways that engage both the real questions students carry and the deeper formation needed for lifelong faith
• Create environments where students can wrestle honestly with questions, doubt, identity, and belonging
• Help students grow in spiritual practices, scripture engagement, service, leadership, and discernment

Family and Relational Ministry

• Partner closely with parents and caregivers as primary spiritual influences
• Provide clear communication, encouragement, and practical support for families
• Foster intergenerational relationships within the broader church community
• Build strong relationships with students through consistent presence, care, and trust

Innovation and Culture

• Develop creative and culturally relevant ministry experiences
• Stay informed about emerging trends affecting youth and families
• Utilize technology, communication, and social media thoughtfully and effectively
• Continually evaluate and improve ministry environments and systems

Qualifications

• A growing and authentic Christian faith
• Passion for working with middle school and high school students
• Strong relational and communication skills
• Experience leading youth ministry, volunteer teams, or student programs
• Ability to recruit, organize, and develop volunteers
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively with students and adults
• Alignment with the values and mission of Saint Matthew Church
• Bachelor’s degree or ministry experience preferred

What We Value Most

We are looking for someone who:

• Loves students deeply
• Builds healthy teams and relationships
• Leads with emotional maturity and humility
• Creates environments where students feel safe being themselves
• Understands that lasting faith formation happens through relationships, not just programs
• Can think strategically while remaining highly relational
• Is energized by building something meaningful and sustainable over time

Compensation

Full-time position

• Competitive salary based on experience Minimum of 70k but Max based on experience
• Generous Benefits package included
• Professional development support