Job Description
Youth Ministry Specialist Unique Opportunity for Christian Leadership in Western NY Lutheran (ELCA) Education, Ministry, and Programming Staff Lutheran Charities and Town Line Lutheran Church seek Youth Ministry Specialist to work with a range of WNY youth in a unique setting. Who You Are : The Lutheran Youth Ministry Specialist is a dynamic human with a zest for helping young people connect with their communities through opportunities, spiritual exploration, and conversations. Social justice is something that excites you and the idea that we can leave the world a little better than we found it is something you agree with. You are as comfortable with adults as you are kids and you like collaboration in action. Maybe you went to camp as a kid yourself (overnight or day camp) and you found that the fellowship, activities, and community of camp to be transformative in your own life. You like planning events and mapping out engaging activities for young people and you’re comfortable working alone and with a team. You take feedback well and can deliver it constructively and in a timely manner. You consider yourself a mentor. Flexibility is something you’re comfortable with and you’re as engaging with the shy kid as you are with the one who always wants to help. Who We Are: Lutheran Charities is a small organization with a big impact. We operated primarily as a funder of programs and organizations until 2024 when we took on the role and responsibilities of being the parent organization to Lutheran Youth. We are a small office with a permanent home in Williamsville NY, and our outreach with youth programming extends to numerous churches in the WNY region. We have office hours that we maintain, but we do a lot of work from home or other areas as needed. We are comfortable with this arrangement, and we hold ourselves and each other accountable to get done what needs to be done. Town Line Lutheran Church is an active fellowship of believers and a community of Christ in the Alden, NY area of WNY. What is the Job? The Lutheran Youth Ministry Specialist is currently a part-time (averaging 30 hours per week) role that works closely with the Officer Administrator and CEO of Lutheran Charities and pastoral staff of Town Line Lutheran Church to determine what is needed to create, host, maintain, and sustain youth activities for grades K-12. The major functions of the job include, but are not limited to: Abide to the church’s “protection plan for children, youth, and vulnerable adults.” Develop faith-based programs and activities, including youth Sunday, facilitating activities to maximize participation and experience. Attend worship and Sunday school regularly at Town Line Lutheran to foster relationships with the youth of Town Line congregation. Attend and/or arrange supervision for functions to ensure effective and constructive interactions. Plan and execute fundraising events to encourage stewardship to the youth. Coordinate and attend the ELCA national youth gathering with senior high youth. With the pastor, choose adult chaperones to provide proper supervision at the gathering. Inform the Pastor/council of activities/functions that will take place and coordinate these events with the church calendar. Provide typed report for monthly council/board meetings. This role also calls for someone who is comfortable in a faith-based environment, working closely with area clergy, local youth directors, and support staff to produce events and activities for youth participants. This role will include record keeping pertaining to youth activities. This role may include money handling, both internally and externally. Your hours will be aligned with the scheduled events, to include the planning and preparation, and will include evenings and weekends. What are the other important details? The Lutheran Youth Ministry Specialist rate of pay will range between $17- $22 per hour. There is potential for growth within this role as participation and collaboration increases. While fundraising for this program will largely fall to the CEO of Lutheran Charities, the collection of data for grant purposes will require some effort and facilitation from the Lutheran Youth Ministry Specialist. The Lutheran Charities office is located in Williamsville NY, and in-person work is required at Town Line Lutheran and within the WNY region. The position will share supervisory duties between the CEO of Lutheran Charities and the Pastor of Town Line Lutheran Church. *We are excited about the next phase of this youth ministry and look forward to the talented individual that can