Young Life Sammamish

Young Life Area Director

Sammamish, Washington

Why I Love This Opportunity

Brian Aaby

Senior Associate

Two major things:
1. I was introduced to Jesus through YoungLife in High School (and have spoken for, partnered with, and led Young Life through the years).
2. I live in the Pacific Northwest, 20 minutes south of this area!
I am super excited to partner with YL to help find the person to oversee this ministry in my backyard! The people I have met are passionate about teens and Jesus! I can’t wait to see who God brings to our area.

About This Organization

In the early 1930s, Clara Frasher initiated prayer support for Gainesville High School teens. In 1939, Jim Rayburn founded the Miracle Book Club in Gainesville, collaborating with Pastor Clyde Kennedy. Recognizing the need for a more intimate Gospel setting, Rayburn launched Young Life clubs in kids’ homes, featuring singing, skits, and Jesus-centered talks.

Rayburn’s conviction was that every young person deserved to hear the message of Jesus and make a personal choice regarding the Gospel. Those who decided to follow Christ joined “Campaigners,” a discipleship group centered on Bible study, prayer, and sharing.

Camping emerged as a pivotal aspect of Young Life, with the acquisition of numerous Colorado ranches, providing stunning settings to share the Gospel while giving kids unforgettable experiences.

Young Life’s global expansion began in 1953 with an outreach in France, utilizing an approach called incarnational evangelism. Today, Young Life operates in over 100 countries.

In the mid-1950s, Young Life broadened its mission to serve kids of all backgrounds. Multiethnic ministries were developed to address the unique needs of diverse youth.

By the late 1980s, Young Life extended its focus to kids with special needs, establishing programs nationwide, affectionately known as “Young Life Capernaum.” These initiatives aim to expand boundaries, enrich lives, and warm hearts with Jesus’ love.

Another facet of Young Life’s ministry, “YoungLives,” emerged, offering support to teenage mothers. Experienced mentors connect with young moms, providing friendship and the opportunity to explore a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Position Description

In many ways, this role feels like being the CEO of your non-profit organization! Not only will this leader oversee other employees, but they will recruit, train, and release leaders for ministry at the 3 High Schools (and feeder Middle Schools) and will also spend time raising area-support meetings with fantastic business leaders in the area who make up the donor base for the area

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop a multiethnic vision and strategy for ministry.
  • Recruit, train, and lead staff and leaders to reflect the community.
  • Cultivate direct ministry, including clubs, camps, Campaigners, and contract work, setting an example of an incarnational church.
  • Build a sense of belonging through sustained, consistent contact work, increasing student ownership through discipleship.
  • Establish relationships with parents, teachers, coaches, donors, and community members.
  • Lead kids and leaders at camp and participate in assignment teams as directed.
  • Develop and lead the area’s fundraising strategy, ensuring excellent donor communication.

What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like:

  • A strong, growing spiritual life.
  • Demonstrated success working with middle school and high school students.
  • Desire to cultivate a multiethnic community by building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to lead through cultural intelligence frameworks with high emotional intelligence, both externally and internally.
  • Capability to work independently with minimal supervision in an unstructured environment.
  • Proficiency in recruiting, training and leading adults.
  • Ability to be a team player and to work closely with other staff.
  • Willingness to build and execute a fundraising strategy.

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