Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission:
- Sharing God’s Love.
Vision:
- The church on the hill engaging in worship and service, creating a faith home and growing community to share God’s light and love.
Values:
- Highland calls people to grow through serving, connecting, caring, and praying. These commitments shape a congregation that values relationships, welcomes participation, and puts faith into practice through care for its neighbors. Student ministry should reflect these values by helping young people grow in faith, develop meaningful relationships, and participate in the church’s worship and service.
- As part of the Presbyterian Church USA, Highland identifies with the Reformed tradition within a broad theological community. Its ministry emphasizes cooperation, welcome, and encouragement as people grow in their understanding of faith. The director should be prepared to serve faithfully within this context and partner closely with pastoral leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Build relationships with students and families: Know students personally, maintain consistent contact, and intentionally pursue those who have struggled to connect.
- Lead biblical teaching and discipleship: Select or develop teaching for weekly gatherings and Sunday School that connects Scripture to adolescent life and encourages lasting faith in Jesus Christ.
- Establish a dependable ministry calendar: Plan and execute weekly gatherings, service opportunities, retreats, and meaningful traditions with timely preparation and follow-through.
- Recruit and develop volunteers: Partner with the Youth Committee to identify, equip, and encourage adults who will invest consistently in students.
- Partner with parents: Maintain clear communication about ministry plans and help families support their students’ spiritual growth.
- Guide important transitions: Welcome rising sixth graders, lead the Confirmation process, and celebrate graduating seniors.
- Connect students with the congregation: Create opportunities for students to participate in worship, serve their neighbors, and build relationships across generations.
- Manage ministry resources: Steward the annual youth ministry budget of approximately $24,000 and coordinate the practical details of ministry activities.
- Lead with initiative and accountability: Set priorities, communicate progress, follow church policies and student protection practices, and seek pastoral guidance when needed.
Key Qualifications
- A vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a life marked by integrity, humility, and care for others.
- At least two years of youth ministry leadership or equivalent experience.
- A bachelor’s degree in theology, youth ministry, or a related field is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with adolescents and help them grow through biblical teaching and personal discipleship.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, including dependable planning and follow-through.
- The ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage responsibilities within a staff culture built on trust.
- The ability to recruit, equip, and encourage volunteers while partnering effectively with parents.
- Willingness to serve within Highland’s PCUSA and Reformed context and collaborate with pastors, the Youth Committee, and the Session.
- Sound judgment, appropriate boundaries, and a commitment to student safety and church policies.