Youth Pastor

Gateway Church; Caledonia; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Church in Ontario seeks a Youth Pastor to provide spiritual leadership for grades 6–12, guiding students to follow Jesus together and grow in Christ within a biblically grounded, relationally strong ministry aligned with Gateway's mission.

The role emphasizes developing a Discipleship Pathway, leading weekly gatherings, and partnering with families while building healthy volunteer teams and safe ministry practices. A mature faith and ministry experience are required.

Qualifications

• Growing relationship with Jesus Christ; spiritual maturity and biblical character
• Strong commitment to the authority of Scripture
• Alignment with Gateway's doctrine, mission, and values
• Consistent personal practices of prayer, Bible study, worship, and growth

Responsibilities

• Vision and Leadership — Set and communicate strategy for youth ministry aligned with Gateway's mission; set measurable goals; evaluate ministry health and improve it; reach students outside any church ministry; keep the environment welcoming and safe.
• Student Discipleship — Build a grade 6–12 “Discipleship Pathway” that builds on Gateway Kids; provide age-appropriate teaching and spiritual formation; foster prayer, Bible study, worship, service, and evangelism; develop emerging student leaders; support transitions into and out of youth ministry.
• Student Relationships and Pastoral Care — Build meaningful relationships with students; be present at gatherings, retreats, and trips; provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance; maintain healthy boundaries per Plan to Protect.
• Volunteer Leadership — Recruit, screen, train, and lead adult and student volunteers; set clear roles and expectations; coach and encourage the team regularly; identify and develop emerging leaders.
• Family Partnership — Build trusting relationships with parents as the primary spiritual influence in students' lives; equip and communicate with families regularly; respond pastorally to concerns and support families through transitions.
• Programming — Lead weekly gatherings, small groups, retreats, mission trips, outreach events, and leadership development, always in service of helping students follow Jesus together, not just keeping them busy.
• Outreach and Evangelism — Develop strategies and events to reach unchurched students; build relationships with schools and community organizations; equip students to invite friends and share their faith.
• Ministry Culture — Cultivate a culture of biblical truth, grace, authentic relationships, prayer, worship, fun, and appropriate accountability, modeling Christ-centered character.
• Safety and Risk Management — Ensure compliance with Gateway policies, including volunteer screening and Plan to Protect (transportation, communication, emergencies); maintain volunteer records; file incident reports and inform parents when required.
• Communication and Administration — Communicate effectively with students, parents, volunteers, and staff; coordinate with the Communications Director on branding; prepare the annual calendar and budget; track attendance and ministry metrics; report to leadership.
• Staff Team Participation — Engage actively in MST meetings and staff life; collaborate across ministries rather than operating as a silo; serve generously and contribute to a healthy staff culture.

Skills

Spiritual maturity

Biblical worldview

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Bible or related field

Tools

Church management software

Social media

Job description

Position Summary

The Youth Pastor provides spiritual leadership and direction for Gateway's ministry to students in grades 6–12, creating an environment where students follow Jesus together, grow in Christ, build meaningful relationships, discover their gifts, and become lifelong disciples. The ministry should be biblically grounded, relationally strong, and culturally relevant, aligned with Gateway's mission and discipleship strategy. The ideal candidate is a spiritually mature, relationally strong leader whom students want to be around and parents trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Vision and Leadership — Set and communicate strategy for youth ministry aligned with Gateway's mission; set measurable goals; evaluate ministry health and improve it; reach students outside any church ministry; keep the environment welcoming and safe.
• Student Discipleship — Build a grade 6–12 “Discipleship Pathway” that builds on Gateway Kids; provide age-appropriate teaching and spiritual formation; foster prayer, Bible study, worship, service, and evangelism; develop emerging student leaders; support transitions into and out of youth ministry.
• Student Relationships and Pastoral Care — Build meaningful relationships with students; be present at gatherings, retreats, and trips; provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance; maintain healthy boundaries per Plan to Protect.
• Volunteer Leadership — Recruit, screen, train, and lead adult and student volunteers; set clear roles and expectations; coach and encourage the team regularly; identify and develop emerging leaders.
• Family Partnership — Build trusting relationships with parents as the primary spiritual influence in students' lives; equip and communicate with families regularly; respond pastorally to concerns and support families through transitions.
• Programming — Lead weekly gatherings, small groups, retreats, mission trips, outreach events, and leadership development, always in service of helping students follow Jesus together, not just keeping them busy. Programming should always serve the larger purpose of helping students “follow Jesus together”, rather than simply keeping students busy or entertained.
• Outreach and Evangelism — Develop strategies and events to reach unchurched students; build relationships with schools and community organizations; equip students to invite friends and share their faith.
• Ministry Culture — Cultivate a culture of biblical truth, grace, authentic relationships, prayer, worship, fun, and appropriate accountability, modeling Christ-centered character.
• Safety and Risk Management — Ensure compliance with Gateway policies, including volunteer screening and Plan to Protect (transportation, communication, emergencies); maintain volunteer records; file incident reports and inform parents when required.
• Communication and Administration — Communicate effectively with students, parents, volunteers, and staff; coordinate with the Communications Director on branding; prepare the annual calendar and budget; track attendance and ministry metrics; report to leadership.
• Staff Team Participation — Engage actively in MST meetings and staff life; collaborate across ministries rather than operating as a silo; serve generously and contribute to a healthy staff culture.

Qualifications

Spiritual

• Growing relationship with Jesus Christ; spiritual maturity and biblical character
• Strong commitment to the authority of Scripture
• Alignment with Gateway's and the C&MA's doctrine, mission, and values
• Consistent personal practices of prayer, Bible study, worship, and growth

Professional

• Bachelor's degree in Bible, theology, ministry, education, or related field (equivalent ministry experience and leadership ability may substitute)
• Experience in youth/student ministry, recruiting and developing volunteers, and leading teams
• Strong teaching, communication, and organizational skills
• Digital/social media experience an asset

Character

• Relational, approachable, emotionally healthy, and passionate about students
• Collaborative team player, teachable, and accountable
• Dependable communicator with strong work ethic
• Organized, creative problem solver and strategic thinker

Hours and Expectations

Full-time ministry role requiring flexibility for evenings and weekends. The Youth Pastor is expected to maintain a healthy balance between ministry, personal spiritual growth, family, and rest.

Statement of Faith and Ministry Alignment

The candidate must be (or become) a Licensed Worker with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, and affirm the C&MA's Statement of Faith, Statement on Human Sexuality, and doctrinal distinctives.

Reports to: Executive Pastor

Oversees: Youth Ministry Director

Leads: Youth ministry volunteers and student leaders