Youth Director

Abundant Life Church Indiana); Oakford (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Abundant Life Church Indiana is looking for a Student Ministry Director to guide and oversee student ministries across multiple campuses. This full-time role will ensure every student has a pathway for spiritual growth and community engagement.

The ideal candidate will have experience in student ministry leadership and demonstrated abilities in team leadership, teaching, and relational ministry. Responsibilities include developing ministry models, building volunteer teams, and leading engaging teaching sessions. The position offers a collaborative environment with a deep commitment to student development and spirituality.

Qualifications

• Experience in Student Ministry leadership, ideally in a multisite or large-church context.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, teach effectively, and manage complex ministry environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and operational oversight for student ministries.
• Build a scalable ministry model that works across multiple campuses.
• Create a discipleship pathway for students' spiritual growth.
• Recruit, train, and shepherd a volunteer team including group leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

Associate degree or higher in ministry, theology, education or related field

Job description

Student Ministry Director

Abundant Life Church, Indiana

Position Type: Full-Time Salaried

Position Summary The Student Ministry Director provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight for middle school and high school ministries across one or more campuses. The role blends strategic planning, team leadership, teaching, and relational discipleship, ensuring that every student experiences a consistent, Christ-centered pathway for spiritual growth regardless of campus. The role blends teaching, volunteer development, strategic planning, and relational ministry with students and families.

• Job Title: Student Ministry Director
• Department: Student Ministry Department
• Reports to: Senior Pastor

Type of Position: Pastoral Hours: 40+ hours per week: Weekends / Salary Position Code: Director

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a clear, biblically grounded vision for student ministry aligned with the church’s mission.
• Build a scalable ministry model that works across multiple campuses.
• Use ministry metrics, feedback, and student engagement data to guide decision-making.
• Create a discipleship pathway that helps students grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
• Plan the annual ministry calendar, including weekly Student Ministry night, retreats, mission opportunities, and special events.

Leadership of Staff & Volunteers

• Lead, coach, and develop campus student ministry staff.
• Recruit, train, and shepherd a volunteer team, including small-group leaders, event teams, and student leaders.
• Create systems for onboarding, coaching, and retaining volunteers across campuses.
• Provide ongoing coaching, resources, and appreciation for volunteers.
• Build a healthy team culture marked by prayer, accountability, and shared mission.

Programming, Teaching & Environments

• Lead or oversee weekly Student Ministry night, including teaching, worship coordination, small groups, and fellowship.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, age-appropriate biblical teaching.
• Teach regularly or develop a teaching team to deliver engaging, gospel-centered messages.
• Ensure programming is excellent, safe, and consistent across campuses.
• Partner with worship and production teams to deliver high-quality, student-focused experiences.
• Ensure environments are safe, welcoming, and spiritually formative.

Student & Family Relationships

• Build authentic, Christ-centered relationships with students and provide pastoral care, mentoring, and crisis support for students as appropriate.
• Build relational pathways that help students feel known, connected, and discipled.
• Partner and Equip parents with communication, resources, and events that support discipleship at home.
• Create opportunities for students to serve within the church and in the community.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow all safety and child-protection policies.

Systems, Administration & Communication

• Manage ministry budgets, registrations, curriculum, and event logistics across campuses.
• Oversee communication channels (email, text, social media, church app) to keep families and volunteers informed.
• Maintain systems for attendance, follow-up, volunteer scheduling, and student assimilation.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, background checks, and child-protection standards.

Cross-Campus Collaboration & Church Integration

• Participate in staff meetings, leadership development, and church-wide events.
• Collaborate with children’s ministry, worship, production, and senior leadership teams.
• Support campus pastors in integrating student ministry into the life of each campus.
• Lead or support church-wide student events, retreats, camps, and mission opportunities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in ministry, theology, education, or related field (preferred).
• Experience in Student Ministry leadership, ideally in a multisite or large-church context.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, teach effectively, and manage complex ministry environments.

Character & Competencies

• A mature, growing relationship with Jesus and alignment with the church’s beliefs and values.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, develop, and mobilize others.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and ministry environments simultaneously.
• High emotional intelligence and a heart for evangelism and discipleship.
• Comfortable with fast-paced, high-expectation ministry environments.

Work Schedule & Expectations

• Full-time role with regular weekend and weeknight responsibilities.
• Presence at all student services and major church events.
• Availability for retreats, camps, mission opportunities, and seasonal events.
• Participation in staff culture, leadership development, and ongoing training.

Success Indicators

• Students demonstrate spiritual growth, belonging, and engagement across all campuses.
• Volunteers feel equipped, valued, and connected to the mission.
• Parents feel supported and informed.
• Ministry systems run smoothly and scale effectively.
• Student ministry strengthens the overall mission and culture of the church.
• Cross-campus alignment is strong without sacrificing relational ministry.

Salary: The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.