Youth Pastor

Acts 29; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Evangelical Free Church of the Palouse in Pullman, WA seeks a Youth Pastor to shepherd middle and high school students with gospel-centered discipleship. You will partner with parents, volunteers, and church leadership to grow students in Scripture and faith.

Ideal candidates bring a calling to youth ministry, a warm pastoral presence, and a willingness to invest in long-term healthy ministry. Ordination not required; 2+ years of practical experience is ideal.

Qualifications

• Ordination not required.
• 2+ years of practical ministry experience ideal.
• Demonstrated calling to youth ministry.
• Willingness to grow in ministry skills and pastoral leadership.

Responsibilities

• Shepherd middle school and high school students through relational, gospel-centered discipleship.
• Teach Scripture clearly, faithfully, and engagingly to students.
• Lead youth gatherings, small groups, and events.
• Recruit, train, support, and care for youth ministry volunteers.
• Partner with parents to support spiritual growth of students.
• Plan and manage the youth ministry budget ($11,000 annually).
• Attend at least one youth-ministry-related conference per year.

Skills

Bible teaching

Relational leadership

Pastoral care

Volunteer coordination

Job description

Meet Evangelical Free Church of the Palouse

Evangelical Free Church of the Palouseis a Christ-centered church committed to loving God, loving people, and making disciples in the Palouse community. The church values biblical teaching, authentic relationships, and meaningful worship, creating a welcoming environment for individuals and families to grow in their faith. With a heart for both local outreach and global missions, E-Free Palouse seeks to equip believers to live out the gospel in their everyday lives while serving the community with compassion and purpose.

About the Youth Pastor

The Youth Pastor at Evangelical Free Church of the Palouse (EFCP) plays a vital role in the spiritual formation of middle school and high school students, partnering with parents, volunteers, and church leadership to cultivate a gospel-centered, Scripture-shaped ministry. This role exists to help students come to know Christ, grow as disciples who love God’s Word, and live out their faith with joy, resilience, and mission. EFCP is prayerfully seeking a Youth Pastor who brings stability, relational depth, and a long‑term vision for walking faithfully with students and families. The ideal pastor will embody a warm, humble, and Christ-centered presence, grounding all ministry in the authority of Scripture and the transforming work of the gospel.

The Youth Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

• Shepherd middle school and high school students through relational, gospel-centered discipleship.
• Teach and communicate Scripture clearly and faithfully, helping students become Bible‑fluent disciples.
• Lead youth gatherings, small groups, and special events within the ministry calendar.
• Embrace and model EFCP’s rhythm of reading through the Bible together, encouraging students to engage the full story of Scripture and see how it leads to Christ.
• Recruit, train, support, and care for youth ministry volunteers.
• Foster a healthy, collaborative team culture marked by trust, clarity, and shared mission.
• Partner with parents to support the spiritual growth of their students.
• Plan & manage the youth ministry budget ($11,000 annually)with wisdom and accountability
• Attend at least one youth‑ministry‑related conference per year (encouraged and supported).
• Participate fully in the life, worship, and mission of the church.
• Exercise discretionary ministry funds responsibly for relational ministry.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Youth Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Ordination not required.
• No formal ministry experience required, though 2+ years of practical experience (internships, volunteer leadership, or ministry roles) is ideal.
• Demonstrated calling and commitment to youth ministry.
• Willingness and desire to grow in ministry skills, theological depth, and pastoral leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong grasp of the gospel and a high view of Scripture.
• Ability to teach the Bible clearly, faithfully, and engagingly to students.
• Relational leadership skills with students, parents, and volunteers.
• Capacity to plan, organize, and lead ministry programs thoughtfully.
• Collaborative posture and ability to work well with church staff and leadership.
• Ability to cultivate a healthy volunteer culture through encouragement, clarity, and care.
• Growing philosophy of ministry shaped by Scripture and gospel conviction.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A clear, credible testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ—born again by the Spirit and walking in ongoing repentance and trust in Christ alone.
• Evident love for Christ, His Word, and His Church.
• Warm, humble, and pastorally present demeanor.
• Spirit‑led, relational approach to discipleship marked by patience, compassion, and attentiveness.
• Commitment to shared spiritual practices, including regular Bible read‑throughs with students.
• Desire for long‑term ministry, stability, and rootedness in the EFCP community.

What it’s like to live in Pullman, WA

Living in the Palouse offers a distinctive blend of small‑town warmth, natural beauty, and the cultural energy of two vibrant college communities. Pullman, home to Washington State University, and neighboring Moscow, anchored by the University of Idaho, sit just minutes apart and together create a rich, connected region. This unique proximity brings a steady flow of arts, athletics, lectures, dining, and community events that enrich daily life while preserving a relational, approachable pace.

The Palouse itself is known for its breathtaking rolling hills, wide‑open skies, and a rhythm of life that values both presence and purpose. Residents enjoy abundant outdoor recreation like hiking and biking to parks and scenic drives, along with walkable downtowns, locally owned businesses, and deeply rooted community relationships. With four distinct seasons, strong schools, and a family‑friendly atmosphere, the Pullman–Moscow corridor is an ideal place for those who value education, beauty, and belonging. It’s a region where life feels grounded and connected, offering space to breathe, invest deeply in relationships, and flourish both personally and professionally.