Church: First Congregational Church of Essex
Location: Essex, MA
Hours: 15-20 hours/week (part-time)
Compensation: $19-21/hour (based on experience)

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Church & Role Overview

First Congregational Church of Essex is a small-town church that has been faithfully serving Jesus and our neighbors for over three centuries. With an average weekly attendance of 75-80, we are a close-knit community where people can truly know and be known.

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We are seeking a part-time Youth Pastor who loves Jesus, His Church, and His world, and who is passionate about discipling young people. This is an opportunity to invest in the next generation—helping students (grades 6–12) discover God, grow in faith, and live out their calling as followers of Christ. We are looking for someone who can maintain a safe emotional environment, care for spiritual needs, and help our young people learn to grow in charity and service.

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The Youth Pastor will oversee the leadership of the youth ministry and provide pastoral care to students, working closely with parents, volunteers, and church leadership while also helping the church deepen its connection with the surrounding community—building bridges with local families, schools, and neighborhoods. In addition, they will partner with the Lead Pastor in preaching, teaching, and broader discipleship initiatives within the life of the church.

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Primary Responsibilities

• Serve 15–20 hours per week over 4 days (including 6–10 hours for prep & youth group).

• Plan and lead Thursday night Youth Group gatherings (games, snacks, Bible study) in a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment.

• Build meaningful relationships with students to mentor, support, and encourage their personal faith journey.

• Communicate and coordinate with parents and guardians, providing regular updates, encouragement, and resources.

• Organize and oversee monthly or bimonthly youth events for fun, fellowship, outreach, and service.

• Plan and lead opportunities for students to serve and connect with the local community—such as neighborhood service projects, partnering with schools, or participating in community events (such as Halloween on Pickering Street and Santa by Boat on the Essex River)—to help them live out their faith beyond the church walls.

• Schedule and manage an annual youth retreat (typically at Camp Berea).

• Recruit, equip, and supervise adult volunteers and youth leaders to assist in ministry programs.

• Attend weekly staff meetings and the monthly Christian Education Committee meeting to provide updates, collaborate on youth ministry, and integrate youth ministry into the life of the church.

• Stay informed about trends and issues affecting youth, and work with the Lead Pastor and Christian Education Committee to respond with relevant, biblically grounded teaching and guidance.

• Lead elements of Sunday worship services (e.g., prayer, Scripture, announcements, communion).

• Preach in Sunday worship services monthly or bi-monthly and take part in the weekly preaching team meeting.

• Comply with all legal requirements and church policies.

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Optional Opportunities (depending on interest, gifting, and capacity)

• Develop and lead worship nights for youth.

• Participate in and help facilitate college student ministry.

• Lead monthly discipleship groups for grades 4–5.

• Pioneer a Christian presence at Essex/Manchester High School (e.g., club or biweekly group, similar to Young Life, Campus Life, or Youth for Christ).

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Values

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a deep love for Jesus, His Church, and His mission.

• Lives in a way that reflects the biblical requirements for church leaders.

• Listens attentively to students, treating their stresses, worries, and pains as valid and valuable.

• Demonstrates the ability to handle and mediate conflict in a healthy, redemptive way.

• Encourages, equips, and builds up volunteer leaders.

• Has a heart to disciple and mentor students in faith and life.

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Reporting

This position reports to the Lead Pastor and works in partnership with the Christian Education Committee and other ministry leaders.

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Candidate Requirements

• Has experience facilitating and leading groups.

• A year of experience with middle and high school students is preferred.

• Has experience or is capable of teaching/preaching to kids, teens, and adults.

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Application Process

Those interested should send:

• A current resume (showing experience in youth leadership/discipleship)

• Any relevant samples (such as preaching, teaching, or youth-related activities)

• References (combination of ministry and personal)