Other Details

In partnership with Durham Evangelical Church (DEC) Leadership, the Youth Pastor will lead DEC Students, engaging grades 5–12 to encounter God and live out their calling as followers of Christ. This role will also include responsibilities for the DEC Young Adult Ministry. This leader will shape vision, programs, and volunteer teams aligned with DEC’s mission: “to bring glory to God in all things as we seek to know Christ and make Him known.”

Leadership & Vision (≈ 30%)

• Partner with pastoral staff to further articulate and implement DEC’s youth ministry vision aligned with church values.
• Build and lead a Student Ministry team guiding weekly programming for middle and high school students.
• Develop faith‑building curriculum and event plans for grades 5–12 (weekly gatherings, small groups, retreats, outreach).
• Communicate ministry direction to elders, parents, volunteers, students, and the broader church community.
• Build and lead and/or delegate a Young Adult Ministry team guiding weekly programming for Young Adults (18-25).

Volunteer Equipping & Coaching (≈ 25%)

• Recruit and equip adult volunteer and student leaders.
• Clearly define roles and expectations for the Youth Ministry Team involved in DEC Students. 
• Organize quarterly training and coaching sessions.
• Collaborate with Children’s Ministry and Family Ministry teams to equip families as primary faith influencers.
  

Teaching & Discipleship (≈ 25%)

• Preach or teach in middle/high school/young adult settings regularly (e.g. small groups, large group messages).
• Preach during Sunday congregational worship (≈ 2-3x per quarter)
• Mentor student leaders one-on-one and in groups.
• Maintain pastoral care conversations with students and parents when needed.

Administration & Communication (≈ 20%)

• Ensure compliance with DEC’s safety guidelines for volunteers and youth events.
• Maintain consistent communication: weekly updates, event schedules, and service reminders to families and leaders.
• Work with the Pastor Team to develop and manage the Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry budgets.
• Plan and oversee DEC youth ministry participation in local and global missions.

Qualifications:

Character & Spiritual Maturity

• Spiritual qualifications in line with Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3.
• Committed to Scripture, prayer, and worship in pursuit of knowing Christ more fully.
• Relational warmth, emotional maturity, and passion for discipling young people.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry, Christian Education, or related field preferred.
• Seminary degree preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading vibrant youth ministries preferred.

Abilities & Gifts

• Strong communicator and gifted teacher—comfortable leading groups and preaching.
• Skilled in recruiting, equipping, and motivating volunteers and student leaders.
• Organized administrator with a collaborative and team-oriented spirit.

DEC Context: DEC’s mission spans the NH Seacoast and beyond, seeking to build God’s Kingdom by knowing Christ and making Him known. Additional details can be found at: Who We Are — Durham Evangelical Church. 

DEC hosts weekend services at 9 AM & 10:30 AM, with Kids Church for pre-K through grade 5 at the 9 AM service.  DEC Students meet Sunday evenings:

• Grades 5–8: 5:00–6:30 PM
• Grades 9–12: 7:00–8:30 PM

Youth Ministry welcomes occasional service opportunities with local partners during the school year and events in the summer. 

This role may involve coordination and support for missions trips with the DEC youth.

Currently, Young Adult Ministry includes a young men’s group, ages 18-25.  

Office & Support:

On-staff office hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–4 PM. 

Weekly staff meetings and communication are coordinated through Church Center and the DEC administrative team  

Additional Details:

Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000

Benefits:  You will receive comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, retirement, a housing stipend, and paid time off.

Statement of Faith:  Assumption of this role requires signing an agreement to the DEC Statement of Faith, which can be found under Article III, here.