Coordinator for Youth & Family

Job and Church Brief:

Atonement Lutheran Church is seeking an individual who nurtures a rich spiritual life to provide vision and coordination of ministry to and with youth (grades 6-12) and their families. This person loves Jesus, works creatively, effectively copes with change and uncertainty, practices integrity and transparent communication, enjoys working hard, and makes connections in the congregation to serve the youth in a variety of roles. In our welcoming and socially conscious environment, this broadminded person will help us bridge all ages while developing and administering all aspects of ministry to support and encourage relationships and growth for youth and families in their faith.

Atonement Lutheran Church is a medium sized welcoming congregation in Muskego, WI. Our focus on “Growing a Faith Family that serves families and youth in our community” guides both our identity and mission to God’s world. As an ELCA congregation we embrace the beliefs that “This is Christ’s church,” and, “There is a place for you here.” We understand deeply that we need Jesus, we need each other, and we serve a world in need.

Essential Functions:

• Be the Program Coordinator for Youth and Family Ministry (YFM)
• Lead a youth ministry that grows in size while also growing the involvement of youth
• Imagine, develop and communicate a multi-year programming plan and curriculum scope and sequence that aligns with Atonement’s vision and values; assess and evaluate success, failures, and relevance of programming and adjust accordingly
• Initiate, build and maintain authentic relationships with children, teens, parents and volunteers
• Recruit, develop, train and appreciate a team of adult volunteers
• Imagine, design and coordinate regular programming for ages 11-18 (middle and high school ministries) including researching, choosing and preparing age appropriate biblically based curricula; oversee volunteers in accordance with our Best Practice and Policies
• Design, schedule, organize, implement, and attend events, service projects, retreats, and mission trips, including fundraising; work from a team approach with other staff
• Help parents and guardians inspire curiosity and spiritual interest in their children; equip parents and guardians with resources to be the primary influence of faith formation
• Foster congregational awareness and involvement with children, youth and family ministry through coaching and experimenting with intergenerational programming opportunities and worship service involvement
• Establish an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment; foster discipleship, encourage thinking and sharing, and be aware and responsive regarding emotional and mental health among children and teens
• Provide targeted, effective and consistent communication and promotion of activities including impact stories to students, parents and congregation via email, monthly newsletter, bulletin boards, church website, social media, etc.
• Explore, develop and utilize peer training to develop leadership among high school students
• Possible worship assistant duties

Other Responsibilities:

• Manage youth budget and finances
• Participate in weekly staff meeting
• Participate in annual goal setting along with Process for Encouragement and Review
• Participate in continuing education opportunities; network with other children’s and youth ministry directors and leaders
• Be a present and engaged participant in standing church programs and worship services, and other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• One to three years of relevant experience (e.g. teacher, coach, mentor)
• Embrace the Vision, Mission and Values of Atonement Lutheran Church
• Familiar and comfortable with Lutheran (ELCA) theology
• Passion for engaging and nurturing children, teens and families
• Should have flexible working hours and be available on Sunday mornings as well as some evenings for meetings and events
• Successfully pass a background check

Physical Requirements:

• Able to move freely in and out of different children and youth ministry settings (classroom, camps, churches, etc.)
• Able to comfortably speak in public forum
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.