Youth Ministries Coordinator

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Youth Ministries Coordinator
A Ministry Description for Local Church Leaders

Introduction

Jesus was clear about the importance of our young people when He said, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me... See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:5, 10).

When His disciples wanted to send the little children away, thinking they were interrupting the Master's important work, Christ said, "Let the little children... come to me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matt. 19:14). Teenagers are precious in God's sight, representing a particularly important part of the church. They are not only the "church of the future" but also the church of the present.

Christ created the church to be a community of people sharing a common purpose and helping each other grow in faith. The New Testament describes the church as "His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way" (Eph. 1:23). God calls us into His body so that we may establish a saving relationship with Him and develop bonds of fraternal support with other members.

He calls every member of the church to ministry. The church is a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). Our priesthood is exercised toward each other within the church and toward the world. Every Christian is called to ministry, receives gifts and talents from the Holy Spirit, and is ordained at the time of their baptism (Eph. 4:11-12).

As a youth coordinator, you are a minister called by God to a particular and crucial ministry in your congregation and community. God provides every member of the church with resources for their ministry: the Scriptures, spiritual power, His character, and the gifts of the Spirit. He will meet your needs as you take on this great responsibility!

Functions of the Youth Coordinator
The following functions are part of your responsibilities:

1. Chair the Youth Ministries Committee. You will meet with those who help with the spiritual development of young people at the Sabbath School level, Adventist Youth, and all other youth ministries in the church, such as the choir and summer camp. The agenda for these meetings should include planning all activities, fundraisers, planned excursions/trips during the year, and a discussion of the Sabbath School Bible curriculum. Together, you can ensure that as few events as possible overlap, identify gaps in programs, and coordinate your efforts. Your role as chair can foster a spirit of cooperation in which all program leaders work together.
2. Plans and ideas. In consultation with the various leaders, teachers, and young adult representatives, you have a tremendous opportunity to generate new ideas. It is your responsibility to work with leaders to collectively design a plan and budget for the entirety of your church's youth ministries program.
3. Program administration. You will represent the interests of youth ministries to the church board, the pastor, the church ministries committee, the Sabbath School leader, youth group leaders, and the church treasurer.
4. Information. You are the main source of information for the congregation regarding youth ministries. You will need to create a calendar of all youth activities and events for the local church and ensure that these events are promoted in the church bulletin and newsletter. Keep a permanent, updated record of all young people from 9th to 12th grade who are in the church, and non-members who have attended outreach programs or visited the church on Sabbath. Also provide your leaders with information about training activities and new resources.
5. Age group specialist. Because spiritual development is linked to intellectual and physical development, people are divided into developmental levels when planning for their spiritual growth. This is related to chronological age. Thus, these developmental levels are often called "age groups" or "grade levels." You can help teachers and leaders understand how to organize activities for a particular age group. You have the responsibility to assess the needs of adolescents in the congregation and community, and to help activity leaders understand these needs. You will support church leaders while maintaining the enthusiasm of the young people under your responsibility.

Local Church Responsibilities. North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Copyright © 1997, Revised 2017. Permission to copy for local church use.