Youth Pastor

First Baptist Church of Fairbury, Illinois is located in a rural central Illinois community. Our current church size is an average of 475 weekly attendees with a youth group that averages around 40 students. We believe we were not only conveniently, but divinely placed right next door to our community’s high school. We desire to use this proximity to create relationships and open doors for gospel work to take place in the lives of not only the students but entire families and for God’s kingdom to grow. We deeply value our youth and the energy and passion they bring us, and we see them as part of the family and the future of our church. Because this next generation is precious and valuable to us, we focus on creating an environment and outreach ministries where youth matter.  

The purpose of this position is to make disciples of Jesus among our youth; to partner with their families in teaching them to know, love, and share Jesus and help them flourish as they grow to become devoted Christ followers. The youth pastor will plan, implement, and oversee a ministry strategy which presents Jesus as the only way of salvation and the only sure source of meaning and purpose in life.

Experience in youth ministry and/or education in youth ministry or theological training is desired. This is a full-time position and will operate under the guidance of the Senior Pastor.

Characteristics we are looking for include:

• Disciple of Jesus with a deep love for youth and a passion for serving the next generation in ministry with gladness
• Ability to communicate God’s truth in a way that is relevant and engaging to youth
• Team player with good interpersonal and communication skills
• Servant leadership that loves and honors people in the church and community
• Commitment to the vision, policies, and practices of First Baptist Church of Fairbury
• Creative, flexible, and effective in managing multiple priorities and assignments
• Post high school education and training and/or experience working with youth
• Technology savvy, especially using technologies which would benefit youth ministry

Responsibilities in this position include:

• Ongoing discipleship that trains and equips our youth to be devoted followers of Jesus
• Oversee and lead the high school and Jr. high youth programs which meet weekly
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in youth programs
• Teach Sunday school class for our youth (junior and/or senior high)
• Be available to youth and parents with specific office hours offering support of our youth and their families
• Coordinate and lead youth retreats, mission trips, fundraisers, and service projects
• Coordinate at least one monthly social event for the youth along with regular weekly programs
• Oversee and coordinate volunteers for VBS and Upwards Basketball program each year
• Develop relationships with grade school students for a smooth transition and engagement in junior and senior high youth activities
• Engage with youth in our community by being visible at various school activities
• Engage with our community in ways that offer further avenues of ministry including developing a working relationship with the school administration especially at the junior high and high school level
• Assist with day-to-day tasks typical for a pastor of a small church, such as:
  • Setting up tables for events like funerals.
  • Visiting with individuals who come to the church during business hours.
  • Answering the phone when no one else is available.

Applicants must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith which can be found on our website: Statement of Faith