Monticello, IL United States
The Youth Pastor leads and develops the student ministry (middle school and high school) in alignment with the mission and discipleship pathway of Crossroads Church.
This role centers on helping students follow Jesus in a real and growing way as they learn to walk with him personally and together with others. The aim is to see students become mature disciples of Jesus who are rooted in the gospel, engaged in the life of the church, and prepared to follow Christ faithfully into the next season of life.
Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Spiritual formation oversight through the Gather, Grow, and Go discipleship pathway
● Students who are exploring faith are welcomed to gather, experience community, and begin considering the claims of Christ.
● Students who trust in Jesus learn to gather and grow, developing spiritual foundations and rhythms of walking with him.
● Students who are maturing are challenged to gather, grow, and go, stepping into ownership, service, and emerging leadership.
2. Weekly gatherings leadership
● Plan and lead weekly student gatherings that are biblically grounded and engaging. ● Provide both outreach-oriented and discipleship-focused environments.
● Create spaces where students feel welcomed, known, and connected.
● Ensure teaching is clear, relevant, and faithful to Scripture.
3. Adult leader development
● Recruit, train, and shepherd a team of adult leaders to assist in the ministry. ● Equip leaders to build relationships, disciple students, and lead effectively.
4. Community presence and outreach
● Build relationships with students “where they live” in the community, including schools and local events.
● Create discipleship environments that are accessible to unchurched students. ● Encourage students to live on mission in their everyday lives.
5. Parent partnership
● Partner with parents as the primary spiritual influencers in their students’ lives. ● Communicate clearly and consistently with families.
● Provide encouragement and support as families disciple their students.
6. Ministry communication
● Cultivate healthy and ongoing communication with students and parents through appropriate personal, digital, and social media interaction.
● Regularly share meaningful updates and testimonies of what God is doing within the student ministry with church leadership and the broader church body.
7. General pastoral responsibilities
● Participate in the overall ministry life of the church.
● Collaborate with staff and leadership to advance the mission.
● Preach or teach occasionally as opportunities arise.
● Support the development of Crossroads Life Groups (small groups) in alignment with the church’s discipleship pathway.
8. Next generation ministry development (Future growth)
● As the student ministry becomes healthy and established, begin exploring opportunities for broader next generation ministry development, including ministry to young adults (college age and early career) and young couples.
● Identify and develop leaders who can effectively lead these ministries in alignment with the church’s disciple making mission.
Interested candidates should submit the following:
● Resume
● Cover letter
● Brief testimony and statement of calling to ministry
● Links to teaching samples, if available
● References upon request
Please email materials and inquiries to: [email protected]
Handout: Youth-Pastor-JD-2026.pdf