Youth Pastor

The youth pastor at Evangelical Free Church of the Palouse (EFCP) plays a vital role in the spiritual formation of middle school and high school students, partnering with parents, volunteers and church leadership to cultivate a gospel-centered, Scripture-shaped ministry. This role exists to help students come to know Christ, grow as disciples who love God’s Word and live out their faith with joy, resilience and mission.

EFCP is prayerfully seeking a youth pastor who brings stability, relational depth and a long-term vision for walking faithfully with students and families. The ideal pastor will embody a warm, humble and Christ-centered presence, grounding all ministry in the authority of Scripture and the transforming work of the gospel.

The Youth Pastor’s responsibilities include:

• Shepherd middle school and high school students through relational, gospel-centered discipleship.
• Teach and communicate Scripture clearly and faithfully, helping students become Bible-fluent disciples.
• Lead youth gatherings, small groups and special events within the ministry calendar.
• Embrace and model EFCP’s rhythm of reading through the Bible together, encouraging students to engage the full story of Scripture and see how it leads to Christ.
• Recruit, train, support and care for youth ministry volunteers.
• Foster a healthy, collaborative team culture marked by trust, clarity and shared mission.
• Partner with parents to support the spiritual growth of their students.
• Plan and manage the youth ministry budget ($11,000 annually) with wisdom and accountability.
• Attend at least one youth-ministry-related conference per year (encouraged and supported).
• Participate fully in the life, worship and mission of the church.
• Exercise discretionary ministry funds responsibly for relational ministry.

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the youth pastor:

Education and Experience

• Ordination not required.
• No formal ministry experience required, though 2+ years of practical experience (internships, volunteer leadership or ministry roles) is ideal.
• Demonstrated calling and commitment to youth ministry.
• Willingness and desire to grow in ministry skills, theological depth and pastoral leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong grasp of the gospel and a high view of Scripture.
• Ability to teach the Bible clearly, faithfully and engagingly to students.
• Relational leadership skills with students, parents and volunteers.
• Capacity to plan, organize and lead ministry programs thoughtfully.
• Collaborative posture and ability to work well with church staff and leadership.
• Ability to cultivate a healthy volunteer culture through encouragement, clarity and care.
• Growing philosophy of ministry shaped by Scripture and gospel conviction.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A clear, credible testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ—born again by the Spirit and walking in ongoing repentance and trust in Christ alone.
• Evident love for Christ, His Word and His Church.
• Warm, humble and pastorally present demeanor.
• Spirit-led, relational approach to discipleship marked by patience, compassion and attentiveness.
• Commitment to shared spiritual practices, including regular Bible read-throughs with students.
• Desire for long-term ministry, stability and rootedness in the EFCP community.

The Evangelical Free Church of the Palouse is a Christ-centered church committed to loving God, loving people and making disciples in the Palouse community. The church values biblical teaching, authentic relationships and meaningful worship, creating a welcoming environment for individuals and families to grow in their faith. With a heart for both local outreach and global missions, E-Free Palouse seeks to equip believers to live out the gospel in their everyday lives while serving the community with compassion and purpose.

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Living in the Palouse offers a distinctive blend of small-town warmth, natural beauty and the cultural energy of two vibrant college communities. Pullman, home to Washington State University, and neighboring Moscow,…