St John And St Stephen’s Youth Minister Post

Purpose of the Role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic youth minister to join our vibrant church and help us develop an overview of youth work at St John and St Stephen's as well as work with our partners, St John's CE Primary (year 6 school leavers) and with Reading College and RE Inspired.

Subject to Contract

Parish Youth Minister

The PCC of St John and St Stephen's Reading

The Incumbent on behalf of the PCC

37 hours/week, including some evenings and weekends. One day off/week, day to be agreed.

32 days/year

up to £32,000/annum depending on experience and/or qualifications

08.09.26

16.09.26

as soon as possible after references and DBS check and proof of eligibility to work in the UK, though we are prepared to wait for the right candidate.

The post is for three years with a possibility for extending this under the right circumstances (with a probationary 6 months).

• To pray and work with the Ministry Team to develop and implement a cohesive parish youthwork strategy that builds on our existing children’s ministry, and to help us move towards being a more intergenerational worshipping community.

• To develop a youth ministry programme that will help our young people become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
• To create a programme of events and activities, suitable for younger and older youth (11-18s) that will be attractive to our young people and their friends, including Bible based discussion groups, social/sport events and to involve them in the annual Reading Youth Day. This will nurture giftings and prayer life, develop whole life discipleship and encourage integration within the church community.
  
  We envisage widening the reach of the group via friendship evangelism, drawing on school-based friendships and other connections.
• To promote equal opportunities and ensure that young people with special needs are valued and included.
• To be a role model and Christian witness to young people across our community.

• To identify more volunteers to be involved with the teens, and to encourage and support a team of adults in delivering youth ministry in collaboration with the existing volunteers and vicar.
• To communicate the vision for youth ministry in our church and to ensure the voices of young people are heard within our church and its leadership teams.
• To liaise with all involved in children’s ministry to ensure good transitions between children’s and youth ministry.
• To communicate effectively with parents/guardians about the vision for youth ministry and programme of events, and the specific needs of their children.

• To develop an outreach strategy that sees unchurched youth making links with our church teens group.
• To work with year 6 at St John's CE School to prepare pupils for the switch to secondary school.
• To take part in the Student Enrichment Programme at Reading College.
• To join the RE Inspired team in the Reading Secondary schools.
• To engage with and work alongside other local church youth workers through the Reading Youth Workers Network based at Greyfriars' church.

• To ensure compliance with the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policies, making sure safeguarding procedures are understood and followed in all sessions and events, and team members are safely recruited and trained.

• To begin to identify a budget for youth work, keep accurate contact details, and ensure compliance with GDPR.

• To participate in training appropriate to the role and personal development.

An enhanced DBS will be required.

Character and Faith.

• A committed Christian with a lively faith that draws others to Christ.
• Someone who is seeking to grow in Christ-likeness
• Someone who has an affinity with young people and is gifted to help them grow
• A strong desire to reach out to young people outside the church
• Someone happy to work with diversity (social, ethnic, sexual identity)
• Ability to connect with…