College & Young Adults Pastor

Campus: Yorba Linda

Church Size: 6000+

Compensation: $65,000–$75,000/year

Employment Type: Exempt

Reports to: Family Life and Volunteer Engagement Pastor

Do you have a heart for walking alongside college students and young adults (18-28) as they navigate life's biggest decisions and discover their calling? Are you energized by creating dynamic communities where young people can grow in faith, build authentic relationships, and become equipped to change the world? If so, Friends Church invites you to lead a thriving ministry that's shaping the future of the church and our community.

Friends Church is a vibrant, multi-campus community committed to building a community of authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world. Our College and Young Adults (CYA) ministry serves as a bridge between youth and adult life, creating spaces where 18-28 year-olds can explore their faith, build lasting friendships, and discover their unique role in God's kingdom. We're dedicated to creating environments where lives are transformed, purpose is discovered, and the next generation is equipped to lead.

• Lead Dynamic Gatherings: Oversee weekly Tuesday night gatherings and community events that engage, inspire, and connect young adults in authentic worship and biblical teaching.
• Foster Life-Changing Community: Develop and manage Life Groups specifically designed for CYA, with a goal of engaging 50% of participants in small group discipleship experiences.
• Develop Emerging Leaders: Recruit, equip, and mentor volunteers and ministry partners, providing leadership opportunities that help young adults discover and use their spiritual gifts.
• Connect to the Bigger Picture: Seamlessly integrate CYA members into the broader church family, Alpha programs, Rooted experiences, and weekend services, ensuring they feel valued and connected.
• Mobilize for Impact: Provide regular local service opportunities and annual global mission experiences, partnering with Guest Services and Special Events to help young adults serve throughout the church.
• Create Pathways for Growth: Align programming with Friends Church's discipleship vision, managing series selection, curriculum development, and spiritual formation experiences.
• Provide Pastoral Care: Offer godly counsel, spiritual direction, and pastoral support to young adults navigating major life transitions, relationships, and career decisions.

• Spiritual Maturity: A strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, adherence to Friends Church Statement of Faith, and a clear calling to young adult ministry with a passion for discipleship.
• Ministry
  
  Experience:
  
  3–5 years in student ministries or equivalent combination of education and experience, with demonstrated success in young adult engagement and leadership development.
• Relational Excellence: Outstanding ability to connect with and relate to the 18-28 demographic, understanding their unique challenges, questions, and opportunities.
• Strategic Vision: Skills in program development, event planning, budget management, and team leadership, with the ability to set and achieve measurable ministry goals.
• Educational Foundation: Bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or related field, with commitment to obtain commissioning through Friends Southwest (FSW).
• Heart for Friends Church: Active membership at Friends Church with full alignment to our mission, values, and ministry approach, including participation in church-wide initiatives.

At Friends Church, you'll have the incredible opportunity to shape the spiritual formation of young adults during some of the most influential years of their lives. You'll work with a supportive team that values innovation, authentic relationships, and measurable impact.

We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan with employer match, parental leave, professional development allowance, and generous PTO.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for advancement within a multi-campus church environment, conference attendance, continuing education support,…