Director of Youth Ministries

Mission First Leadership is partnering with First Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield, CA to place their next Director of Youth Ministries. Please direct all inquiries and apply at Mission First Leadership.

An Evangelist’s Boldness. A Shepherd’s Heart. A Relational Initiator. 

What if your next ministry assignment wasn’t simply to lead a youth program, but to take ministry beyond the church walls and into the lives of students?

First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield seeks a relational, entrepreneurial, and mission-minded Director of Youth Ministries who loves Jesus, genuinely enjoys students, and takes initiative to reach young people where they already spend their time, on school campuses, at athletic events, in neighborhoods, and at local gathering places.

The Opportunity - Relationships Before Programs:

First Pres currently serves approximately 55 middle and high school students. Its established gatherings offer fellowship, biblical teaching, and activities, but church leaders recognize that the ministry has become more event-driven than relationship-driven. The next Director of Youth Ministries will help change that pattern, not by abandoning meaningful gatherings, but by making relationships the driving force of ministry.

Many families commute downtown from different neighborhoods, and their students attend different schools. The next leader will strengthen the community already here while consistently reaching beyond it, connecting with students who may have no church relationship at all.

This person will initiate conversations, show up at games, connect with coaches and community partners, and discover new ways to meet students in their own environments. The goal is not simply to bring more students to an event; it is to know them, share the hope of Christ, and walk with them toward lasting discipleship.

First Pres is seeking a builder who sees the city as a mission field and is eager to shape an outward-facing ministry for years to come.

The Leader We Are Looking For:

Above all, this leader is a relational initiator. They naturally build trust, pursue students rather than waiting for them, and understand that evangelism often begins with sustained presence, curiosity, listening, and genuine friendship. They are comfortable meeting students from varied backgrounds and are attentive to contemporary youth culture.

They are also an entrepreneurial ministry builder: a person who sees an opportunity, proposes an approach, and takes thoughtful action. They are willing to experiment, learn from imperfect outcomes, and keep moving forward. They do not need every next step assigned, but they recognize when to seek counsel and coordinate with others.

This is a leader who combines independence with collaboration. First Pres has intentionally moved away from siloed staff work toward a culture of shared planning, open communication, mutual encouragement, and coaching. The Director of Youth Ministries will contribute ideas, welcome feedback, and work constructively with pastors, staff, parents, elders, and ministry committees.

A gifted relational initiator who is still growing in administration may be better suited to this opportunity than a polished program manager who struggles to initiate relationships. Biblical teaching, pastoral care, and integrity remain essential.

A Church Ready To Invest:

First Pres is not merely asking its next Youth Pastor to do ministry differently. Its leadership is committed to supporting an outward-focused vision in practical ways:

Freedom to innovate. Bring forward ideas and explore new approaches to connecting with students beyond the church campus.
Patience to build trust. Invest consistently in students and families, recognizing that relational capital and spiritual growth develop over time.

Resources for outreach. Use ministry funds for appropriate relationship-building and community engagement, with larger initiatives reviewed together.

The Director of Youth Ministries will receive coaching and encouragement from senior leadership. The church values thoughtful initiative and is prepared to help its next leader learn, adjust, and grow rather than expecting every experiment to succeed immediately.

Key Ministry Priorities:

Proactive outreach and evangelism. Establish a consistent presence in schools, athletic settings, neighborhoods, and other places students gather; initiate relationships with youth not yet connected to First Pres.

Relational discipleship. Know and shepherd existing students in grades 6–12, teach Scripture faithfully, and cultivate mentoring, spiritual growth, and student leadership.

Community partnerships. Develop relationships with teachers, coaches, schools, and youth-serving organizations to widen opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Volunteer development. Recruit, equip, and encourage adults who will personally invest in students and extend the ministry’s relational reach.

Ministry revitalization. Evaluate existing activities and test sustainable approaches in which gatherings support relationships rather than substitute for them.

Collaborative leadership. Coordinate with parents, pastors, staff, and committees, communicating proactively and aligning ministry efforts with the church’s broader mission.

What Success Looks Like:

First Pres understands that a relationally driven youth ministry is built over time. In the first year, the church hopes to see tangible progress in four areas:

Existing students are more deeply known, supported, and discipled.
The Director of Youth Ministries has developed a visible, consistent presence beyond the church and meaningful relationships with students and community partners.

A clear, actionable outreach strategy is taking shape through real-world engagement, experimentation, and learning.
A committed core of adult volunteers is growing in its capacity to mentor and reach students.

Success will not be measured solely by attendance or the number of events. The depth of relationships, evidence of spiritual formation, developing volunteer leadership, and expanding community connections will matter just as much.

Qualifications:

A personal commitment to Jesus Christ, a clear calling to youth ministry, and the ability to teach Scripture faithfully.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation and at least three years of youth ministry experience.

Demonstrated initiative in relationship-building and outreach beyond traditional church programs.

Understanding of adolescent development and youth culture; ability to connect across different backgrounds.

Sound judgment, coachability, collaborative instincts, and capacity to recruit and equip volunteers.

Willingness to embrace First Presbyterian’s theological commitments and congregational life. Prior Presbyterian ministry experience is not required.