Lake Washington UMC: P/T Youth & Young Adult Community Development Minister
Lake Washington United Methodist Church in Kirkland, Washington, is seeking applicants for a Youth and Young Adult Community Development Minister to work with young people ages 12-25. The position description follows. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to pastor@lakewaumc.org.
Youth and Young Adult Community Development Minister (ages 12-25), Part-time, Non-exempt (10 hours/week)
About our church
Lake Washington United Methodist Church is a small progressive congregation ten miles east of Seattle. We embrace our congregation’s mission: to share the love of Christ by reaching out, accepting people as they are, nurturing and strengthening one another in our living relationship with God, and going forth in faithful service and celebration. We also embrace the mission of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our nationally recognized Safe Parking Ministry offers year-round space at our church for families living in their cars.
Lake Washington UMC affirms all people to be of sacred worth – including those of every ability, age, race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, family configuration, economic and housing status, and religious background. As a Reconciling Church, we support full inclusion for all people in every aspect of church life, including pastoral ordination and marriage.
About the position
Lake Washington United Methodist Church is seeking a candidate who can develop youth and young adult ministry within three different, overlapping parts of our community: within our congregation, within the group of young people experiencing homelessness who are part of our Safe Parking ministry, and within the youth and young adults who attend our neighborhood schools. Within these three communities, we anticipate the following responsibilities:
Congregation (30%)
- Recruit and organize adults to serve in youth and young adult ministry
- Develop congregational leadership team for youth and young adult ministry
- Administer Safe Sanctuary background checks for those working with youth
- Serve as primary point of contact for youth seeking community service hours from LWUMC
- Participate in Sunday morning worship and community connection time afterwards (9:00-12:00 Sunday mornings)
- Lead other youth/young adult activities throughout the week as needed (eg game nights, community service, classes)
- Reconnect and rebuilt connections with youth that were disrupted during the pandemic
Youth/young adults experiencing homelessness: (30%)
- Connect with leadership team of Safe Parking ministry to ensure youth and young adults receive appropriate services
- Build relationships with youth and young adults currently experiencing homelessness which foster safety, joy, and community connections
- Provide safe, healthy, well-boundaried ministry with youth and young adults who are recovering from trauma
Neighborhood: (40%)
- Serve as liaison to the middle and high schools which are walking distance from the church
- Organize events and small groups for young people in the neighborhood
- Work with area nonprofits to determine how the church can best serve youth and young adults in the community
Experience/qualifications:
- College education preferred
- Experience working in a multicultural environment
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- Comfortable working within a United Methodist theological framework
- At least three years working with youth, including youth who have experienced trauma
- Experience developing online as well as in-person community groups
Compensation:
- $15,000 annually, depending on experience
- Two weeks paid vacation per year, as well as eleven paid holidays
Position will begin mid-February. Now accepting applications. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to pastor@lakewaumc.org.