The Job
Connections Community Church in Schoolcraft, Michigan, is searching for a dynamic and passionate Youth Pastor to lead and inspire the next generation. This role is not just about organizing youth group meetings; it's about building relationships, developing discipleship strategies, and fostering a vibrant faith community among Junior and Senior High students. The Youth Pastor will oversee student outreach, lead engaging small groups, and create a welcoming space where young people can deepen their relationship with Christ.
The position offers a high degree of autonomy, with the Youth Pastor reporting directly to the Senior Pastor while being empowered to shape and grow the youth ministry. With a $15,000 annual budget for student ministry, the role provides ample resources to create impactful experiences, including retreats, mission trips, and community outreach initiatives.
Ideal candidates will be gifted in teaching and leadership, able to equip volunteers, and capable of addressing contemporary youth issues with biblical wisdom. This is a ministry-focused, hands-on leadership role that requires someone with strong relational skills and a heart for guiding students in their faith journey.
The Location
Located in Schoolcraft, MI, Connections Community Church enjoys the charm of a small-town atmosphere while benefiting from proximity to Portage and Kalamazoo. With top-tier public and Christian schools, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and Lake Michigan just an hour away, Schoolcraft is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Residents experience a lower-than-average cost of living, making it an affordable yet enriching community. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, summer festivals, or access to higher education institutions like Western Michigan University, Schoolcraft offers a balanced blend of quiet suburban living and exciting city opportunities.
The Church
Connections Community Church began in 1998 as a small congregation and has since grown into a thriving community of 575 weekly attendees. The church has a strong foundation in biblical teaching, focusing on compassion, acceptance, relevance, and excellence.
With a mission to fix the brokenness of the world by connecting people to God and their purpose, Connections Community Church emphasizes both local and global outreach. The church partners with ministries in Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and local college campuses, demonstrating a heart for both evangelism and social impact.
Recently, the church expanded its facilities, fully funding a major building project without incurring debt—a testament to their financial stewardship and vision for the future. Their upcoming plans include a new auditorium and a dedicated student ministry center, creating an exciting season for a new Youth Pastor to step in and make a lasting impact.
The Worship Experience
Worship at Connections Community Church is contemporary, vibrant, and engaging. The church incorporates worship music from David Crowder, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship, fostering an atmosphere of authentic praise and connection.
Services are one hour long and designed to be both relevant and accessible, ensuring that guests and regular attendees alike can engage deeply with the message. The sermons are practical, biblically grounded, and delivered in an engaging, energetic manner—often using stories, metaphors, and real-life applications.
To reach a broader audience, live streaming and online engagement are a major priority, including a pre- and post-service experience that mirrors professional sports broadcasts.
Apply Now
If you are a passionate leader with a heart for youth ministry, Connections Community Church invites you to apply! This role is an opportunity to shape the future of young believers, build a thriving youth community, and partner with a church that values outreach, discipleship, and authentic worship.
Are you ready to make a lasting impact? Apply today and join a church committed to raising up the next generation of Christian leaders!
P.S. If this job isn't exactly what you're looking for, feel free to check the job board of open positions.