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Youth Ministry Profile
Youth Ministry works in partnership with districts to support and assist congregations in impacting youth and adults with a vision of hope, celebration and service in the name of Jesus Christ.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director of Office of National Mission – Youth Ministry (LCMS Youth Ministry Director).
Relates directly with the LCMS Youth Staff, especially on matters related to the LCMS Youth Gathering.

Essential Job Functions

• Broadly, is responsible for overseeing and administering all program aspects of the LCMS Youth Gathering. These responsibilities shall include but are not limited to the following:
• Takes the lead in developing the vision and interpretation of the LCMS Youth Gathering program; promotes the vision to the public in tandem with the LCMS Youth Ministry Director.
• Works collaboratively with the LCMS Youth Ministry Director, Program Manager – Resources and Leadership, and Communications Specialist on managing resource development (youth and adult) for the LCMS Youth Gathering.
• Oversees recruitment and management of Gathering planning teams and volunteers necessary to the successful operation of the Gathering.
• Convenes Youth Gathering specific meetings with the ONM Youth Ministry staff as needed.
• Oversees management of program team planning meetings including correspondence, personnel recruitment and development, files, records, and meeting arrangements.
• Works collaboratively with the Communications Specialist as relates to Gathering media and communication projects.
• Oversees the day-to-day management of all Gathering efforts including:
• Provides leadership in development of a Biblical theological framework as the primary focus in the development of the Gathering theme and program design;
• Provides leadership instilling into the Gathering programming process any foundational LCMS Youth Ministry foci or nomenclature (currently, 7 Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry).
• Developing effective relationships with volunteer Gathering managers, teams and members, and coordinating all activities in the execution of their duties;
• Overseeing the aspects of program development including speaker recruitment and approval, event design, scripting, worship, Bible study, servant events, concerts, etc.;
• Overseeing the deadlines and schedules and follow-up;
• Gives direction and input to Operations Manager on non-facility contracting including program speakers, musicians, vendors, contractors, suppliers, etc.;
• Coordinates use of space in convention center and stadium for exhibitors/sponsors, service, learning, and networking opportunties.
• Assuring accurate and timely flow of information between all volunteer program directors, advisors, contract workers, vendors and program team managers.
• Maintains the one, official roster/data base of Gathering personnel.
• Keeps abreast of needs of teams and directs efforts to meet needs (facilities, incentives, program support, etc.)
• Oversees and supervises volunteer efforts in consultation with the LCMS Youth Ministry Director and Gathering Registration and Arrangements Specialist.
• Helps the Gathering develop a biblical sensitivity to the great diversity (ethnicity, etc.) with which our Lord has blessed His church, including stand-alone programming.
• Aligns Youth Gathering process, contractors, vendors, etc. with LCMS Risk Management expectations and Accounting and other operational policies.
• Provides reports as required or requested by the LCMS Youth Ministry Director and/or the Executive Director of LCMS Office of National Mission.
• Along with the LCMS Youth Ministry Director, cultivates and maintains relationships with Gathering sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.
• Complies with revisions made from time to time, after mutual consultation with the ONM Youth Ministry Staff.
• Collaborates on program management for auxiliary events hosted by LCMS Youth Ministry and LCMS Office of National Mission. (Included at this time, National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference, YouthLead, and Making Disciples for Life.)
• Comfortable presenting on matters regarding the Gathering and youth ministry to various audiences including church workers, congregational volunteers, and parents.

Education and Experience

• Is a positive witness to Jesus Christ and an active member of a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod congregation, supports Synod’s constitution, by-laws and policies, is faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions and familiar with the structure, polity, organization and procedures of the Synod.
• Ordained member of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, a practical theologian and a competent religious educator, with 5-7 years of experience in the field.
• Additional educational degrees, preferably in the areas of education and administration.
• Extensive experience working with district and national youth ministry through youth gatherings and district positions and committees.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding of, and commitment to the mission of the church in today’s world and a demonstrated commitment to the whole church and its mission as it relates to the Synod.
• A consistent team player, focused on building working relationships with staff and the Gathering planning and volunteer teams.
• Knowledge of and sensitive to the teenage population and its culture.
• Proven skills and a working knowledge of good administrative procedures and the planning process.
• Proven communication skills, written and oral.
• Proven ability in public speaking to a variety of groups and organizations.
• Relates well to both youth and adults, church professionals and lay persons.
• Knowledge of past and current youth ministry concepts and directions and ability to communicate these to others.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Will be main contact for several contracted workers for the LCMS Youth Gathering.
• Oversees the Gathering Arrangements work by the Registration and Arrangements Specialist.

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