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Open Positions

Outreach and Youth Coordinator

The Coordinator of Outreach and Youth Ministry is responsible for working with the Sr. Pastor to create, implement, and maintain outreach and youth programs for Ridge UMC. Through new outreach initiatives, Compass and Bridges in particular, Ridge is exploring new ways of connecting our church with the greater Munster community. The youth ministry position seeks to remain engaged with Ridge youth, as well as offering engagement for youth in the Munster schools in close proximity to our church. This position is required to work together with the Senior Pastor, church staff, and volunteers from within the church.  This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor and is anticipated as a collaborative effort. A strong personal faith and church attendance is required; knowledge of Methodism is preferred.

 

Administrative Responsibilities

  •  Update, abide by, and enforce all Child Protection Guidelines. 
    • Obtain and maintain volunteer background check files
  • With the Sr. Pastor, propose and manage the budgeted finances for Outreach and Youth Ministries.
    •  Assist in organizing fundraisers when needed for various ministry opportunities
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and/or meet with the Sr. Pastor (as requested).
  • When necessary, create and obtain permission slips for minors to attend various activities and ministry events.
  • Ridge encourages and will support attendance at outreach and/or youth focused conferences or other continuing education experiences annually (such as Fresh Expressions).

 

Outreach Ministry

  • Be actively engaged in Ridges’ vision for our Bridges initiatives and assist the pastor with outreach ideas falling under the “Bridges” concept.
  • Assist with “marketing” for Bridges and getting word out in the greater Munster community, specifically incorporating different social media platforms.
  • Be present for Bridges activities when requested and when hours permit.
  • As examples, Bridges ideas currently in discussion include offering once a week tutoring directed at junior high students, “Honest Talk” or similar evening open discussion time, open mike nights, game nights, chair exercise for adults, etc.
  • This area of ministry is open to flexibility and discussion, and necessitate regular discussions with the pastor, and an honest and open sharing of time commitments (recognizing this is a part-time position and certain events are more time consuming than others).
  • This is a new ministry to Ridge and involvement in planning and implementing programs will be encouraged and supported. This is an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth!

 

Youth Responsibilities

  • Attend one or both of our Sunday services (as discussed with the pastor) and be a presence of leadership for kids/youth in attendance and for volunteer staff.
  • Conduct, if needed, regular Youth Group gatherings for middle school and high school aged youth and obtain volunteers to assist.
  • Provide youth/young adults with opportunities to grow in faith through study, prayer, and service. This might include:
    • Offering an annual retreat for the youth to attend
    • Encouraging youth to attend a UMC camp annually
    • Offering opportunities for local mission experiences
  • Effectively communicate with the youth to keep them engaged
  • Have FUN!
    • Youth lock-ins, game nights, and any other events that foster fellowship and fun are always welcomed and encouraged

 

Volunteer Coordination and Oversight

  • You will NEED volunteers at every level of this program. Developing relationships and fostering leadership through volunteerism will be key to the success of the Youth Ministries. The Sr. Pastor and Church Council leadership team will assist.
  • Obtain and maintain background checks and Child Guideline Policy waivers for volunteers. Assure that all volunteers are aware of their requirements in all matters relating to work with minors.
  • Lead the volunteers by providing clear directions, answering questions, considering feedback and ideas, and empowering them to grow in faith.

 

Specific Youth Church Events

  • Children’s Christmas Pageant
  • Occasional (quarterly at this time) youth-oriented events
  • Youth Sunday (once a year)
  • Vacation Bible School

 

Salary and Acceptance

  • The set salary for this position, effective January 1, 2026, is $20,000 annually.
  • This salary is based upon 20 hours / week on average.

 

Other (Optional)

If you are an inquiring candidate for ministry, in the ordination process, or required as part of your seminary to participate in Supervised Ministry for 1-2 years, Ridge can help with that. Ridge’s pastor is an ordained elder in the UMC and has been on DCom and has both supervised and mentored persons in the ordination process. Ridge can offer you the opportunity to preach, lead a Bible study, plan and launch a fruitfulness project, and be engaged in the collaborative worship process. If you are a student or have ordination retreats, we will also work to accommodate your schedule.

If you are interested in joining us at Ridge, please send a letter of interest and resume to Sr. Pastor Denise Robinson at denise.robinson@inumc.org. Questions about the position may be also be sent to the same email address.