Position Description

About Cheyne Presbyterian Church

Cheyne Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, diverse, multi-generational congregation in Stoney Creek, Ontario, committed to helping people encounter God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and grow as faithful disciples.

At Cheyne, we place a strong emphasis on children, youth, and their families. We strive to provide a place for people of all ages to encounter God, explore the Christian faith in a safe and caring environment, grow in that faith, discover their gifts and passions for service, and experience the love and support of God's family.

As part of this vision, we are seeking a passionate and relational Youth Pastor who will invest in students in Grades 6–12, equip volunteers and families, and help cultivate a thriving ministry where young people are encouraged to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.

Position Overview

The Youth Pastor plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual growth of students in Grades 6–12 and supporting their families as they become more deeply connected to the life of the church. This individual will provide leadership and oversight for both Sunday morning and midweek youth ministries, creating engaging opportunities for discipleship, authentic community, and Christian faith formation. By intentionally integrating midweek programming with Sunday worship, the Youth Pastor will help foster a cohesive and meaningful ministry that encourages students to grow in their relationship with Christ and actively participate in the life of the church.

Why Join Us?

At Cheyne Presbyterian Church, we believe young people are an essential part of the life and future of the church. We are seeking a leader who shares this conviction and is excited to walk alongside youth and families as they grow in their Christian faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover God's calling on their lives.

This position offers the opportunity to shape a growing ministry, collaborate with a supportive staff and leadership team, and make a lasting impact in the lives of young people and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Spiritual Leadership & Program Development
• Collaborate with pastoral staff and Session to develop and implement a Christ-centered, relational vision for youth ministry at Sunday (Core) and midweek (Parea) gatherings.
• Design and deliver engaging worship, teaching, and discipleship experiences tailored to youth.
• Regularly evaluate programming to ensure alignment with ministry goals and desired outcomes.
• Model a life of prayer, spiritual maturity, and Christian leadership.

Volunteer Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and nurture a healthy and engaged team of volunteers and student leaders.
• Recruit, mentor, and disciple volunteers, ensuring alignment with church values and approval by Session.
• Facilitate quarterly team meetings for planning, evaluation, and encouragement.
• Coordinate annual volunteer training opportunities and appreciation initiatives.
• Empower leaders to take ownership of their roles while providing ongoing support and guidance.

Administration & Communication

• Develop and maintain an annual ministry calendar, including events and teaching plans.
• Utilize Planning Centre and other ministry tools to manage scheduling, communication, and ministry data.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication with volunteers, families, and the congregation.
• Maintain compliance with church safety policies, including Vulnerable Sector Checks and volunteer onboarding protocols.
• Oversee the organization and upkeep of ministry spaces and resources.

Youth & Family Engagement

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with youth and their families, providing encouragement and support for faith formation at home.
• Plan and lead retreats, seasonal events, service projects, and outreach opportunities.
• Create pathways for youth to participate in the life and ministry of the church.
• Partner with church staff and ministry leaders to ensure smooth transitions between children's and youth ministries.

Ministry Environment & Operations

• Ensure all ministry environments are safe, welcoming, and prepared for programming.
• Arrive in advance of ministry activities to oversee setup and readiness of youth spaces.
• Promote a culture of belonging, inclusion, and spiritual growth among students and volunteers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the annual youth ministry budget in collaboration with the Session's Next Generation Ministry Team.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and bi-monthly Session visioning meetings.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A growing and active Christian faith, evidenced through consistent spiritual practices and engagement in a local church community.
• Alignment with the theological beliefs, mission, and values of Cheyne Presbyterian Church.
• Theological education (completed or in progress) from an accredited institution.
• Experience working with youth and families in a church, camp, school, or ministry setting (preferred).
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to mentor others, navigate conflict, and respond effectively in challenging situations.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, ministry-related digital tools such as Planning Centre, Proclaim, Google Workspace, Canva, and social media platforms.
• Understanding of diverse youth needs, including mental health and neurodiversity, with the ability to collaborate with senior staff and appropriate professional supports when needed.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening with an acceptable result is required. 
• First Aid/CPR (Level C with AED) certification is considered an asset.

Position Details

Position Type: Part-Time (19 hours per week). 

This is a one year contract position with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time role.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Work Structure

• Sunday and midweek ministry presence required
• Participation in weekly staff meetings and bi-monthly Session visioning meetings
• Hybrid work arrangement, including 1–2 in-office days per week and flexible remote work as appropriate
• Reporting to Senior Pastor and Elders' Session

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• A cover letter outlining their faith journey and interest in the position
• A current résumé.  

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will remain open until the position is filled. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit applications to Lianne Kirkham – Search Committee Chair

Email:   Info@cheynechurch.com

"At Cheyne Presbyterian Church, we are committed to helping young people encounter Christ, grow in faith, discover their gifts, and become active participants in God's mission. We look forward to welcoming a Youth Pastor who shares this vision and calling."