Position Description

We're Hiring: Youth Pastor

• Location: Grace Community Church, Guelph, Ontario
• Type: Full-time 
• Salary: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD (commensurate with experience)
• Start Date: November 2, 2026
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Grace Community Church is seeking a full-time Youth Pastor to lead and disciple students in Grades 7-12. We're looking for someone who loves Jesus, believes in the transforming power of the gospel, and is passionate about helping the next generation develop a resilient, lifelong faith. If you thrive in relational ministry, enjoy building leaders, and want to serve on a collaborative staff team, we'd love to hear from you.

About the City - Guelph, Ontario

Located about an hour west of Toronto, Guelph is a thriving city of approximately 154,000 people that combines small-city amenities with a strong sense of community. Known for its parks, trails, vibrant downtown, and the University of Guelph, it's consistently recognized as one of Ontario's best places to live.

About Grace Community Church

Grace Community Church is a contemporary evangelical church located in north Guelph (7427 Wellington County Road 30). We are a growing congregation with an average Sunday attendance of approximately 450 people. We are led by a board, elders, and a collaborative staff team of six. We are a gospel-centred church rooted in Scripture as our final authority. We aim to make a meaningful impact in our community through discipleship, evangelism, and lives shaped by biblical truth. As an egalitarian and team-oriented church, our mission is simple: to help people follow Jesus, love God, and love others. We pursue this through vibrant worship, strong leadership, and a culture grounded in grace and truth. 

About the Role

The Youth Pastor reports to the Lead Pastor and serves as a member of Grace Community Church's pastoral staff, working collaboratively with staff, elders, and volunteer leaders to advance the mission of the church.

At Grace, we believe youth are a vital part of our church family and the future of the church. Our vision is to see students encounter Jesus, develop a resilient, personal faith rooted in Scripture, and be equipped to follow Him throughout their lives as lifelong disciples and witnesses. 

We are seeking a Youth Pastor who brings vision, relational depth, and consistent leadership. This is a hands-on ministry role focused on cultivating a Christ-centred culture, leading weekly programs, building authentic relationships with students, and equipping a team of volunteer leaders. We are looking for someone who values meaningful discipleship and authentic community; not simply someone to run events, but someone who will walk alongside young people as they grow in their faith.

This role is ideal for someone with a heart for the next generation and a desire to see young people transformed by the gospel and confidently rooted in God's Word. A love for Scripture, a desire to share the good news of Jesus, and a commitment to intentional discipleship are essential. There will also be opportunities to preach or teach in larger settings, providing space for continued growth as a pastoral leader.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and Cast Vision

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision for the Youth ministry 
• Shape a strategy for discipleship, outreach, and leadership development that prioritizes both spiritual depth and gospel impact
• Champion the role of youth in the life of the church

Weekly Programming & Presence

• Plan and lead weekly youth gatherings and special events 
• Provide oversight and support to key leaders in the youth program by offering guidance, encouragement, and care as needed 
• Create environments where students have fun, build meaningful relationships, and engage with God's Word in relevant and biblically faithful ways.
• Be a consistent presence on Sundays; leading, connecting, and supporting students and their families through programming, and participating in worship services with the possibility of preaching or sharing periodically

Team Building & Leadership Development

• Recruit, train, and support a team of volunteers to lead effectively and joyfully 
• Foster a culture of leadership among youth themselves 
• Provide care, mentorship, and accountability for your leaders, helping them grow in both character and biblical leadership

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships with students and families inside and outside the church, pointing them to Jesus through both words and actions
• Partner with local schools, networks, and organizations to reach and support young people in the community
• Help bridge the gap between outreach and church life, inviting students to explore faith and follow Christ

Who You Are:

• You love Jesus and have a passion for seeing young people follow Him
• You’re a leader who is relational and you value both strategy and spontaneity
• You’ve got experience leading youth ministry (volunteer or vocational)
• You’re creative, dependable, and not afraid of a little chaos now and then
• You’re organized, communicative, and committed to a team culture
• You’re eligible to work in Canada and become a member of Grace Community Church
• You’re committed to upholding best practices in safety and safeguarding

What We’re Offering:

• A healthy, collaborative staff culture that values encouragement, prayer, spiritual growth, and shared leadership
• A competitive salary with vacation and benefits
• A vibrant, growing church
• Resources and encouragement for leadership and personal development
• The opportunity to shape the future of the next generation at Grace

What Success Looks Like:

• Students are growing in biblical knowledge and personal faith.
• Youth are becoming integrated into the wider church community.
• Volunteers feel equipped, supported, and encouraged.
• New students are regularly invited and welcomed.
• Parents see the church as a trusted partner in discipling their children.

A Typical Week:

No two weeks in ministry are exactly the same, but the rhythm of this role includes teaching, discipleship, planning, leadership development, and collaboration with the church staff and volunteer team.

Sundays are centred around worship, community, and discipleship. The Youth Pastor is actively engaged throughout Sunday services, supporting the broader ministry of the church while helping teach the Grade 7-8 Sunday School class or supporting volunteers who lead it.

Mondays are dedicated to planning and administration. This time is used to prepare biblical teaching, develop youth programming, communicate with families and volunteers, and complete the administrative responsibilities that support a healthy and effective ministry.

Tuesdays are staff collaboration days. The church staff gathers in the office for a weekly staff meeting, prayer, and ministry planning. The Youth Pastor is expected to work from the church office on Tuesdays, contributing to team discussions, collaborating with colleagues, and helping advance the overall mission of the church. Tuesday evening (7-9 p.m.) is dedicated to Senior Youth (Grades 9 - 12), where the Youth Pastor leads an engaging program that includes games, teaching, small groups, and relationship building. This ministry is supported by a team of volunteers whom the Youth Pastor recruits, equips, mentors, and leads.

Wednesdays provide flexibility during the day to focus on key projects, planning, and administrative responsibilities. In the evening, the focus shifts to the Junior Youth program (Grades 7 - 8). The Youth Pastor leads the weekly gathering alongside volunteers, creating a welcoming environment where students can build meaningful relationships, grow in their faith, and connect with one another.

Thursdays provide another opportunity to work alongside the staff team in the church office. This day is often used for ministry planning, developing future events, retreats, camps, and outreach opportunities, as well as continuing pastoral care and follow-up with students, parents, and volunteers. Thursday is typically when the Youth Pastor meets with the Lead Pastor for a weekly check-in.

Fridays and Saturdays are generally scheduled as regular days off, recognizing that ministry rhythms include regular evening and weekend commitments. Occasional retreats, conferences, mission trips, and special church events will require flexibility throughout the year.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle consistent with biblical leadership.
• Affirms Grace Community Church's Statement of Faith and supports its mission, vision, and ministry philosophy.
• Willing to become an active member of Grace Community Church.
• Experience leading youth ministry (paid or volunteer).
• Strong communicator and Bible teacher.
• Able to recruit, develop, and lead volunteers.
• Bachelor's degree or theological training is an asset.

As with most pastoral ministry roles, this position requires flexibility for occasional evening, weekend, and overnight events.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a vulnerable sector check and comply with Grace Community Church's child protection and safeguarding policies. 

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about helping teenagers know Jesus, grow in resilient faith, and become lifelong disciples, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume and cover letter to info@gracecommunity.ca with "Youth Pastor" in the subject line by Wednesday, September 9, 2026.