Hours Per Week: 40, including Sundays
Status: Full-time
FLSA: Salaried Non-Exempt
SPRC Approved:  February 2023
Reports to: Youth Ministry Director
Supervises: n/a

Job Summary

The Connections Coordinator and Middle School Lead is responsible for 1) overseeing systems and processes that invite, welcome, and connect new people to the life of the church, and 2) implementing and carrying out Middle School ministry programs under the direction of the Director of Youth Ministry.

Essential Functions and Duties

Connections Ministry (20 hours):

• Coordinate Guest and New Member Connections.
  • Responsible for nurturing a culture of hospitality so every guest is graciously welcomed and invited to connect with the church.
•  Coordinate the Guest-to-Membership process, including:
  • Welcoming new guests to the church and collecting information
  • Guest follow-up process & Guest Integration
    • Provide compassionate support and direction to guests and new members who are seeking places to belong and serve.
  • Leading the new member class
  • Providing oversight for the Shepherd Program to connect new members with existing members for support and connection.
  • Ongoing development and assessment of our systems that invite people to worship, connect, and get involved.
• Monitor and respond to the following online form responses: Serve, I’m New, and I’m Interested.
• Provide oversight, recruitment, and coordination of the lay hospitality teams that support worship services and special events. Offer direct support and coaching to the lay leaders of these teams.
• Provide Sunday morning support to the volunteers at the welcome desk, and oversee the check-in process.
• Oversee the Connections/Hospitality budget.

Middle School Ministry (20 hours): 

• Build relationships with students and parents within the church & community.
• Help recruit, develop, and empower adult volunteers, especially in the Middle School ministry.
• Assist with administrative needs of the whole Youth Ministry including forms, registrations, community relations, fundraising, and newsletters. 
• Plan, develop, and implement grade-specific events & retreats, with consultation from the Youth Ministry Director. 
• Serve as an adult member of the Youth Council to guide and assist the group’s leadership functions.
• Maintain effective communication with the Youth Ministry Director, Youth Council (adults & students), and other church staff.
• Aid in the development and procurement of meaningful resources for the spiritual development of youth.
• Leadership of youth ministry groups and classes as determined in consultation with the Youth Ministry Director.
• Seek and complete continuing education opportunities designed to enhance knowledge and expand skills associated with this position.

General – 

• Participates in relevant staff meetings with the Apex UMC staff.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications – 

• At least 2 years of ministry experience.
• High School diploma, 21+ years old. 
• Computer literacy on a moderate level and a willingness to learn new technological tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written form.
• Demonstrate a passion for youth and possess the ability to work well with them.
• Possess the ability to work concurrently on several projects and activities
• Display strong skills in leading both small and large groups of youth and adults.
• Have excellent organizational, people and communication skills and the ability to utilize those skills to coordinate and motivate volunteers.
• Preferred: experience with music, social media, and leading areas of worship (online or in-person)
• Familiarity with Google Drive, or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with Planning Center, or willingness to learn.

Minimum Qualifications for All Staff Members at AUMC – 

• Sense God’s calling to this ministry and be eager to use one’s gifts and talents to serve Christ.

• Pray regularly and actively develop one’s personal faith.
• Continued growth in personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Commitment to accept all persons regardless of race, color, creed, gender and political preferences in order to love, welcome, and serve all without prejudice.
• Commitment to be a compassionate, kind, and respectful team player with other staff members, willing to offer self as a resource to other members of the team.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, values and beliefs of AUMC, behaving privately and publicly in a manner that is congruent with these standards.

Core Competencies

Compassion and Care: Exudes a natural sense of care for the well-being of others; responds with empathy to the life circumstances of others; communicates a sense of support in his or her very presence; demonstrates appropriate and boundaried expressions of care.

Spiritual Formation/Discipleship: Demonstrates an understanding of spiritual formation / discipleship as a journey or process; invites others into reflection about personal spiritual journey; teaches a variety of spiritual practices to lead others in deepening and developing spirituality; creates teaching and small group environments that promote discipleship. 

Hospitality: Generates a sense of hospitality by his or her very presence; communicates a sense of availability, warmth, openness and approachability; fosters natural connections between members of the congregation and with visitors; supports a culture of welcoming and connection in the life of the congregation.

Helping Orientation: Demonstrates concern for and attends to the needs of the congregation’s internal and external constituents; projects a sense of empathy and understanding when dealing with members and friends of the congregation; is able and willing to supply answers and resources that others find satisfying.

Teaching: Designs effective lesson plans and facilitates learning experiences in both small and large group settings; selects teaching topics that are relevant, provocative and contribute to a deeper understanding of scripture, theology, and spiritual practice; uses a variety of teaching topics to maintain interest and build connection.

Teambuilding: Blends people into teams when appropriate; leads the team successfully through difficulties and challenges, including conflict, diversity and inclusion issues within the team; creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team; shares wins and successes; defines success in terms of the whole team; creates a feeling of belonging and pride in the team.

Volunteer Management: Provides direction, gains commitment, facilitates change and achieves results through the efficient, creative, and responsible deployment of volunteers; engages people in their areas of giftedness and passion.  

To apply please send resume and cover letter to jobs@apexumc.org.