Youth Pastor at Mariners Church in Mission Viejo, CA

Mariners Church is a biblically-centered, non-denominational church located in Southern California focused on inspiring people to follow Jesus and fearlessly change the world. Mariners is listed as one of the top 20 largest churches in America by Outreach Magazine. We are a community of ordinary people from all walks of life courageously trusting God to do the extraordinary. Simply put, we trust God to do what we can’t—heal, transform, renew, forgive, provide and sustain. Through the redemption story of each believer, God is glorified, lives are changed and communities are impacted in a significant way. Come and be part of a new season of growth as Mariners Church responds to God’s call in launching new congregations.

The Youth Pastor will lead and implement a dynamic and impactful Youth Ministry for junior high and high school students at a Mariners congregation. This role requires a passionate, visionary leader who will work alongside the Mariners Youth ministry team to execute strategy, foster student discipleship, and develop a thriving community of students and volunteers. The Youth Pastor will inspire students to grow as fully devoted followers of Jesus, develop student leaders, and build meaningful relationships with families, the broader church body, and the surrounding community. This position reports to the Congregation Lead Pastor. A full-time position, the schedule generally includes weekend services, meetings at our office in Irvine, and additional time during the week for a total of 40-50 hours depending on licensed minister status. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  This position is eligible for ministerial licensing so long as the candidate meets the qualifications as set by Mariners.

Ministry Strategy & Execution:

• Youth Ministry Leadership: Lead the design, development, and implementation of a vibrant, engaging Youth Ministry that serves junior high and high school students. Foster an environment where young people can grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally in their faith.
• Curriculum & Resources: Execute the Mariners Youth strategy ,by utilizing age-appropriate teaching and discipleship resources provided by the Youth Central team that are biblically grounded and impactful for teenagers.
• Small & Large Group Leadership: Teach and lead in both small and large group settings, ensuring students receive personalized, impactful teaching in addition to engaging, community-building experiences.

Leadership, Motivation & Discipleship:

• Inspire and Lead Students: Lead, motivate, and inspire junior high and high school students to become fully devoted followers of Jesus, equipping them to live out their faith in all areas of their lives.
• Student Leadership Development: Develop and empower student leaders across all available ministry areas, encouraging their personal spiritual growth, and creating leadership opportunities within the youth ministry.
• Volunteer Leadership: Equip and develop adult volunteers who serve in the youth ministry, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to support student growth, and actively contributing to the formation of Lifegroups (small groups) for teenagers.

Volunteer & Team Development:

• Volunteer Training & Support: Build and maintain a strong team of adult volunteers who can lead, disciple, and support students in their spiritual journeys. Provide intentional training, ongoing coaching, and development for all volunteers.
• Lifegroups: Ensure that all students are connected to Lifegroups, led by consistent, caring leaders who can nurture them spiritually. Foster a culture of leadership within Lifegroups that empowers students to take ownership of their faith journey.

Parent & Family Partnerships:

• Partner with Parents: Foster a strong partnership with parents by providing resources, encouragement, and support to help them in their role as the primary spiritual leaders in their teenager’s life.
• Faith Milestones & Discipleship: Lead key faith milestones such as baptisms, confirmation classes, and other significant moments in students' faith development. Provide intentional leadership for families navigating these milestones.

Evangelism & Community Engagement:

• Evangelism Strategy: Develop and implement a strategy to reach local students who are not yet connected with the church, building relationships and providing opportunities for outreach through events, small groups, and social gatherings.
• Community Engagement: Cultivate relationships and develop partnerships in the local community, including Mariners Outreach locations, to provide service opportunities for students to engage with their community and live out their faith in practical ways.

Event Planning & Execution:

• Youth Events & Activities: Lead, plan, and execute engaging youth events, including social gatherings, and outreach events. Ensure these events are both fun and spiritually enriching, helping students grow in their faith and connect with one another.
• Ministry-Wide Events: Collaborate with the Mariners Youth team across campuses to plan and execute large, church-wide events like Summer Camp and other significant gatherings that draw students into deeper community and discipleship.

Compliance & Safety:

• Compliance: Ensure all youth ministry activities and events adhere to applicable laws, church policies, and best practices, particularly around child safety, risk management, and volunteer background checks.
• Safety & Security: Prioritize the safety and well-being of students by enforcing strict safety protocols, providing thorough training for volunteers, and ensuring all leaders are compliant with Mariners Church’s child protection policies.

• Proven leadership experience, particularly in youth ministry or a related area of church ministry.
• A passion for discipling students and helping them grow as fully devoted followers of Jesus.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to connect with students, parents, volunteers, and staff.
• A heart for outreach and evangelism, with a desire to reach unchurched students in the local community.
• Experience in developing and leading youth events, retreats, and mission opportunities.
• Familiarity with youth ministry best practices, including the Lead Small philosophy and relational ministry strategies.
• Ability to recruit, train, and develop a strong team of volunteers to support and lead students.
• A commitment to safety and compliance with church policies and legal requirements.
• Relational, approachable, and able to build meaningful connections with students.
• A servant leader who empowers others and leads by example.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Collaborative team player who works well with other church leaders and across congregations.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong drive to achieve ministry goals.

All Mariners Church Staff:

• Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
• Embrace a high biblical standard of personal conduct and lifestyle.
• Agree to and adhere to the church's statement of faith, leadership commitment, and position papers.
• Work during Christmas Eve and Easter services.
• Participate then facilitate Rooted once per ministry year.
• Attend Mariners Church.

We believe the total combination of your pay, benefits, and opportunities aligned with your calling will ensure that you and your family are provided for. The following items are just a sample of the things we offer for full-time employment:

• Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
• 403b Retirement Saving Plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid time off to serve
• Discounts at the Mariners Cafe and Bookstore
• Tuition discount for Mariners Church Preschool 
• Opportunity to attend ministry events and conferences
• Working alongside a community of supportive, like-minded believers