Director of Youth Ministry Jobs
Director of Youth Ministry jobs are open across religious congregations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, from entry-level associates to senior directors, with specializations in curriculum development, volunteer coordination, and community outreach. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Ministry Department: Student Ministries
Position Type: Seasonal / Summer Internship
Program Duration: 9 Weeks (JUNE 1 - AUG 1)
Reports To: Student Ministries Directors
Works With: Student Ministries Staff, Summer Staff Interns, and Campus Leadership
- Kansas City, MO Campus: 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City MO 64114
- Overland Park, KS Campus: 12501 W. 137th St, Overland Park KS 66221
POSITION SUMMARY
The Student Ministry Summer Staff Internship is a nine-week, immersive ministry experience designed to equip college-aged young adults to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ while gaining hands-on experience serving middle school and high school students.
Since 1971, Colonial Presbyterian Church's Summer Staff program has provided opportunities for young adults to live out the Gospel through discipleship, leadership development, and relational ministry. Each summer, approximately 10–15 interns serve across Colonial's two campuses, investing in students while growing personally and spiritually through intentional Christian community.
Summer Staff Interns help plan and lead student ministry programs, small groups, and activities that encourage students to know Jesus, grow in their faith, and build meaningful relationships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Ministry & Discipleship
- Build meaningful, Christ-centered relationships with middle school and high school students through mentorship, prayer, and consistent relational ministry.
- Lead and facilitate small groups, Bible studies, and discipleship opportunities that communicate the Gospel and help students understand and apply Scripture.
- Encourage students in their spiritual growth while fostering a welcoming, safe environment where they feel known, valued, and supported in their faith.
- Assist in planning, organizing, and executing weekly student ministry gatherings, activities, outreach opportunities, and special events.
- Coordinate event logistics, including setup, supplies, communication, and cleanup, in collaboration with ministry staff and fellow interns.
- Participate in summer camps, retreats, and other assigned ministry activities that serve students and connect families with Colonial and the surrounding community.
- Participate in daily devotional time, Bible studies, spiritual disciplines, spiritual formation activities, leadership seminars, and ministry training.
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal spiritual growth and Christian character in relationships with students, staff, volunteers, and fellow interns.
- Receive coaching and mentorship from ministry leaders while developing practical skills in leadership, communication, planning, and teamwork.
- Live in Colonial-provided housing with fellow Summer Staff Interns and contribute to a respectful, supportive, and Christ-centered community.
- Participate in shared community responsibilities, team meetings, and scheduled activities.
- Work collaboratively with ministry staff and fellow interns demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and a willingness to serve where needed.
- Take initiative, manage scheduled work hours productively, and fulfill ministry responsibilities independently, including when full-time staff are absent.
- Represent Colonial Presbyterian Church with integrity both on and off campus.
- Follow Colonial's policies and procedures for student safety, supervision, and appropriate boundaries.
- Complete all required background screenings and ministry safety training before beginning assigned responsibilities.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding students, families, and ministry matters.
- Communicate concerns, incidents, or student needs promptly to Student Ministries for leadership.
- Exercise Biblically-sound judgment and responsibility during ministry events, transportation, and community activities.
Faith & Ministry Commitment
- Profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and Christian community.
- Be actively involved in a church, campus ministry, or other Christian community.
- Demonstrate an understanding of foundational biblical principles and a willingness to share the Gospel.
- Have a genuine desire to invest in the spiritual growth and development of middle school and high school students.
- Support the mission, values, and ministry philosophy of Colonial Presbyterian Church.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when working with middle school and high school students.
- Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
- Organizational skills and the ability to assist with planning and coordinating ministry activities.
- Ability to work collaboratively, receive feedback, and adapt to changing ministry needs.
- Dependability, maturity, and sound judgment when working with students.
- College-aged student or young adult with an interest in Christian ministry.
- Availability to participate in the full nine-week summer program, including required training, events, and ministry activities.
- Willingness and ability to live in Colonial-provided community housing during the internship.
- Valid driver's license and reliable access to transportation.
- Successful completion of required background screening and child protection training.
SCHEDULE & PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
The Summer Staff Internship is a nine-week program that includes scheduled ministry activities, leadership development, community living, and student engagement.
A typical week includes:
- Mornings: Bible studies, personal devotion, spiritual formation, leadership development, and ministry preparation.
- Afternoons and Evenings: Student discipleship, relational ministry, small groups, events, and outreach activities.
- Sundays: Participation in assigned student ministry programming and church activities.
- Fridays and Saturdays: Generally designated as days off, subject to scheduled ministry activities and program requirements.
- The specific schedule will be established and communicated by Student Ministries leadership.
Colonial's Summer Staff Internship provides an opportunity to gain practical ministry experience while participating in intentional leadership and spiritual development.
Program offerings include:
- Competitive compensation for the nine-week internship.
- Church-provided community housing and meals.
- Gas reimbursement in accordance with Colonial's reimbursement guidelines.
- Two regularly scheduled days off each week, generally Friday and Saturday.
- Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays off, as scheduled by the ministry.
- Opportunity to participate in a summer camp alongside students and ministry staff.
- Leadership development seminars with experienced Kansas City leaders.
- CPR and First Aid training.
- End-of-summer team retreat at Lake of the Ozarks focused on rest, celebration, and reflection.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position involves indoor and outdoor ministry activities, group events, recreational activities, occasional travel, standing, walking, assisting with event setup, and supervising students. Interns must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
As a ministry of Colonial Presbyterian Church, all Summer Staff Interns are expected to demonstrate Christ-centered character, maintain appropriate boundaries with students, and contribute positively to the mission and culture of the church.
This position description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the internship and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on ministry needs and campus programming.
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Who's Hiring


What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of youth ministry jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in ministry, theology, religious education, or a related field
- Experience leading youth programs or ministries in a church or nonprofit setting
- Strong volunteer recruitment, training, and retention skills
- Ability to develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum and discipleship programs
- Background check clearance and child safety certification compliance
- Proficiency with church management software and basic social media communication tools
Tips for Your Director of Youth Ministry Job Search
Tailor your resume to congregation size
A megachurch and a 150-member parish expect different things. Highlight budget oversight and staff management for large congregations, and emphasize hands-on programming and family relationships for smaller ones. Matching your experience to their scale gets you past the first screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of youth ministry openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show program outcomes, not just activities
Hiring committees want to see what your programs produced, not just what you ran. Describe attendance growth, volunteer retention, mission trip participation, or confirmation class completion rates to give search committees something concrete to evaluate.
Get your references ready before applying
Churches move fast once they decide on a candidate. Line up a senior pastor, a parent volunteer, and a former colleague before you start applying. References who can speak to your theological alignment and relational skills carry the most weight in this role.
Prepare a philosophy of ministry statement
Many faith communities ask for a written ministry philosophy during the application stage, not at the interview. Draft a one-page statement that reflects your theological convictions and approach to youth discipleship so you're not writing it under deadline pressure.
Ask specific questions in the final interview
Questions about elder or pastoral oversight structure, the youth budget, and how the previous director left signal that you understand what makes or breaks this role. Search committees read vague questions as a sign you haven't done your homework.
Director of Youth Ministry Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of youth ministrys?
The most active employers for director of youth ministrys right now are Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, Camp Of The Hills, and Archdiocese of New York, and the most openings are in Texas, California, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Faith communities of all sizes, from independent churches to large denominational networks, regularly post openings throughout the year.
How many director of youth ministry jobs are remote?
About 0% of director of youth ministry openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the in-person nature of most congregational roles. Administrative and curriculum development functions are the most likely to include remote flexibility, while roles that require weekly programming, pastoral care, and parent engagement are almost always on-site.
How do you become a director of youth ministry?
Most candidates start by earning a bachelor's degree in ministry, theology, or religious education, then gain hands-on experience as a youth volunteer, intern, or associate director. Building a track of leading programs, mentoring students, and working alongside senior pastoral staff is typically what moves candidates into director-level roles. Some positions also require ordination or denominational endorsement.
Can you get hired as a director of youth ministry with little experience?
Yes, especially at smaller congregations willing to invest in a candidate who demonstrates clear theological alignment and relational skills. Emphasize volunteer leadership, summer camp or mission trip coordination, and any Sunday school or small group teaching you've done. A strong pastoral reference and a compelling ministry philosophy statement can offset a shorter formal work history.
What does the director of youth ministry interview process look like?
Most church hiring processes start with a phone or video screen, followed by a formal interview with a search committee that may include elders, deacons, and parents. Candidates are often asked to teach or lead a session with actual students as a practical audition. Finalists typically meet with the senior pastor and may be asked to present their ministry philosophy before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to director of youth ministry jobs?
You can find and apply to director of youth ministry jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from congregations and faith-based organizations across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience, denomination, and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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