Church Partnership Youth Worker

About us

Youth for Christ Gloucestershire has been in existence since 1974. We seek to see young people's lives changed by Jesus. In a world that never stops changing, we are continually adapting our ministry to address young people's challenges. We work in schools, running Christian Unions, evangelistic after-school clubs, taking assemblies and mentoring young people. We have an unemployment support service for young people looking for work. We are currently developing warm spots for young people to come after school during the fuel crisis, where they can stay warm, grab some food, get help with homework, play games and get support from youth workers. We run an annual residential and support numerous churches. We work across Gloucestershire, but most of our work is in Cheltenham, with a growing presence in Gloucester. We are developing projects to increase this capacity. The team comprises the Director, a full-time youth worker and administrative staff. We are looking to add one more staff member, with the possibility of a second in 2025. We also expect to be joined by a student on placement from September 2024. We work hard as a team, but this doesn't stop us from having fun.

http://www.yfcgloucestershire.co.uk

Hillview Church is a thriving, well-established, growing, evangelical church in Hucclecote, a short drive from the centre of Gloucester, with between 140-180 people attending Sunday morning services, including a range of children and youth people.

The church has a long history of ministry to children, young people and their families and is well regarded locally. Our youth work, run by a volunteer team, includes a midweek club attended by church young people. On Sundays, youth activities go deeper into the Bible and faith, connecting it to everyday life. We see about 20-30 young people (Y6-Y13) churched and unchurched each week through our various activities. The Youth Worker will have responsibility from age 10 (School Year 6) up to and including students and young adults as appropriate.

https://www.hillviewchurch.net/

About the role

Employed as a member of the local Youth for Christ centre, you will be involved in the existing youth ministry within Hillview Church and developing the work of Youth for Christ. You will be responsible for growing and leading the youth work team within the church whilst looking for ways to develop the existing work. You will be part of the Youth for Christ team, involved in our schools' ministry and starting new initiatives.

We believe the development of staff is essential and training will be available. We also believe that teamwork is essential. Therefore, we want to ensure people enjoy their work, and we also like to have fun together, both during and outside of work. We value collaboration and mutual support.

Why a joint appointment? We believe that we can achieve more together. Both Hillview Evangelical Church and Youth for Christ Gloucestershire believe that partnership is essential. Working together allows a worker to be rooted in a local church, developing their work as part of the community whilst also receiving the support of being part of a wider youth team and a national organisation. We share the same heart and vision to see young people encounter Jesus and grow in their relationship with him. This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone to use their skill set inside and outside the church.

There is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian and will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

About you

We are looking for an energetic and collaborative individual with a passion for evangelism and a heart for young people. You will be an experienced youth worker who can lead others. You must be able to work as part of a team but also have the ability to use your initiative. You will need to be comfortable working in church and community settings. You also need to show you have a life outside of work!

You will need to have a right to work within the United Kingdom.