Discipleship Leader, Youth

We’re excited to be recruiting a person who will play a key part in shaping the next chapter of youth discipleship at Ivy. We believe that following Jesus is about more than attending church – it’s about knowing God, growing in love and faith, belonging to His family and becoming mature disciples who make a difference in the world.

As our Discipleship Leader, Youth, you’ll build on the strong foundations already laid, developing and strengthening our youth ministry to help young people encounter God personally, grow as devoted followers of Jesus and discover how to live out their faith in everyday life.

This is an exciting opportunity to invest in the next generation, building strong teams, partnering with parents and carers, and creating a culture where young people are known, nurtured and equipped to become lifelong disciples of Jesus.

About the role

Working alongside our wider discipleship team, you’ll lead and oversee the youth ministry for young people aged 10–18, championing Ivy’s discipleship pathway of Knowing, Growing and Going. You will:

• Build on and develop the existing youth ministry, providing vision and leadership for its next season of growth.
• Create opportunities for young people to encounter God personally through worship, prayer, biblical teaching, community and the Holy Spirit.
• Help young people grow in love and faith, developing a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship.
• Equip young people to live out their faith, share the love of Jesus and make a difference in their schools, friendships and wider communities.
• Recruit, equip, coach and pastor volunteer leaders, building strong teams and empowering others to lead and disciple young people.
• Develop a culture of mission and outreach, helping young people discover their gifts and take an active part in serving God and others.
• Build meaningful relationships with parents and carers, equipping and encouraging them to play an active role in nurturing faith at home.
• Provide appropriate pastoral leadership and ensure that safeguarding remains central to all aspects of the ministry.
• Work closely with the Children & Families Discipleship Leader to develop a joined-up approach to discipleship as children grow into young people and young adults.
• Work collaboratively with the wider discipleship team to ensure youth ministry is an integral part of Ivy’s church family and its vision to Know, Grow and Go.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a mature, active Christian faith.
• Has experience leading or developing youth ministry within a church or Christian ministry context.
• Is passionate about seeing young people encounter God, grow in faith and become lifelong disciples of Jesus.
• Will serve as part of the wider leadership team, leading with initiative and delegated authority while remaining accountable to and under the spiritual oversight of the Senior Leader and Elders.
• Has a heart for young people and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges they face as they grow in faith.
• Loves developing people and releasing others into ministry rather than doing everything themselves.
• Can think strategically whilst also caring deeply for individuals.
• Values the role of parents and carers in discipleship and wants to strengthen the connection between church and home.
• Is committed to safeguarding and creating safe, welcoming environments where young people can flourish.
• Shares Ivy Church’s vision, values and commitment to helping people Know, Grow and Go.

Why join Ivy Church?

You’ll join a passionate and supportive staff team committed to helping people find their way back to God and equipping the next generation to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

This is an opportunity to build on an established ministry, bring fresh vision and develop a strong team of leaders who will invest in the lives of young people. You’ll also play an important role in shaping discipleship across the church, working alongside the Children & Families Discipleship Leader to help children and young people develop a faith that lasts.

If you love discipling young people, developing leaders and seeing the next generation grow into confident, devoted followers of Jesus, we’d love to hear from you.

Occupational requirement

As this role involves Christian leadership, discipleship, teaching and spiritual oversight within the church, there is a genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the postholder to be a practising Christian with a professed, demonstrated and active Christian faith.

The successful candidate will be expected to assent to Ivy Church’s Statement of Faith, embody Ivy’s DNA and values, and become (or already be) an active member of Ivy Church.

Safeguarding

Ivy Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake the appropriate Enhanced DBS check and comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures.

Salary and hours

This is a full time, permanent post attracting an annual salary of £31,360 plus employer pension contributions at 9% of gross salary.