Co-Director of Student Ministry

To apply please send a resume and cover letter to koryt@whpc.org

Purpose:

The Co-Director of Student Ministry provides collaborative leadership for middle and high school students at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church (WHPC). This role focuses on building meaningful relationships with students and helping them grow in faith, identity, and community.

The Co-Director creates engaging environments where students feel known, supported, and connected—through programs, mentorship, and shared experiences. This includes leading group gatherings, developing volunteer leaders, and connecting with students both inside and outside of scheduled programming.

Working alongside a fellow Co-Director and the broader Faith Formation team, this role helps guide students toward a lifelong faith that is relevant to their everyday lives. The ideal candidate brings experience working with young people in settings such as churches, camps, schools, or nonprofit organizations, and thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Student Ministry staffing at WHPC is organized around four core values. Together, these values express the philosophy, priorities, and practices that guide leadership within the Student Ministry.

1. We Value Discipleship- We believe that faith is formed through intentional relationships, spiritual practices, and engagement with Scripture. What we embody as leaders is the truest expression of what we pass on to students.

• Live as a model of faith in Jesus Christ, exhibiting spiritual and emotional health and a balanced approach to work and personal life.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of Scripture and an ability to teach it effectively in both small and large group settings.
• Create and implement a comprehensive discipleship strategy that guides students from first-time guests to deeply engaged, core participants.
• Collaborate with the Director of Faith Formation to select curriculum for student ministry.
• Lead and disciple students through regular teaching, mentoring relationships, and small group experiences.
• Integrate students’ passions and gifts into the broader life of the church, community, and world.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the local church and the role it plays in lifelong faith formation.
• Maintain a basic understanding of, or a willingness to learn, Reformed theology (e.g., infant baptism, covenant theology, and grace-centered discipleship) and the theology and polity of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

2. We Value Belonging- We believe students grow best when they are known, welcomed, and connected—to peers, caring adults, and the larger church community.

• Build authentic, trusting relationships with students and their families so they experience God’s love, purpose, and a faith family at WHPC.
• Engage students through intentional outreach and relationship-building beyond programmatic spaces.
• Collaborate in the planning and leadership of student ministry programming on Sundays, during the week, on retreats, mission trips, and service projects.
• Work to integrate student ministry into the life of the larger church, encouraging intergenerational connection and participation.
• Collaborate in overseeing the Confirmation process, including recruiting and supporting mentors, confirmands, and lay leaders.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with parents, volunteers, staff, and the wider congregation.

3. We Value Support- We believe effective ministry is sustained through shared leadership, healthy systems, and well-supported volunteers and staff.

• Serve as a collaborative member of the Faith Formation staff team, working closely alongside the other Co-Director of Student Ministry.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and support student ministry volunteers to partner with parents and staff in nurturing student faith.
• Supervise and collaborate with other student ministry staff as assigned.
• Work effectively within a larger staff context, collaborating across ministries within the church and community.
• Administer and uphold Child Protection Policy, background checks, and all safety-related procedures for student ministry.
• Perform administrative and organizational duties required for the role, including learning and using church software systems.
• Oversee the student ministry budget in coordination with the Faith Formation team.
• Set quarterly qualitative and quantitative ministry goals in collaboration with supervisors and colleagues, and participate in regular evaluation and reflection.

4. We Value Fun- We believe joy, play, and shared experiences are essential to building trust, fostering relationships, and creating meaningful faith formation.

• Create and lead engaging, age-appropriate programs that invite students into joyful participation, curiosity, and community.
• Encourage creativity, play, and celebration within student ministry programming.
• Design ministry environments where students feel safe to be themselves, take risks, and grow.
• Support retreats, camps, mission trips, and special events that deepen relationships and create lasting memories.
• Balance fun with purpose, ensuring that joy and play always serve deeper connection and discipleship.

Qualifications

• A personal and active Christian faith, with a desire to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience working with youth or young people in a church, camp, school, nonprofit, or similar setting.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group experiences, including teaching, mentoring, and organizing activities or events.
• Strong communication skills in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Experience recruiting, training, or leading volunteers or teams.
• Organizational and administrative skills, including planning events and managing details.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and contribute to a shared vision.
• Bachelor’s degree in theology, education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field (preferred). 3–5+ years of relevant experience working with youth or leading programs (preferred).