Director of Student Ministry

Dutilh Church is a vibrant Methodist congregation of 500 worshipers located in a growing suburban community north of Pittsburgh. We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others, and love to serve. Our Dutilh Student Ministry (DSM) currently serves about 50 middle and high school students and plays a central role in our mission to invest in the next generation.

We are seeking a Director of Student Ministries who will cultivate a Christ‑centered environment where students are known, loved, and equipped to follow Jesus. This leader will partner with parents, volunteers, and staff to help students develop a resilient, lifelong faith.

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership

• Teach Scripture with clarity, depth, and relevance.
• Disciple students through prayer, worship, and Christian practices.
• Build authentic relationships with students and foster mentoring connections.
• Create a culture of emotional safety, where every student belongs.
• Partner with parents and model spiritual maturity.

Ministry Leadership

• Lead weekly DSM gatherings on Wednesdays.
• Develop Sunday small groups as a complementary discipleship environment.
• Recruit, train, and empower a team of adult volunteers.
• Plan and lead mission trips, camp experiences, and local service opportunities.
• Integrate DSM into the broader ministries of Dutilh Church.

Administration

• Manage schedules, communication, planning, budgeting, and systems.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with students, parents, and volunteers.

Personal Characteristics

Character

• Spiritual maturity
• Authenticity
• Integrity
• Emotional intelligence

Competencies

• Teaching
• Administration & organization
• People skills
• Communication
• Leadership

Chemistry

• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Alignment with Dutilh’s mission and relational culture

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a mature and growing follower of Jesus Christ who naturally connects with students and earns the trust of parents, volunteers, and church leaders. They are biblically literate and theologically articulate, able to teach with clarity and depth. They bring a warm, authentic presence marked by integrity and emotional intelligence.

They are a disciple‑maker at heart - someone who invests relationally, fosters mentoring connections, and creates environments of emotional safety and belonging. They build and empower volunteer teams, communicate clearly with parents, and organize ministry systems with excellence. Energetic and creative without being entertainment‑driven, this leader is passionate about helping teenagers develop a resilient, lifelong faith and is eager to integrate DSM into the broader mission of Dutilh Church.

Qualifications

• A growing relationship with Jesus Christ
• Agreement with Dutilh’s doctrinal beliefs and Wesleyan theological tradition
• Degree in a ministry‑related field or equivalent ministry experience
• Ability to lead teams, teach Scripture, and build healthy ministry systems
• Must be able to pass required criminal background and child safety checks

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, salaried position
• Salary range: $48,000-$56,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Health insurance stipend + 5% 403(b) match
• Two weeks paid vacation + 10 paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Why Serve at Dutilh?

Dutilh Church is committed to investing in the next generation. Student ministry is central to our mission, not a peripheral program. The Director of Student Ministries will be supported by church leadership, valued as a member of the staff team, and encouraged to grow as a ministry leader.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and resume (including references) to:

Pastor Tom Parkinson, tparkinson@dutilhumc.org