Youth Pastor

Ecumenical SEED Youth Ministry in Cheney

Position Description for Progressive Youth Ministry Leader/Pastor

The Ecumenical SEED Youth Ministry in Cheney - a new partnership between Cheney Congregational Church, Episcopal, United Methodist, and Lutheran communities - is seeking applications for a newly created Youth Ministry Leader/Pastor position beginning September 1, 2026 (possibly earlier).

We are looking for somebody passionate about creating inclusive, relational, and thoughtful ministry with youth in the Cheney community.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and updated résumé to Pastor Damian Carruthers at rev.damian.carruthers@gmail.com by July 15, 2026.

Questions may be directed to the same email address or by phone at 509-590-7567.

Position Details

• Type: Part-time
• Hours: Approximately 6–8 hours per week
• Compensation: $20–$25 per hour, depending on education and experience

This position is structured as a flexible 6–8 hour weekly commitment focused primarily on relational ministry, youth connection, and weekly gatherings.

Additional hours for larger ministry events — such as retreats, overnight gatherings, service projects, or special outreach events — may be approved and compensated separately in coordination with the supervising board.

This is a new and developing ministry initiative. Rather than stepping into a pre-built program, the new Youth Ministry Leader/Pastor will help shape the vision, programming, gathering times, and overall direction of the ministry together with the supervising board and the youth themselves.

Supervision

Supervised by an Ecumenical Youth Ministry Board, with representatives from the United Methodist, Episcopal, and Congregational churches involved. These three churches have a long history of working together closely in different kind of ministry, especially a Campus Ministry “SEED” on the EWU Campus.

In addition to board supervision, the youth ministry leader will meet weekly or bi-weekly with a designated mentor (a pastor or board member) for encouragement, visioning, and accountability. These meetings are intended to create a supportive space for reflection, dreaming about future ministry ideas, and adapting the ministry as it grows.

This relational mentorship model ensures the leader is supported, inspired, and not working in isolation, while remaining accountable to the larger ministry board.

About the Ministry

This Progressive Youth Ministry is a joint, ecumenical initiative serving middle school and high school youth in Cheney. Rooted in progressive Christian faith, this ministry is:

• Fully LGBTQIA+ affirming
• Anti-racist and justice-oriented
• Deconstruction-safe, welcoming doubt, curiosity, and exploration
• Open to unchurched youth, youth from multiple traditions, and youth who are unsure what they believe

The ministry partners intentionally with SEED Campus Ministry at Eastern Washington University, creating bridges between youth ministry and campus ministry as students transition from high school to college.

Primary Responsibilities

Relational & Visionary Ministry

• Build authentic, trusting relationships with middle school and high school youth
• Create spaces where youth feel safe, seen, affirmed, and respected
• Model a faith that is curious, justice-rooted, inclusive, and compassionate
• Help shape the vision and culture of a progressive, ecumenical youth ministry

Programming & Gatherings

• Help plan/organize and lead/host a weekly youth gathering for Middle and High Schoolers
• Coordinate overnight / sleepover / retreats events approximately every few months, held in Cheney or Spokane – we hope to connect with other youth groups in the future
• Support joint events with SEED Campus Ministry (EWU) every couple of months to foster continuity into young adulthood

Volunteer Development

• Assist in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers
• Help cultivate a healthy team culture among adult leaders
• Participate in shared leadership rather than a “solo youth pastor” model

Ecumenical Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across denominational lines
• Respect and engage different traditions while centering shared progressive values
• Communicate clearly with the supervising board

Required Commitments & Non-Negotiables

All team members (leader + volunteers) must:

• Fully affirm LGBTQIA+ youth and identities
• Be committed to anti-racism and justice-centered ministry
• Participate in Anti-Racism Training every two years
• Complete Safe Sanctuary / Safe Church Training through Safe Ministries every two years
• Support a ministry that is deconstruction-safe, where questioning faith is honored

We prefer that the person has strong theological education or training, ensuring the ministry can thoughtfully engage faith questions in accessible, non-harmful ways.