Did you know that the average youth worker in the United States stays in their job for about 18 months? Faith Lutheran Church has been blessed to have youth workers who have stayed for two, three, or four years. As we think about hiring a Director of Youth and Family Ministries [DYFM for short] our desire is to beat the averages AND FLC's track record by filling the position with someone who understands their calling to youth and family ministry as a vocation, a career and not a stepping stone to whatever "the next thing" is for them. This means that we will desire to hire someone who's already experienced in the field and who has the benefit of a track record in ministry. It also means we want to hire someone who can meet as many of the needs lifted up by our Listening Posts as possible. As we think together about the new position and some of the ways in which it may be different from what we've experienced in the past, I offer this quote from a friend and mentor of mine who is one of the field’s top authorities:
Youth and family ministry is a holistic and intergenerational approach to ministry. It is primarily not about children, youth, or families. It is primarily about Jesus. It is about discipleship and passing on the faith. It is not just children’s ministry or youth ministry. It everything that God is doing in the community through the congregation. Thus a director of youth and family ministry must work with the whole ministry team of the congregation, have a clear understanding of the vision and mission of the congregation, and understand faith formation. - Rev. Richard A. Hardel, DMin
This quote serves as a foundation for us in our search. The people of Faith Lutheran Church have spoken during our listening posts and through the conversations we have shared. By seeking a person with a long vision for vocation in youth and family ministry, we will be able to plant seeds of faith and nurture them across generations, together.
Peace,
Pastor Paul