At a Glance
- Tasks: Build a vibrant youth ministry, engaging young people in faith and community.
- Company: Preston Minster, part of the Diocese of Blackburn's Ignite Project.
- Benefits: Supportive team environment, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on outreach, discipleship, and community integration.
- Why this job: Inspire and lead young people to encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth ministry and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 € per year.
The Youth Pastor will build a Spirit-led, community rooted youth ministry that makes Jesus known to young people across Preston. As part of the Diocese of Blackburn’s Ignite Project, the role will help grow a thriving community of young people and create pathways to faith. Through this project, our aim is to increase the number of young people engaged in active discipleship and raise up local leaders within our churches and communities. The Youth Pastor will work with 11–18-year-olds across various church settings, schools, and our Spear employment programme, focusing on outreach, evangelism and discipleship. Further, by investing in relationships and training local volunteers, we aim to embed a sustainable, culturally relevant youth ministry into parish life.
This post would suit someone who has previous experience of youth ministry, either paid or voluntary, and is ready to take their next step in leadership. The post would be well supported by the line manager, wider staff team and church community, as well as the Ignite Project Mentor, the Ignite Leaders Community and where theological training is involved, Emmanuel College.
ROLE DESCRIPTION- Growing Youth Ministry: Expand the church’s youth provision by designing and promoting engaging events that attract and retain young people from diverse backgrounds. Establish consistent outreach spaces such as weekly “hangouts” and run Alpha Youth courses tailored to the local context. Organise and lead youth camps, weekends away, and offsite events to deepen relationships and spiritual formation.
- Discipleship & Teaching: Actively disciple young people through midweek groups, mentoring, and Sunday involvement. Teach the Bible in creative and relevant ways across youth gatherings, small groups, and all‑age services. Support young people in exploring faith, asking questions, and developing a personal relationship with God.
- Outreach & Engagement: Engage young people beyond church contexts through intentional outreach and relationship‑building. Work with the Spear Preston team to help integrate Spear trainees with the wider life of church.
- Leadership Development: Recruit, train, and support a team of volunteer youth leaders. Foster a healthy team culture of collaboration, prayer, and ongoing development.
- Family & Church Integration: Build strong, supportive relationships with families, encouraging faith to be nurtured at home as well as in church. Strengthen pathways for young people to feel fully part of the wider church community.
- Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure all youth ministry activities meet safeguarding standards and best practice. Maintain appropriate training, policies, and procedures for working with children and young people.
- Team & Church Leadership: Actively contribute to weekly staff meetings, one‑to‑one supervision, and PCC meetings as required. Collaborate with the wider church team to align youth ministry with the overall vision and mission of Preston Minster. Play an active role in the Ignite Project with the Diocese of Blackburn, and other regional youth networks.
- Essential: A committed Christian. Passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. Proven experience in youth ministry, with strong relational and teaching skills. Confident communicator with both young people and adults. Ability to lead and train volunteers effectively. Sound understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures. Organised, self‑motivated, and a team player.
- Desirable: Experience working for an Anglican Resource Church. Theological training or youth ministry qualification. Experience working in a church context with multiple stakeholders. Creative approach to outreach and discipleship. Familiarity with using digital tools and social media for ministry.
Safeguarding Statement: Preston Minster Parish is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and attend safeguarding training as part of their role.
Youth Pastor in Preston employer: Preston Minster
As a Youth Pastor at Preston Minster, you will be part of a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing young people's faith and leadership within the Diocese of Blackburn's Ignite Project. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development through training and mentorship. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across Preston, where your passion for youth ministry can thrive in a culturally relevant and spiritually enriching environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Pastor in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time engaging with local youth groups and churches before your interview. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your genuine interest in building relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for youth ministry! During interviews, share personal stories of how you've impacted young people's lives. This will demonstrate your commitment and ability to connect with them on a deeper level.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your vision! Think about creative outreach ideas and discipleship strategies that align with the church's mission. Presenting a clear plan will highlight your leadership potential and innovative thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Pastor in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for youth ministry and how you connect with young people. Share your experiences and what makes you tick!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the role description. Highlight your previous work in youth ministry and how it relates to building a community rooted in faith. We love seeing how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Creativity:This role is all about engaging young people, so don’t shy away from sharing your creative ideas! Whether it's outreach events or teaching methods, we want to know how you plan to make faith relevant and exciting for the youth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston Minster
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and its needs. Understand the demographics of the young people in Preston and think about how you can engage them effectively. This will show your potential employer that you're not just passionate about youth ministry but also committed to making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in youth ministry, whether paid or voluntary. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully engaged young people, led events, or mentored others. Highlight any creative approaches you've used in outreach and discipleship, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with volunteers and other church staff, be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've recruited, trained, and supported volunteer leaders in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a healthy team culture, which is crucial for the success of the youth ministry.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding principles and procedures. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured safety in previous roles and how you would maintain best practices in youth ministry. This will reassure the interviewers of your commitment to protecting young people.