The Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland, Florida, is a congregation of members dedicated to serving God, nurturing families, and equipping young people to grow in Christ. We are seeking a full-time Youth Minister and Worship Leader to provide overall leadership, development, and management of all youth ministry activities, with a strong focus on grades 6–12 and aiding with worship leadership.

Provide overall leadership for the Youth Ministry. Develop a Christ-centered and encouraging ministry that nurtures spiritual growth for youth (6th through 12th grade) and supports families. Partner with parents to equip them as spiritual leaders in their homes. Serve as part of the Highlands Church of Christ staff, collaborating with elders, ministers, and volunteers. Aid in leading the worship team and coordinate Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services.

Administration & Leadership:

• Manage planning, coordination, and evaluation of youth ministry.

• Submit annual budget and manage expenses responsibly.

• Produce and maintain a yearly calendar.

• Keep elders informed of teaching materials and program effectiveness.

• Maintain contact with other youth ministers in Central Florida.

• Publicize youth activities effectively.

• Keep regular working hours to ensure availability for youth and families.

Ministry Programming:

• Organize and implement middle/high school classes, groups, retreats, outreach,

and mission trips.

• As needed, help support children's ministry team.

• Support area-wide events (e.g., Central Florida Bible Camp, CYF, SonQuest,

Equip).

• Encourage youth leadership in worship and emphasize service projects.

• Arrange chaperones and ensure volunteers have up to date background

checks.

• Ensure safety, and liability documents for all events are completed.

• Develop outreach programs to engage youth in the community. .

Parents & Families:

• Support parents in raising children through biblical resources, seminars, and

workshops.

• Foster unity between youth, families, and the church.

• Communicate regularly with parents to partner in the ministry.

Teaching & Curriculum:

• Teach biblically sound lessons and review curriculum effectiveness.

• Encourage spiritual maturity and discipleship in youth.

Ministerial Duties:

• Preach, teach, and lead worship as needed.

• Plan and lead congregational worship services (including acapella song leadership)

in a way that glorifies God and encourages participation.

• Provide leadership and training with those involved with worship, including

developing a worship team as well as song leadership and planning order of worship.

• Assist in baptisms, weddings, funerals, hospital visits, and counseling.

• Faithful member of the Lord’s church

• Demonstrates biblical and doctrinal soundness

• College graduate (Bible degree preferred) OR relevant ministry experience

• Strong communicator with youth and parents

• Spiritually, biblically and morally mature

• Able to teach, preach, and lead worship effectively

This ministry will be considered successful when:

• Teens are growing spiritually as individuals and as a group

• Enthusiasm for the Lord and service is evident in youth and families

• Families are actively involved in church life and service.

• Youth take initiative in spiritual activities and outreach

• Community youth are drawn to Christ through this ministry

• Youth group growth through spiritual engagement and excitement

• Worship glorifies God, is engaging and well organized

• Maintain a high view of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and His Word

• Live according to Scripture as a lifelong learner and servant leader

• Strive for unity within the body and work as a team player

• Be passionate about winning the lost and mentoring the saved