the bridge is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational church, impacting our world in Christ, located in Markham, part of the Greater Toronto Area, in Ontario, Canada. Gather, Group, Grow, Give and Go is how the bridge fulfills its mission and vision. Our mission is to connect people to God, each other, and our world. Our vision is to see transformed people impacting their world in Christ. We gather for a renewed and inspired perspective. We group to put this inspired life into practice. We grow through personalizing our faith in Jesus. We give to participate fully in God’s love for all, and we go out into our world to perpetuate the goodness of God.
the bridge is looking for a high-capacity leader to pastor a growing and vibrant youth ministry with approximately 100 youth. This individual will have a heart for students; providing direction and oversight to both the junior high and senior high ministries.
The Pastor will preach / teach regularly, while working collaboratively with a team of volunteers to develop and implement strategies that support the growth and engagement of youth, community and relationship building. This includes programming, events and activities that foster an environment where youth feel welcomed and are discipled, shepherded and equipped in the formation of their faith.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop, execute and manage a vision, philosophy of ministry, goals, and strategies for the ministry and the spiritual growth of the youth.
- Pastor and build relationships with the youth, student leaders, volunteers and parents.
- Disciple youth towards a lifestyle of ‘gathering’, ‘grouping’, ‘growing’, ‘giving’ and ‘going’.
- Provide organizational leadership for both junior high and senior high; coordinating weekly gatherings, which include weekly Friday night programming for both ministries, as well as weekly Sunday morning junior high programm
- Act as the primary communicator and preach at weekly youth gatherings. Develop a preaching schedule to include guest speakers and volunteers as required.
- Recruit, equip, disciple and mobilize a team of volunteers, including a core leadership team.
- Work collaboratively with Family Ministries pastors on strategies for discipling and equipping families, as well as ensuring smooth transitions between ministries.
Qualifications & Skills:
- An undergraduate degree or diploma; Bible college / seminary degree an asset.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in pastoral ministry or equivalent—preferably youth ministry/programming.
- Demonstrated ability to preach / teach in group settings.
- Experience pastoring / coaching / counselling individuals—preferably youth.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain relationships.
- Demonstrated organizational leadership skills with the ability to coordinate ministry programs and events.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead and motivate teams.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to develop and implement a vision and strategic plan.
- Proficient use of technology, including MS Office, internet, social media, and database.
- Ability to manage priorities and a ministry budget.
Personal Attributes & Requirements:
- A calling, passion and gifting for youth ministry.
- A high capacity, energetic, self-starter that works collaboratively in a multicultural, multi-generational context.
- Ability to respond to crises and be sensitive to the needs of others, while maintaining a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and a desire to serve.
- Committed to and models a growing walk with Christ.
- Participate in church services on the weekend as able.
- Able to support and promote the bridge’s beliefs, mission, vision and values.
- Willing to obtain a positive police vulnerable sector check.
For more information on the bridge, go to www.thebridgemarkham.com. If you are interested in this employment opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@thebridgemarkham.com. the bridge invites fully qualified candidates to apply for the following position(s), however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. the bridge is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with you during the selection process if this is required. All applications will be reviewed but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.