Youth Pastor - GT Church

Assembly oF God

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 445

Meet GT Church

Founded in 1956, GT Church is a Spirit-filled, multigenerational congregation located in Decatur, Illinois. Affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the church has been led by Lead Pastor Matt Samuels for 33 years and is committed to its mission: “To see lives transformed.”

With a weekly attendance of approximately 400 people, GT Church is a welcoming, family-oriented congregation known for its cultural, economic, and generational diversity. Through passionate worship, biblical teaching, and authentic relationships, the church seeks to create environments where people encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Community engagement is central to GT Church’s identity, reflecting its belief that “we aren’t a church unless we are impacting the community.” With a commitment to outreach, a willingness to embrace new ideas, and a collaborative leadership culture, GT Church strives to make a meaningful impact throughout Decatur and the surrounding community.

About the Youth Pastor

The Youth Pastor at GT Church provides spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for Illuminate Student Ministry, serving middle and high school students (6th–12th grades). This full-time, on-site position focuses on helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith, discover their God-given purpose, and actively participate in GT Church’s mission of seeing lives transformed.

The Youth Pastor will oversee student programming, biblical teaching, discipleship, volunteer development, and community outreach. With a heart for reaching the next generation, this leader will bring fresh vision, creativity, and renewed momentum to the ministry while cultivating meaningful relationships with students, families, and the broader church community.

The Youth Pastor’s responsibilities include:

• Provide spiritual leadership and oversight for Illuminate Student Ministry, developing a clear vision for reaching and discipling middle and high school students.

• Prepare and deliver engaging, biblically grounded teaching that connects Scripture to the everyday lives of students.

• Plan and lead weekly student gatherings, small groups, camps, retreats, and outreach events that encourage spiritual growth and meaningful relationships.

• Recruit, train, mentor, and empower adult and student volunteer leaders while ensuring adherence to church safety and child protection policies.

• Develop opportunities for students to serve, lead, and actively participate in the life and mission of GT Church.

• Build meaningful relationships with students and families, providing pastoral care, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.

• Partner with parents through regular communication and support, recognizing their primary role in the spiritual development of their children.

• Establish relationships with local schools and community leaders to create outreach opportunities and engage students beyond the church.

• Maintain an active presence within the broader congregation and occasionally preach during Sunday morning worship services.

• Collaborate with church leadership and ministry staff to support the church’s overall mission and ministry initiatives.

• Oversee the student ministry’s annual $15,000 budget and related administrative responsibilities.

• What you bring

  The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Youth Pastor:

  Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required; seminary education is welcomed but not required.

  • Minimum of three years of ministry experience specifically serving as a Youth or Student Pastor.

  • Experience leading student ministry programming, biblical teaching, discipleship, and outreach initiatives.

  • Demonstrated experience recruiting, developing, and leading volunteer ministry teams.

  • Formal ministerial ordination is not required.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong biblical knowledge and the ability to communicate Scripture in engaging, relevant, and practical ways to middle and high school students.

  • Ability to develop and implement a student ministry vision that balances evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual growth.

  • Proven ability to recruit, train, and empower adult and student volunteers to lead and serve effectively.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with students, parents, staff, and individuals across generations and cultural backgrounds.

  • Ability to develop meaningful relationships with local schools and community organizations to support outreach efforts.

  • Understanding of contemporary youth culture and the ability to develop creative, relevant ministry programming.

  • Strong organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills, including experience managing ministry budgets and coordinating events.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with church leadership while demonstrating initiative and independent decision-making.

  Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

  • Demonstrates a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a genuine passion for reaching and discipling the next generation.

  • Aligns with GT Church’s Assemblies of God theological beliefs and Spirit-filled ministry philosophy.

  • Exhibits humility, honesty, integrity, and a teachable spirit, welcoming constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.

  • Self-motivated, energetic, and solutions-oriented, with a willingness to embrace new ideas and take initiative.

  • Relational and approachable, with the ability to build trust and meaningful connections across a diverse, multigenerational congregation.

  • Demonstrates emotional maturity, sound judgment, and appropriate boundaries when working with students and families.

  • Embraces a collaborative, grace-filled staff culture that values accountability, reconciliation, and continuous improvement.

  • Possesses a heart for community outreach and a desire to see students become active participants in the mission of GT Church.

  • Willing and able to fulfill the position’s full-time, on-site schedule, including Wednesday evenings and Sunday worship services.

What it’s like to live in Decatur, Illinois

Located in Central Illinois, Decatur is a welcoming community of approximately 68,000 residents, offering small-town charm with the conveniences of a larger city. Situated just 40 miles east of Springfield and within a few hours of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, Decatur provides an affordable Midwest lifestyle with easy access to metropolitan amenities.

Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Lake Decatur, Fairview Park, Rock Springs Nature Center, and Scovill Zoo. The city’s growing downtown features local restaurants, shops, and community events, while the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater and Kirkland Fine Arts Center offer year-round entertainment and cultural experiences.

Home to Millikin University and Richland Community College, Decatur offers educational opportunities, family-friendly amenities, and a diverse economy supported by agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. With its strong sense of community and affordable cost of living, Decatur is an inviting place to build relationships, raise a family, and put down roots.