Youth Pastor - First Methodist Church

God is Moving. Are You Ready to Lead?

Exciting Youth Ministry Opportunity at First Methodist Church – Carlsbad, NM

First Methodist Church (FMC) is a vibrant and growing congregation in the heart of Carlsbad, a dynamic and expanding community. FMC is blessed to be part of the new and growing Global Methodist Church, committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe. The church is passionate about worship, discipleship, and outreach, and FMC is excited to welcome a leader who shares this vision.

If one is passionate about guiding students towards a deeper relationship with Jesus and thrives in an environment where young people are eager to grow, serve, and worship together, perhaps God is calling the applicant to be part of Catalyst Student Ministry here at FMC. Catalyst isn’t just a youth group—it’s a movement. Every Wednesday evening, 70 to 100 middle and high school students gather alongside 10 to 20 adult volunteers to build friendships, deepen the faith, and experience the love of Jesus Christ.

And now, FMC is looking for the right leader to step in and continue the momentum.

Why This Role Is Special

• Will not start from scratch. The groundwork is laid, the students are engaged, and the volunteers are all in. The applicant is walking into a ministry that is strong and growing—ready for a leader to take it to the next level.
• Will be surrounded by support. This church isn’t just “youth-friendly”—it’s fully invested. Adult volunteers and passionate student leaders are eager to partner with the Youth Pastor.
• Will have everything one needs. A dedicated youth space, full of energy and life. Financial support to support a thriving ministry. A congregation is already praying for the Youth Pastor.
• Will be part of something bigger. FMC is a thriving congregation in the Global Methodist Church, committed to raising up Christian leaders who will impact the world.
  
  

Who FMC Is Looking For

• A passionate disciple of Jesus Christ with a heart for students.
• A leader who can inspire, teach, and disciple youth and volunteers.
• Someone who sees youth as the Church of today, not just tomorrow.
• A visionary who can build on what’s here and lead it into the future.
• Someone dedicated to a Wesleyan understanding of grace and holiness.
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $50,000 - $70,000

Housing Assistance Provided

Full Job Description Below

Youth Pastor – Full Job Description

What The Youth Pastor Will Be Doing 2. Building Community & Relationships 3. Equipping & Empowering Volunteers 4. Keeping Things Organized 5. Being Part of the Church Staff Team

• Leading & Teaching
• Create and lead engaging youth gatherings—Wednesday nights are high-energy and student-focused, with a mix of worship, teaching, small groups, and fun.
• Teach and disciple—Lead students in a way that’s biblically solid, culturally relevant, and distinctly Wesleyan in its emphasis on grace, holiness, and personal discipleship.
• Develop student leaders—give real responsibility and help the student leaders grow in faith and leadership.
• Invest in one's own growth—seek out opportunities to strengthen the ministry skills, deepen faith, and even explore a call to ordination in the GMC. If this resonates with the applicant, know that FMC is ready to support and encourage the applicant.
• Be present and involved in the lives of students—whether it’s at youth groups, school events, or just grabbing coffee and checking in.
• Support and encourage parents, equipping them to disciple their teenagers at home.
• Organize events, retreats, and mission trips that help students grow in the faith and friendships.
• Recruit, train, and invest in adult volunteers, helping the volunteers become amazing mentors for the students.
• Foster a team culture where volunteers feel valued and empowered.
• Lead with vision—casting a clear picture of where the ministry is headed and how people can be part of it.
• Manage the youth ministry calendar—balancing teaching, events, service projects, and fun.
• Oversee student safety, registration, and policies to create a welcoming and secure environment.
• Work with church leadership to plan and steward the youth budget wisely.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and collaborate with other ministries.
• Occasionally preach on Sundays and assist in church-wide events.
• Be available for pastoral care and other ministry needs as part of the church team.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

A strong disciple of Jesus with a deep passion for student ministry.

A leader who is dedicated to a Wesleyan understanding of grace and holiness.

Someone who sees youth as the Church of today, not just tomorrow.

A visionary leader and teacher who can inspire students and adults alike.

A team player who loves collaborating with others in ministry.

A person with experience in youth ministry and a solid biblical foundation.

Bonus

• A degree in ministry, education, or a related field is a plus but not required.
• Experience with youth worship, media, or creative programming is awesome but not a deal breaker.
  
  

Perks & Benefits

Competitive salary ($50k-$70k)

Housing assistance, health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off

A fully stocked, amazing youth facility

A supportive church that believes in youth ministry

A team of volunteers & student leaders ready to run with you

Does This Sound Like You? Let’s Talk!

FMC believes God is already preparing the right leader for this role—and if the applicant is feeling that nudge, FMC would love to connect!