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All Souls Youth Ministry Mission Statement and Objectives

All Souls is a community that sees our young people as an integral, vital and vibrant part of the Cathedral Parish. Our mission is to provide an environment in which our young people are inspired to grow spiritually with God, with the wider community, with themselves and with the whole world.

Welcome Statement

We recognize that many church job descriptions might be a challenge for even Jesus to fulfill. We also recognize that fruitful ministries do not evolve overnight. What we are looking for is someone who values the creation of culture in a faith community; someone who is fed by developing a culture of mutuality, acceptance, maturity and hospitality among youth and adults. This is the heart of what All Souls is about and from where our energy comes. We are looking for someone who will be a rich addition to a vibrant and supportive faith community.

Objectives of the Cathedral Youth Ministry

1. The youth will exhibit a culture of inclusion and hospitality by accepting every member or visitor as an integral part of the group.

2. Our youth will be knowledgeable and articulate about their faith and its practices. They will be able to express how their faith informs their life choices.

3. They will be encouraged to be participants in the practices of their faith including those specific to the liturgical calendar.

4. Our youth will regularly engage the Scriptures and know the basic stories of our salvation history.

5. Our youth will be engaged with and serving both our own community and the wider community of Asheville. This engagement will offer opportunity for them to reflect on their own lives, their choices and behaviors relative to these experiences; through these experiences they will reflect on how their behaviors are life giving to others.

6. Youth ministry will be a place of joy and laughter.

7. Our Senior High youth will function as leaders and trainers for other youth and adults.

8. Our Middle School youth will grow through fellowship and their connection to a core group of peers within All Souls.

9. The youth will engage in theological reflection and will be taught how to cultivate a prayer life.

Job Expectations of the Assistant for Youth Ministry

• Recruiting and developing a youth ministry team of volunteers, young adults and parents to serve and support the program including Sunday School, EYC volunteers, retreats, mission trips and pilgrimages. Provide training, regular support and communication with adults who work with youth. This includes a strong ability to delegate clearly defined roles and tasks of those who are recruited.

• Recruiting and overseeing lay acolyte wardens.

• Creating relational presence with youth including presence beyond church activities (e.g. meeting with each youth member for coffee).

• Coordinating Christian Education for grades six through twelve in coordination with assistant for children’s Christian Education.

• Providing curriculum which engages youth appropriate to their age and developmental level, and which engages the practices and disciplines of the Episcopal tradition.

• Providing an integrated spiritual path for youth from sixth through the twelfth grade.

• Working with other staff members to create integration of parish life.

• Attending staff meetings and staff retreats.

• Encouraging and accompanying youth in diocesan, provincial and national events.

• Working under the supervision of the Dean.

• Completion and regular updating of Safeguarding God’s Children training.

• Recognize the unique nature of Cathedral ministry (both in its regional diversity and its function as a model for youth ministry in the diocese).

Elements of these Expectations include:

1. Regular attendance at youth meetings/gatherings, Sunday worship (9:00 and 11:15).

2. Consistently teaching a Sunday morning class for the youth.

3. Co-ordinate and assist in leading confirmation classes each year for youth in 8th grade and older; incorporate All Souls clergy in these classes.

4. Plan and lead weekly EYC gatherings.

5. Encourage participation of youth in ministries beyond acolyte (readers, chalice, etc.).

6. Create and foster spiritual growth via mission and outreach projects locally, nationally, and internationally.

7. Oversee, plan and lead fund raising events for the youth program.

8. Attend and facilitate the youth component at the annual Parish Retreat.

9. Be available and accessible to the youth through regular office hours as well as showing support in school and community activities.

10. Be available to form relationships and provide support and training for parents.

Characteristics of the Youth Assistant will include:

• Experience in coordinating, managing, and leading youth activities.

• Excellent communication skills with youth and adults. This includes the ability to value and encourage varying and contradictory points of view among the youth.

• Ability to articulate their own faith journey and elements that have shaped and informed that journey. Ability to be supportive of youth in times of questioning and development of their faith.

• Experience in creating, managing, and executing a budget.

• Experience with computers and software, Internet, email, Facebook, and database management. Web page design and maintenance experience desirable. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to use new and innovative means to communicate with youth, including blogging, social networking sites, podcasts, and other mediums as they arise.

• Experience in the planning, participation, and leadership as a member of a U.S. based mission trip; the same in an international mission trip is desirable.

• A four year undergraduate degree.

• Participation in an approved program of protection of children and youth from abuse.

• Agree to an employment background check per diocesan and parish policy.

What the Assistant for Youth Formation can expect from the Cathedral of All Souls:

• Support and collaboration with from different ministries at the Cathedral.

• A compensation package for 30 hours of employment that includes salary ($24,000 - $27,000 per year), health insurance (provided through the group plan of the Cathedral), pension (per Church Pension Fund) leave time per the Employee Manual of the Cathedral and continuing education.

• Office space, supplies and support; including a computer, phone and desk (even as only a small portion of ministry time will actually take place in the office).

• A parish and staff eager to provide support for a successful youth ministry, and which is very committed to community involvement and ministry.

• Mentoring and support from the Dean, Clergy, Vestry and other members of All Souls.

• An active EYC Transition Support Team to include a Lead Parent and a Youth Assistant Leader Search Committee Liaison.

• An annual evaluation and goal-setting time with the Dean.

• A youth ministry budget for activities and events.

• A vibrant work environment in a compassionate, healthy and growing church.

Those wishing to apply are asked to send a resumé and cover letter to:

Email: sherry@allsoulscathedral.org

Regular mail: Sherry Prazich, The Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Asheville, NC. 28803

For more information, please email sherry@allsoulscathedral.org