Associate Minister - Youth Focus

Associate Minister (Youth Focus)

West Side Church of Christ | Lebanon, Ohio (Located between Cincinnati and Dayton)
wscoconline.org | Full-Time

West Side Church of Christ exists to love and lead people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We are prayerfully seeking an Associate Minister who senses a calling to invest in the next generation of the church — not simply to lead a program, but to disciple students, walk alongside families, and help shape a ministry that forms lifelong followers of Jesus.

This is a newly created ministry position born out of a conviction: the spiritual formation of our students matters deeply to the present and future health of the church.

The person who steps into this role will partner with our Senior Minister and church leadership, focusing primarily on Youth Ministry (6th–12th grade) and community outreach, while helping cultivate a culture of discipleship across the life of the congregation.

The Associate Minister will report directly to the Senior Minister and serve alongside church leadership in advancing the mission of West Side Church of Christ.

This role is best suited for someone who loves students, values relationships over programming, future growth opportunities, and believes that faithful presence in the lives of young people is one of the most meaningful investments the church can make.

About Us

West Side Church of Christ is a multi-generational, instrumental congregation within the Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ/Christian Churches), committed to biblical teaching, meaningful relationships, and active engagement in our local community. Our average weekly attendance is approximately 105 to 125, allowing for close connection, collaboration, and hands-on ministry.

We are a non-denominational fellowship of Christians associated with the Restoration Movement whose historic aims have been the unity of believers in one body of Christ and the restoration of the Church as described in the New Testament. We do not believe that we are the only Christians, but we seek earnestly to be Christians only.

We accept the Bible as our rule of faith and practice and are committed to maintaining unity in essentials, allowing freedom in matters of opinion, and demonstrating love in all things. We are not perfect people, but forgiven sinners growing in grace toward spiritual maturity.

Our congregation is self-governing and led by spiritually mature leaders from within the church. Christ is the head of His Church, and our desire is to worship and follow Him faithfully.

To explore a more in-depth explanation of our beliefs and identity, please visit:

The Opportunity

This role centers on discipleship — not simply sustaining an existing youth program, but investing in the spiritual lives of students, strengthening their connection to the church, and helping them grow into mature followers of Christ.

The Associate Minister will lead and develop the Youth Ministry (grades 6–12) while contributing to outreach efforts and the broader life and ministry of the congregation.

This is work that happens through presence, relationships, teaching, mentoring, and shared ministry with volunteers, parents, and church leaders.

Youth Ministry

· Lead and coordinate the youth program (6th–12th grade) alongside volunteers

· Serve as the primary teacher and spiritual leader for the youth ministry, while equipping and partnering with additional adult teachers

· Select biblically sound curriculum consistent with Restoration Movement theology

· Plan activities that foster spiritual growth, discipleship, and Christian community

· Collaborate with the Children’s Minister to ensure cohesion across age groups

Current Youth Ministry Snapshot

· Weekly participation typically ranges from 8–15 students

· Students primarily come from suburban family contexts

· Additional teens are connected to the church but not currently engaged in the youth program

· The church desires both deeper discipleship of current students and intentional numerical growth

· Two committed volunteer couples currently oversee the youth ministry and will assist with transition and continuity

· Our current group includes a strong representation of young women

Our prayer is that this ministry becomes a place where students want to belong, grow in faith, invite friends, and discover their identity in Christ.

Outreach & Community Engagement

· Oversee outreach-focused volunteer and service opportunities

· Build and maintain relationships within the local community

· Represent West Side Church of Christ in ways that reflect Christ-centered love and relational ministry

Shared Ministry Life

· Assist with annual preaching and ministry planning

· Help develop strategies for assimilating new Christians and new members

· Participate in Sunday morning services

· Serve alongside the ministry staff in prayer, planning, and shared leadership of the church’s mission

Who We Are Seeking

· A person living a Christ-centered life marked by humility, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity

· Agreement with and willingness to teach in alignment with Restoration Movement theology as practiced within Churches of Christ/Christian Churches

· A heart for youth discipleship, spiritual formation, and relational ministry

· Strong communication, organizational, and relational skill

· Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and church leadership

Education & Preparation

· Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Bible, Ministry, or Theology preferred

o Graduates of Christian Church/Church of Christ colleges or universities are strongly preferred

o Comparable ministry training and significant youth ministry experience will also be considered

Additional Expectations

· Willingness to transfer membership to West Side Church of Christ

· Successful completion of a background check

Our Community

West Side Church of Christ is located in Lebanon, Ohio, a growing community situated between the Cincinnati and Dayton metro areas. Lebanon combines historic charm with steady growth, offering a strong sense of community, accessible transportation corridors, and proximity to major cultural and economic centers.

The city serves as the county seat of Warren County and is part of one of the fastest-growing regions in Ohio. Residents benefit from a high quality of life, strong schools, expanding business development, and a balance of small-town environment with access to large-city opportunities.

Lebanon features a historic downtown, extensive parks and recreation spaces, community events throughout the year, and close proximity to major universities, employers, and regional attractions.

To explore more about the community:

· Lebanon community profile —

· Lebanon quality of life —

What This Ministry Offers

· A supportive ministry environment rooted in shared mission and theology

· Meaningful influence in a relational church family

· Opportunity to shape and lead youth ministry with vision and intentionality

· Competitive annual compensation of $40,000 – $55,000, based on experience.

Next Steps

A more detailed position description can be found on our website at

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter describing their ministry experience, sense of calling, and interest in serving at West Side Church of Christ. You may do so by email it to Michael Dawson at [email protected]

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person