Youth Pastor – Emmaus Church Community
Meet Emmaus Church Community
Emmaus Church Community is a transformational church in Lincoln, California, where Christ-followers and spiritual seekers share life and discover Jesus together. Founded in 2005, Emmaus began with a simple but profound dream: to create a community of compassion shaped more by God’s vision for our city than by traditional models of “doing church.”
Rather than focusing primarily on building a church, we ask: What is God’s vision for Lincoln, and how can we help bring His Kingdom realities to our neighborhoods? We emphasize holistic life transformation, authentic Christian community, and compassionate engagement with the world. Our gatherings are multi-sensory, highly relational, and participatory. We value the historic practices of the Church, including weekly Communion, while seeking to live out the gospel through deep friendships, shared meals, and acts of mercy and justice.
At the heart of our story is the Emmaus road encounter in Luke 24—where the risen Jesus meets two discouraged disciples, walks with them in their pain, and is recognized in the breaking of bread. We long to be a church that reflects Jesus’ relentless, loving pursuit of people, even those who feel like walking away.
About the Youth Pastor
The Youth Pastor at Emmaus Church Community plays a vital role in the spiritual formation of pre-teens, middle school, and high school students. This position exists to cultivate a relational, discipleship-driven youth ministry that is integrated into the larger life of the church rather than operating as a separate program.
We believe youth ministry exists to walk alongside young people in one of the most strategic seasons of their lives in shaping a lifelong faith. The Youth Pastor will partner with parents, volunteers, church leadership, and our broader community to help students encounter Jesus, grow in authentic faith, and live as Kingdom people who love God and love their neighbors.
Emmaus is especially passionate about reaching beyond the walls of the church. Since 2015 we have operated The Foundry, an after-school youth center serving vulnerable students in Lincoln’s middle and high schools with tutoring, character development, leadership training, and a place to belong. The Youth Pastor will have unique opportunities to collaborate with The Foundry team, building bridges between the church and the wider youth community in Jesus’ name.
We are seeking a leader who is passionate about holistic transformation, thrives in relational ministry, and shares our vision for an intergenerational church where young and old worship and serve together.
The Youth Pastor’s Responsibilities Include:
- Provide visionary and pastoral leadership for youth ministry (pre-teens through high school), with a strong emphasis on relational discipleship and life-on-life mentoring.
- Teach and apply Scripture in engaging, relevant ways that connect biblical truth to all areas of students’ lives.
- Plan and lead regular youth gatherings, small groups, events, and service opportunities that foster community and spiritual growth.
- Intentionally integrate youth into the larger life of the church, encouraging intergenerational worship, relationships, and ministry alongside adults.
- Recruit, train, equip, and pastor a team of volunteer leaders who share the vision for transformative youth ministry.
- Partner closely with parents to support the spiritual formation of their students and equip families for discipleship at home.
- Collaborate with The Foundry staff and team to extend the church’s reach and care to the broader youth of Lincoln and surrounding areas.
- Participate fully in the worship, life, and mission of Emmaus Church Community, including regular staff collaboration and Sunday gatherings.
- Steward the youth ministry budget and resources with wisdom, creativity, and accountability.
- Dream and innovate with the leadership team about new ways to reach and disciple the next generation in our city.
What You Bring
The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Youth Pastor role:
Education and Experience
- A clear calling to youth ministry and a passion for the spiritual formation of students.
- Relevant ministry experience (paid or volunteer) is preferred; demonstrated relational leadership with students and volunteers is essential.
- Theological training or Bible college experience is a plus, though not required.
- A heart for both churched students and those who are far from God or from traditional church settings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong ability to teach and communicate Scripture in ways that are faithful, engaging, and applicable to students’ real lives.
- Relational and pastoral giftedness—able to build trust with students, parents, and volunteers.
- Collaborative spirit and ability to work well with a small, mission-driven church staff and leadership team.
- Organizational skills to plan meaningful programs while keeping relationships central.
- Creativity and flexibility to minister both inside the church and in partnership with community initiatives like The Foundry.
- Commitment to holistic transformation—helping students grow in head, heart, and hands (belief, character, and compassionate action).
Personal Characteristics and Qualifications
- A vibrant, personal faith in Jesus Christ and a life that reflects ongoing transformation by the gospel.
- Warm, humble, and approachable presence that draws students and families into authentic community.
- Deep commitment to the core values of Emmaus: Transformation, Community, and Compassion.
- A relational philosophy of ministry that prioritizes sharing life over running programs.
- Excitement about an intergenerational church where youth are valued as full participants, not just a separate ministry silo.
- A missional heart that longs to see students and the wider youth of Lincoln encounter the love and power of Jesus.
- Theological harmony with the Church of the Nazarene.
What It’s Like to Live in Lincoln, California
Lincoln is a growing yet still relational community located in beautiful Placer County, just north of Sacramento and the greater Bay Area. With a small-town feel, excellent schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Lincoln offers a wonderful place to put down roots. Residents enjoy nearby access to the Sierra Nevada mountains, outdoor recreation, local farms, and the cultural and professional opportunities of the Sacramento region.
The cost of living is more affordable than many California coastal cities, while still offering good amenities, parks, and a sense of community. It’s an ideal setting for those who want to invest deeply in relationships, serve a city that is changing and growing, and enjoy a balanced life with room for family, faith, and ministry.
Think You’re a Great Fit for This Role?
We would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a brief statement of your philosophy of youth ministry, and why you feel called to Emmaus Church Community to Rich@Emmaus.Church