Church: Journey Church

Job Title: Youth Pastor

Location: Bozeman, Montana

The Big Idea

The Youth Pastor will be a champion of disciple-making for Jesus Christ by incorporating student-aged ministries within the context of the full church body. The primary purpose of this position is to develop, coordinate, and execute a philosophy of discipleship and shepherding within our church and community, with a specific emphasis on middle school (6th – 8th) and high school students. If you love relational ministry, thrive in a healthy team culture, and want to make a lasting impact in one of the most beautiful places in America, you’ll love what God is doing at Journey! 

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

Located in the stunning city of Bozeman, Montana, Journey Church is a healthy, growing church seeking a high-capacity Youth Pastor to lead a thriving student ministry and shape the next generation of all-in followers of Jesus. With 150+ weekly students, 55 volunteer leaders, and a ministry deeply rooted in relational discipleship, you’ll be stepping into a strong foundation and a culture that values shepherding, teamwork, and authenticity. You’ll join a collaborative staff team that believes ministry is best done together. This role offers the opportunity to build on momentum, strengthen community ties, and lead students and families toward a deeper connection with Christ.

About Journey Church

Mission: Together, we lead people in becoming all-in followers of Jesus.

Journey Church launched in 2005 with a passion to reach the Gallatin Valley for Christ. Today, we are a thriving, staff-led church with over 1,800 weekly attendees, a great team of ministry staff, and a heart to make disciples who Gather, Connect, Serve, and Give.

Our culture is defined by relational leadership, authenticity, and fun. We’re not just building programs, we’re developing people. Journey recently celebrated being recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Churches in America (2025) and continues to see double-digit growth year after year. We believe ministry is best done together, equipping leaders who equip others. Every person who calls Journey home should have a shepherd: someone who knows them, loves them, and helps them take their next spiritual step.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement a comprehensive strategy for the spiritual formation of students.
• Recruit, train, and shepherd staff, volunteer leaders, and interns within Student Ministries.
• Partner with parents to engage them as key influencers in their students’ faith journey.
• Champion relational shepherding where every student is known, loved, and guided toward next steps of faith.
• Oversee Sunday night gatherings (6–8 p.m.) that include student-led worship, teaching, and small groups.
• Grow and further develop off-site small group ministry and leader training.
• Build bridges with local schools, coaches, and community networks.
• Manage Student Ministries budget, staff, interns, and resources.
• Participate in broader church life, staff meetings, and all-church events.
• Carry out additional pastoral responsibilities as needed.
• Keep the Council and Staff informed of critical situations and comply with recommended best practices related to child safety. 

Qualifications

• Mature follower of Jesus Christ with a growing faith and commitment to Journey’s mission and core values.
• Biblically qualified to serve as a leader in accordance with 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Peter 5:1-9. 
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or seminary education preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in student ministry (or similar context).
• Strong relational intelligence and communication skills.
• A commitment to lifelong learning. 
• Self-starter who is trustworthy for a senior leadership position at Journey Church.
• Ability to lead leaders and equip volunteers for ministry.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both interpersonally and in public settings.
• Biblically grounded and aligned with Journey’s theological convictions.
• Demonstrated humility, teachability, and a collaborative spirit.

Core Competencies

• Relational Shepherding: Values people over programs; builds authentic, lasting relationships.
• Leadership Multiplication: Recruits, trains, and empowers others for ministry impact.
• Cultural Fit: Brings fun, authenticity, and humility to a high-trust team environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Can design and execute a plan that grows both depth and breadth in Student Ministries.
• Spiritual Velocity: Leads from personal depth and intimacy with Christ.

Benefits & Compensation

• Full-time position (40 hours/week, including Sundays and select evenings).
• Salary range: $55,000–$70,000 (based on experience and education).
• Full benefits package: medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and retirement.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays aligned with Bozeman Public School schedule.
• Healthy staff culture ranked in the Top 5% of all workplaces nationwide (Best Christian Workplace Survey, 2025).

About Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing cities in the West, a vibrant community of about 55,000 residents (100,000 in the valley) nestled between mountain ranges and near Yellowstone National Park. With top-rated schools, outdoor recreation, and a thriving university (Montana State University, 18,000+ students), Bozeman offers an unmatched balance of adventure, beauty, and community.

While Bozeman’s cost of living is higher than average, nearby towns like Belgrade and Manhattan provide more affordable housing options, all within a 15-minute drive to Journey’s campus.