Help the next generation follow Jesus.
Who we are
Our church
Crossroads Church is a come-as-you-are church full of youthful families, deeply committed to our mission of helping people love God and love others through faith in Jesus Christ. We seek to help people journey with Jesus through our discipleship pathway of Gather, Grow, and Go.
Our community
Monticello, IL is a welcoming, growing small town in East Central Illinois known for strong schools, a safe community, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Located between Decatur and Champaign-Urbana, it offers small-town living with convenient access to larger city resources.
Our history
Crossroads Church began in 2004 when several local families partnered with Grace Church in Mahomet, IL to plant a church in Monticello. The church quickly grew from meeting in a hotel to moving into its current facility in 2007. Through every chapter of its story, Crossroads has remained committed to helping people meet, know, and follow Jesus.
Youth Pastor
The Youth Pastor leads and develops the student ministry (middle school and high school) in alignment with the mission and discipleship pathway of Crossroads Church. The aim is to see students become mature disciples of Jesus who are rooted in the gospel, engaged in the life of the church, and prepared to follow Christ faithfully into the next season of life.
Spiritual formation
Oversee student discipleship through the Gather, Grow, and Go pathway — welcoming explorers, building foundations, and developing mature leaders.
Weekly gatherings
Plan and lead weekly student gatherings that are biblically grounded, engaging, welcoming, and faithful to Scripture.
Adult leader development
Recruit, train, and shepherd a team of adult leaders to disciple students and lead effectively.
Community presence
Build relationships with students where they live — in schools, at events, and online — creating accessible discipleship environments.
Parent partnership
Partner with parents as the primary spiritual influencers in their students' lives, communicating clearly and providing support.
Ministry communication
Cultivate healthy communication with students and parents, and share meaningful updates with church leadership and the congregation.
Future growth
As the student ministry becomes healthy and established, begin exploring opportunities for broader next-generation ministry development, including ministry to young adults (college age and early career) and young couples. Identify and develop leaders who can effectively lead these ministries in alignment with the church's disciple-making mission.
What we're looking for
Character and calling
- A clear and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
- A sense of calling to student or next generation ministry
- Demonstrates humility, integrity, and relational maturity
Competency
- Ability to teach and communicate Scripture clearly and faithfully
- Strong relational skills with students, parents, and teams
- Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead others
- Self-motivated with strong initiative and follow-through
- Collaborative spirit within a team environment
Education
Biblical or theological training preferred, though equivalent ministry experience will be considered.
Alignment
Willingness to serve within the vision, values, leadership, and ministry philosophy of Crossroads Church. Agreement with the Crossroads Church constitution and the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC). Comfortable serving within the reformed-leaning, baptistic, and complementarian convictions of Crossroads Church.
The details
Schedule and participation
- Full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week)
- Regular presence at corporate worship and student ministry gatherings
- Flexible schedule including many evenings
- Active participation in staff meetings and ministry planning
Pastoral development
This role includes intentional development alongside ministry responsibility. The Youth Pastor will receive ongoing coaching and support from the Senior Pastor, gain experience in vision, leadership development, teaching, and shepherding, and be entrusted with increasing responsibility as capacity and trust develop.
Reporting structure
Reports directly to the Senior Pastor and works in collaboration with staff and under the spiritual oversight of the elders.
Compensation
Full-time compensation package including salary, paid time off, ministry expense support, and additional benefits. Specific details available during the interview process.
Interested in this opportunity?
Please submit the following materials and inquiries via email:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Brief testimony and statement of calling to ministry
- Links to teaching samples, if available
- References upon request
Email materials and inquiries to YouthPastorSearch@CCMonticello.org