Youth Pastor & Afterschool Program Lead Teacher

Albuquerque, NM | Albuquerque Foursquare Church & East Gate Kids

5-Star Center | Purpose-Driven | Reggio-Inspired | Growth-Focused Environment

About the Role

East Gate Church and East Gate Kids are seeking a Youth Pastor & Afterschool Program Lead to serve middle school students (ages 9–13) through structured weekday programming, weekly youth gatherings, and community outreach.

This position blends youth ministry with afterschool leadership and offers an opportunity to build and grow a meaningful program within a supportive church environment. You will work closely with church leadership to develop and build a strong youth program and create various methods of outreach to expand the program's participation. We're looking for a high-capacity, self-starting leader who loves Jesus, loves kids, and can build and grow a thriving youth environment - not just maintain one. This role is ideal for someone who wants to take ownership, and help expand outreach and impact over time.

If you are passionate about mentoring middle school students, building healthy culture, and growing in ministry leadership, we would love to meet you.

About East Gate

East Gate is a Foursquare church in Albuquerque committed to the Great Commission and the Great Commandments-bringing hope through both the gospel and practical community care. Our children's ministry is intentionally hands-on and relationship-driven-because kids aren't "the church of tomorrow," they're the church of today. The community of East Gate is an urban community that consists of some at-risk/inner city youth. There is a need and real opportunity to make a big difference with children at a very important time of their lives.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Afterschool Program Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Lead middle school programming Monday–Friday (approximately 1:00pm–6:00pm)
• Facilitate character-building curriculum and leadership development activities
• Create structured, engaging programming for students
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and positive environment
• Develop service and outreach opportunities
• Teach practical life skills, character, and leadership in ways that make sense to real kids

Lead East Gate Church Youth Program
• Lead or co-lead Wednesday evening youth gatherings (approximately 6:00pm–8:00pm)
• Lead the 9 to 13 year old group for Sunday School Service (approximately 9:00am to 12:00pm)
• Facilitate Bible study and student discussion
• Provide spiritual mentorship and relational support

Community Outreach & Growth
• Help organize approximately one outreach initiative per month
• Encourage students and families to engage in community service
• Collaborate with church leadership to expand and strengthen the program

Safety & Logistics
• Maintain a safe environment and follow required supervision/safety expectations
• Ability to transport children in a non CDL passenger van

You May Be a Great Fit If You:

• Hold a personal Christian faith and share the mission of loving God and loving the community in alignment with East Gate Church's core values
• Enjoy working with middle school students and understand their unique developmental stage
• Be a self-starter who can create, implement, and report back on programs and outreach
• Take initiative and enjoy building or improving programs
• Are dependable, structured, and consistent in leadership
• Communicate clearly and set healthy relational boundaries
• Desire long-term growth in ministry or leadership

Schedule

• Monday–Friday afternoons (approximately 1:00pm–6:00pm)
• Wednesday evenings (approximately 6:00pm–8:00pm)
• Sunday School Service (approximately 9:00am–12:00pm)
• Occasional Saturday outreach (typically once per month)

This role is full time and qualifies for benefits.

Compensation & Benefits

• $19–$25 per hour (based on experience, education, and etc.
• Target hiring range: $21–$22/hour for strong candidates
• Health, dental, vision, and telehealth coverage after 90 days
• Up to 80 hours of PTO annually, plus 12+ paid/unpaid holidays
• Full week off at Christmas and closure for major holidays
• Free childcare in our highly sought-after 5-Star program
• ECECD Scholarship support to earn your degree while working
• Ongoing paid training and professional development
• Free uniforms and parking
• A respectful, supportive, purpose-driven team culture
• Opportunities for ministry development and leadership growth

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with youth (church, education, mentoring, or similar setting)
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to maintain professional and appropriate boundaries
• Background check clearance must be completed

Preferred:

• Bible college coursework or ministry training
• Prior youth ministry leadership experience
• Experience building or expanding programs

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. Resume
2. A Cover letter describing:
3. 1. Brief description of your faith journey
   2. A short paragraph describing a program, event, or initiative you have helped lead or develop

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a structured interview process.

Why This Matters

East Gate is deeply rooted in serving real needs in the community and pointing people to a loving God. We're looking for someone who wants to be part of that kind of mission-and help raise up the next generation with purpose. This role is a vital opportunity to pioneer a new youth department, specifically designed to support at-risk youth, foster kids, and people in poverty. As a pioneer, you will be creating and building a program from the ground up, offering you hands-on, real-life experience and training that will equip you for ministry. We are looking for a passionate leader who can blend the spiritual with the practical to create a fun, engaging, and safe environment for our children.