Youth Leader
Part Time Youth Leader — Job Description
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
3257 Lohr Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
More information about our community can be found at our website: incarnationannarbor.org
Position Title: Youth Leader
Supervisor: Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Donna Lockhart
About the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation
The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation is a progressive Episcopal and interfaith community whose members come from diverse religious, activist, and cultural backgrounds. United by a shared commitment to compassion, restorative justice, and inclusion, we strive to counter suffering, cruelty, and misunderstanding in the world—particularly as experienced by marginalized communities. Many in our congregation are engaged in social justice work, and we are fully LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Position Summary
We are seeking a caring, reliable Youth Leader to guide children (ages ~3–12) during Sunday worship services. Our “Prayground”—a dedicated space at the front of the sanctuary—allows children to remain in worship with the congregation while participating in quiet, meaningful activities connected to the theme of the service.
All materials and activity instructions are prepared in advance and are provided to the Youth Leader. The Youth Leader facilitates these activities, supports a nurturing and safe environment, and collaborates with one or more church volunteers each week.
Weekly Schedule & Expectations
-
Sunday Mornings: Approximately 2.5 hours to:
- Review the day’s materials and welcome children to the Prayground.
- Lead activities during worship.
- Tidy the Prayground, debrief with the Pastor or Youth Advisory Committee member, and optionally join coffee hour.
- Weekly Preparation: Approximately 30 minutes to review the plan for the coming Sunday.
Final details will be worked out in a conversation between the candidate and Pastor.
Responsibilities
The Youth Leader will:
- Review the weekly email outlining the theme, instructions, and materials (about 15 minutes).
- Prepare for the Prayground before the service and welcome children as they arrive.
- Lead the designated activities during the worship service with assistance from church volunteers.
- Ensure materials are put away after the service and briefly check in with the Pastor or member of the Youth Advisory Committee.
- Participate in Safe Church training, learning best practices for safe, respectful ministry with children. (You will be paid for that time.)
Qualifications
We welcome candidates who bring:
- Some understanding of Christian traditions.
- Experience working with children ages 2–12.
- Prior youth ministry experience (preferred but not required).
- An ability to build warm, authentic relationships with children.
- Clear communication skills and reliability.
- Creativity or basic art skills.
Congregational Support
The Youth Leader will be supported by:
- Ongoing check-ins with the Priest-in-Charge and/or Youth Advisory Committee member.
- One or more trained volunteer assistants serving alongside you each week in the Prayground.
Compensation & Schedule
- Hours: Part-time, 3 hours per week
- Pay: $25 per hour
- Schedule: Year-round position
Background Check
A background check is required for this position. Applicants must provide permission for the check to be completed.
To Apply
Before sending your application, if you have questions about our church or the position please reach out:
- Rev. Donna Lockhart — pastordonna@incarnationannarbor.org
- Youth Advisory Committee Member Jamie Taylor — getjamie@gmail.com
Application Process:
Please email the following to the to Rev. Donna Lockhart, at pastordonna@incarnationannarbor.org
- Résumé
- Statement of interest
- Three references with their contact information