Spearfish Mission Staff

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Young Life requires all​ employees to sign a Statement of Faith. We recommend you read this statement before applying​ for any position.

Because of Young Life’s exclusive Christian purposes of evangelism and discipleship as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and in these Bylaws, and to reflect what has always been and will continue to be the position of Young Life, specifically the Christian belief that each and every employee and volunteer of the corporation should minister as a servant of God with the primary responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and, as such, is an integral part of the Christian mission and ministry of the corporation,
Young Life shall only employ individuals or enlist volunteer leaders who: (a) profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord; and (b) subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith. Therefore, employees and volunteers of Young Life, during working and nonworking hours, shall: (i) be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization; (ii) refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life, and (iii) abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities.

Job Specific Working Conditions:

Are you called to relational ministry and passionate about creating spaces where every teenager belongs? Spearfish, South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to live on mission in a close-knit community where relationships matter, leaders collaborate, and the impact of faithful presence is deeply felt. Nestled in the Northern Black Hills, Spearfish combines a vibrant university town, strong schools, and supportive churches — making it an ideal place to invest in teenagers and build lasting ministry partnerships.

This mission staff role will focus on Young Life Capernaum ministry, walking alongside high school students with disabilities. You will Build a Missional Community Team to serve the needs of Capernaum high school students within the Inclusion Model of ministry. Through consistent contact work, inclusive club environments, leadership development, and partnerships with peers, volunteers, and caregivers, you will help students experience belonging, dignity, and the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Why consider Spearfish?

• A community that rallies around kids – Schools, families, and local leaders value ministries that show up consistently and relationally. Doors open quickly for leaders who care well.

• Inclusion-focused ministry opportunity – Spearfish offers a strong network of students eager to be involved as peer buddies, creating meaningful friendships rather than program-based care.

• Supportive volunteer culture – Parents and community members actively invest in ministry, allowing teams to grow sustainably.

• Leadership development potential – The size of the town allows you to know students deeply while also training college and adult leaders in disability ministry.

• A place to stay and plant roots – Affordable living, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life create margin for intentional discipleship and longevity in ministry.

This is more than a program role — it’s an invitation to build a Christ-centered community where students with disabilities are not guests, but essential members of the body. If you feel called to relational, incarnational ministry and believe every teenager deserves a place to belong, Spearfish is ready for you.

Mission Staff

Summary:
Mission / AuthorityThrough both training and direct field ministry experience, learn how to lead and participate in effective Young Life ministry.


Ministry Functions:
Spiritual Development — “Following Jesus” includes prayer and spiritual disciplines, fellowship, growth and health and church relationships.

Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for solitude, retreat, reflection, prayer and a sincere commitment to understanding God’s Word.

Seek and maintain relationships and disciplines, in the context of active participation in a church community.

Actively participate in the spiritual life of the Young Life community.

Lead teams and individuals in spiritual development.

Leadership Development — “Equipping leaders, committee and staff” includes key volunteer care, recruiting, team building and training, supervision and vision casting.

Meet with your volunteer leaders and area leadership on a regular basis.

Learn to recruit and train new leaders to build a leadership team that reflects the community.

Model excellence in contact work, club, Campaigners and camping to other leaders.

Assist in training leaders, team leaders and committee how to work effectively in teams and develop a yearly ministry strategy.

Resource Development — “Fueling the ministry” includes events, major donor care, public relations (branding) and TDS team.

Raise financial support as directed and maintain good donor care practices.

Communicate ministry updates and progress to personal donor partners.

Observe and learn to network and develop strategic relationships with key adults in the community, including: principals, pastors, parents, potential committee members as assigned by the area director.

Assist with camp fundraisers.

Direct Ministry — “Proclaiming and modeling” includes contact work, club, Campaigners and camp.

Actively engage in all three levels of contact work.

Lead a team to plan and conduct a new or existing Young Life club and Campaigners/discipleship ministry with excellence.

Lead a team to implement a summer and school-season camping strategy for a ministry.

Serve on a summer assignment at a Young Life camp each year.

Ministry Support — “Taking care of business” includes accounting, administration, communication (internal), data management and strategic plan.

Adhere to all Young Life policies and procedures and maintain professionalism concerning office hours, dress, conduct and time management.

Manage finances with stewardship, accountability and transparency using the mission-wide applications.

Maintain accurate information on kids, leaders and donors for area records.

Provide clear, prompt, appropriate and professional communication to everyone involved in ministry.

Set yearly strategic ministry plan and initiatives to reach every kid; review them on a regular basis.

Perform other duties as assigned and congruent with gifts, experience and area needs.

Training:
Missionwide Training

None is required.

RTD training events such as New Staff Training, Winter Training, Focus Conferences and Young Life University are available on a request basis with approval of the regional director.

Regional Training

There is no mission-wide regional-level training curriculum.

At the regional director’s prerogative, certain regional training events may be required.

Area Training

Actively engage in training provided by area leadership.

Individualized training supervised by the area director designed to develop personal spiritual maturity and enhance personal character.

Individualized program to learn and gain competency in ministry skills (e.g., The 5 C’s).

Become familiar with area strategy and ministry health as assigned by the area director.

Introduction to personal fund-raising principles including familiarity with Basic Elements for Part-time staff.

Education:

College degree preferred.

Qualifications Required for the Job:
Proven relational skills with both kids and adults.

Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.