Growing
Faith
Worker

1 

Role Purpose

Emmanuel is in a season of growth as we seek to be “a light to the city.” As well as the start of the Plymouth 2035, seeking to change the way we work with the younger generation. We want to move beyond program-led, age-segregated models towards something more relational, intergenerational, and deeply rooted in belonging.

The Growing Faith Worker will play a key role developing the youth work at Emmanuel, helping enable households to have faith encounters at home and helping develop church culture towards a more intergeneration approach to worship as a church community. The role will also focus on looking outward towards the community — building relationships beyond church settings developing sustainable partnerships with schools and community organisations.

While the primary focus of the role is on youth (11–18), there is an investment into young adults (18–30), the role will create environments of proximity, discipleship, and participation—equipping the wider church to take shared responsibility for the next generation. 

Partly funded through the Church of England’s national Strategic Mission & Ministry Investment Board programme, the role contributes directly to the Diocese of Exeter’s strategic priorities, supporting long-term cultural change in how faith is nurtured, shared and sustained across Devon.

2

Shape Culture and Vision

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision for Youth and Young Adult Ministry that is relational, intergenerational, and discipleship focused.

• Help the Church embed a culture in which the whole church plays a role and takes responsibility for forming faith in young people.

• Ensure leaders and the wider congregation grows in confidence in relation to, discipling, and walking alongside young people and young adults.

• Give insight and ideas to develop intergenerational worship into something that is engaging and relevant for the whole church.

3

Youth Ministry

• Develop an engaging youth work programme that meets the needs of the young people in and out of the church community, ensuring they are integrated into the wider church family.

• Build trusted relationships with local schools that are open to partnership, in line with the principles of the Growing Faith Foundation.

• Create pathways for young people to participate fully in worship, service, leadership, and mission across the church. Allowing young people to explore and develop their giftings.

• Build teams, by training and supporting volunteers, in all areas of the work.  Never operate in isolation where others could be involved.

• Build strong pastoral relationships with young people, supporting their spiritual and personal growth. 

• Empower young people to live out their faith outside of church, in their homes, schools and other contexts.

• Support key transition points (especially into secondary school), ensuring continuity of belonging and discipleship. 

• Serve the wider Growing Faith vision for Plymouth, contributing beyond their immediate church or mission community. Participate fully in a Growing Faith Community of Practice, offering and receiving support, shared learning and reflective practice.

• Ensure a culture of safeguarding excellence.

4

Young Adult and Student Ministry

• Cultivate a thriving, intergenerational community where young adults are deeply connected into the life of the church. 

• Encourage and release young adults into leadership, service, and ministry across the wider church. Help create a culture of serving and active participation amongst Young Adults.

• Oversee clear pathways for students and Young Adults to find community, grow in faith, and develop discipleship habits. 

• Create environments where faith, vocation, identity, and everyday life are explored openly and integrated meaningfully. 

• Help build and form small groups that foster belonging, spiritual growth and mission.