YL Military Staff Associate III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Young Life is a global Christian ministry dedicated to reaching adolescents with the message of Jesus Christ. Operating as a nonprofit organization, Young Life focuses on evangelism and discipleship, aiming to help young people develop a lasting relationship with Jesus through a variety of programs, events, and activities. The ministry emphasizes relational outreach, meeting young people where they are in their lives, and walking alongside them as they explore faith and personal growth. Young Life staff members and volunteers work in communities across the United States and internationally, fostering supportive environments where youth can experience spiritual development and leadership growth.

Young Life’s organizational culture strongly centers on its Christian mission, rooted in the belief that all staff and volunteers serve as ministers of the gospel. This core belief is reflected in the requirements for employment, which include a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to living a life consistent with biblical values. Staff members participate actively in spiritual practices such as prayer, retreat, Bible study, and fellowship, both within their own lives and as leaders within the community.

The role within Young Life is multifaceted and designed to engage passionately with the ministry’s core functions: spiritual development, leadership development, resource development, direct ministry, and ministry support. The position entails fostering a vibrant spiritual life among oneself and others through planned growth strategies and communal involvement in church and ministry activities. Leadership responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supervising teams of volunteer leaders to ensure effective ministry delivery that reflects the diversity and needs of the community served.

Resource development is another critical aspect, involving financial support raising, donor care, and public relations efforts alongside strategic community engagement. Direct ministry requires active involvement in contact work with youth, leading clubs, discipleship groups like Campaigners, and summer camping programs. Ministry support provides the organizational backbone for these activities and includes administration, financial stewardship, data management, communication, and strategic planning. This comprehensive approach ensures that the ministry is equipped, sustainable, and impactful over time.

Training and professional development are integral to this role. New staff are expected to participate in core training phases covering foundational ministry skills, leadership development, apologetics, and seasonal workshops. Ongoing training is facilitated through regional meetings, skill-based workshops, and supervised mentoring to foster continual spiritual and professional growth.

Educationally, a college degree is preferred, reflecting the organization’s commitment to well-prepared and competent ministry leaders. The position requires individuals with proven relational skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to maintain confidentiality. Physical demands are notable as well, given that the role frequently includes engagement in camp environments with exposure to a variety of outdoor conditions and activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and boating.

Finally, this role includes a unique ministry focus on teens of military members, blending spiritual outreach with an understanding of the distinctive challenges faced by military families. Staff members in this position must be adaptable, resilient, and deeply committed to serving young people holistically—spiritually, socially, and emotionally—within this specialized context. Overall, working at Young Life offers an immersive experience in Christian ministry with a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to transforming the lives of young people worldwide.