CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE (CMA)

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 3,000

Why Be Part of What God Is Doing at ACF

ACF Church began in 1984 with a simple conviction: God wanted to do something meaningful in Alaska. What started as a small church plant meeting in a restaurant in Palmer has grown into a Spirit-led movement shaping lives across the region.

Today, ACF is a thriving, multi-campus church serving Eagle River and Northeast Anchorage, with a growing footprint that continues to expand. The recent acquisition of a third location in Palmer isn’t just about buildings—it’s about making room for the people God is still drawing in.

At its core, ACF exists to amplify the grace of Jesus—for the churched, the unchurched, and the de-churched. We believe the church should be visible, generous, and engaged in the life of the community. That conviction has led ACF to become known for creating moments of connection and trust through large-scale outreach events, practical service, and a genuine love for the people of Alaska.

But ACF is not content with momentum alone.

Through our Restoration Life vision, we are stepping into a new chapter—one marked by spiritual formation, leadership development, and long-term kingdom impact. Fueled by a successful $15 million capital campaign, Restoration Life is about more than expansion; it’s about seeing restored people live restored lives and help restore others.

About the High School Pastor/Director

Why This Role Matters

ACF isn’t just another church, and this isn’t just another job. ACF is building a movement where students are known, valued, connected, and discipled into a life of purpose and mission.

Real. Relational. Missional. 

ACF is looking for a High School Pastor/Director who can create a ministry culture that is fun, spiritually engaging, and relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This leader will champion discipleship and mobilize students to live on mission. They will partner with the middle school pastor, parents, and volunteers to build a thriving student ministry that reaches the lost, last, and least.

The High School Pastor/Director's responsibilities include:

Teaching

• Contribute as a main teaching pastor during our weekend services for students to be discipled in the Word.
• Sit on and be a regular contributor to the Youth Culture teaching team.

Student Ministry Leadership

• Collaborate on vision and alignment with the Middle School Pastor to move ACF Youth Culture forward in unison and under the mission of ACF Church.
• Lead weekly high school gatherings that are fun, engaging, and spiritually formative.
• Build a discipleship culture by forming leaders who shape students through groups, mentoring, and everyday spiritual practices.
• Develop student leaders to serve in the church and live on missions in their world.
• Work alongside the Youth Culture Administrative Assistant to create systems and processes that help students take their next steps on their faith journey.

Volunteer Development

• Build, grow, develop, and train a top-tier student ministry team.
• Share ownership of student discipleship with adult leaders.
• Facilitate two trainings each year that are fun, relevant, and practical—strengthening relationships, sharpening leadership, and reminding leaders that what they do matters.

Parent Partnership

• Communicate regularly with parents.
• Host parent connection events and provide support for raising teens in faith.

Events and Outreach

• Oversee retreats, mission trips (including annual Mexico mission), and local outreach.
• Create a compelling annual calendar of events that fosters growth and community.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the youth, worship, and communications staff to align ministries.
• Utilize systems and tools for effective planning and communication.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the High School Pastor/Director:

Education and Experience

•  3+ years’ experience in youth ministry.
•  Bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or related field (preferred, not required).
• Ordained/Licensed (or willing to pursue licensing/ordination) in the CMA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Communication: Strong communicator both on stage and in interpersonal settings. Able to cast a vision that brings alignment and momentum.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to think forward about how to scale the ministry and reach more students while maintaining depth.
• Teachable: Self-aware, humble, and eager to grow. Values collaboration and alignment with the church-wide vision.
• Fun & Dynamic: A leader who doesn't take themselves too seriously, brings high energy, and understands that "having fun is spiritual.
• Technologically Proficient: Familiarity with tools like Planning Center, ProPresenter, and social media.
• Communication: Strong communicator both on stage and in interpersonal settings. Able to cast a vision that brings alignment and momentum.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to think forward about how to scale the ministry and reach more students while maintaining depth.
• Teachable: Self-aware, humble, and eager to grow. Values collaboration and alignment with the church-wide vision.
• Fun & Dynamic: A leader who doesn't take themselves too seriously, brings high energy, and understands that "having fun is spiritual.
• Technologically Proficient: Familiarity with tools like Planning Center, ProPresenter, and social media.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with ACF’s mission, values, and theological convictions.
• A Disciple-Maker: Believes student ministry is about forming people, not just managing events.
• Relational and approachable—especially with students, parents, and volunteers.
• Spirit-led - Comfortable with a ministry expression that is grounded in the Word but empowered by the Spirit. Sensitive to "nudges" and promptings.
• Emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and humble in leadership.
• Organized and proactive with ministry planning and systems.
• Uses humor and authenticity to build trust and lead well.

What it's like to live in Eagle River, AK

Life in Eagle River, Alaska

Eagle River is the kind of place people don’t just move to—they put down roots. Located just 15–20 minutes north of Anchorage, it offers the best of both worlds: a tight-knit, small-town feel with easy access to everything a larger city provides.

The community is shaped in meaningful ways by Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson (JBER). That military presence brings diversity, resilience, and a steady flow of families who are hungry for connection, stability, and leaders who will walk with their students during formative seasons of life. Ministry here is relational, pastoral, and deeply impactful.

If you love the outdoors, Eagle River is hard to beat. Nestled at the edge of the Chugach Mountains, everyday life includes world-class hiking, fishing, skiing, and wilderness right outside your door. Nature isn’t just a hobby here—it’s part of the rhythm of life.

Eagle River is also a family-friendly community with strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a pace of life that allows for presence—both at home and in ministry. Winters are long, but they’re embraced. Summers are unforgettable, marked by long daylight, shared adventures, and a sense of gratitude that shapes the culture.