Purpose
The Student Pastor provides vision, leadership, and oversight for all ministries serving youth (grades 6–12), encouraging spiritual development, Christian education, personal ministry, and life skills in partnership with parents and adult volunteers. This role exists so that students and their families grow together in faith, helping people Love God, Live Like Jesus, and Serve Others.
Key Responsibilities
01 Vision and Leadership
• Plan and coordinate a comprehensive discipleship program for youth
• Lead in recruiting and training organizational leadership for youth Sunday and Wednesday programming
• Organize and promote youth participation in small groups
• Foster a culture of joy, safety, and spiritual growth among students and volunteers
02 Sunday and Small Group Ministry Oversight
• Guide the selection and use of appropriate Sunday morning and other curriculum
• Maintain an active presence among parents and in the community
• Coordinate youth programs and ministries with other staff, parents, and volunteer workers
03 Discipleship and Personal Ministry
• Maintain a personal ministry to youth, their families, and youth workers
• Disciple youth and their families in spiritual commitment and ministry
• Disciple youth and volunteers
04 Major Events and Involvement
• Participate meaningfully in church-wide events, such as Vacation Bible School and missions trips
• Serve as staff liaison to standing and special committees involved in youth ministries and services
05 Family Partnership and Communication
• Organize and lead a Youth Leadership Team with parents and core leaders
• Provide counseling for parents, families, and youth as needed
06 Staff Leadership and Administration
• Supervise, develop, and hold accountable the Youth Ministry Resident
• Mentor the Student Ministry Resident within the church’s Pastoral Residency program, forming them in youth ministry leadership and ministry practice
• Oversee the Intern Program in partnership with the Kids Pastor
• Work with the appropriate committees to develop the annual operating budget, demonstrating fiscal responsibility in managing it
Key Relationships
• Student Ministry Resident direct report, supervised in day-to-day youth ministry leadership and formation
• Pastoral, ministry, and office staff collaborates closely to align youth ministry with the church’s discipleship pathway
• Youth ministry volunteers and team leaders provides leadership, training, and shepherding for Sunday, Wednesday, and small group ministry teams
• Parents and families partners through the Youth Leadership Team to support discipleship and spiritual growth at home
Qualifications
REQUIRED
• Bachelor’s degree in a ministry-related or education field
• Demonstrated experience in youth ministry leadership
• Strong leadership, teaching, and organizational skills
• Ability to recruit, train, and shepherd volunteers
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine love for students and families
• Creative ability to plan engaging lessons, activities, and events
PREFERRED
• Master’s degree in ministry or education
Spiritual Expectations
• A committed follower of Jesus Christ who models spiritual maturity
• Active church member who endorses and supports our mission, vision, values, and beliefs
• Actively engaged in personal discipleship — being discipled by others and discipling others in turn