Minister to Families — Third Baptist Church, St. Louis

Position at a glance

Third Baptist Church in midtown St. Louis is calling a Minister to Families to lead its ministry with children, youth, and their parents from birth through 12th grade.

Position

Minister to Families

Church

Third Baptist Church, Grand Center, St. Louis, MO

Affiliation

American Baptist Churches USA and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Compensation

$60,000–$70,000

Education

Bachelor's required; M.Div., MACE, MARE or similar preferred

Experience

3–5 years with children and/or youth

Apply

thirdbaptistchurchsearch@gmail.com

About Third Baptist

The diverse people of Third Baptist are part of the fabric of the St. Louis region. Our programs and ministries are ever growing and improving, preparing us to go out in service to the community and the world. We gain from the growth that comes as we are written into each other's stories, and we gladly would welcome you to join us.

Third Baptist was organized in 1850 and, after two earlier locations, moved in 1885 to the busy intersection of Grand and Washington. Here we remain "in the City for good."

We sit in the heart of Grand Center, the city's arts, entertainment, and education district. Our neighbors include a university and the Loft District, home to everyone from young singles to retirees. We are affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

Our congregation comes from the city and suburbs, Missouri and Illinois, to worship and serve in midtown St. Louis. Our people cut across boundaries of ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, age, race, and denominational background. They are not readily categorized; our beloved community has a unique personality.

The role

The Minister to Families nurtures the faith of children and youth from birth through 12th grade, and walks alongside their parents. Working with the staff and the Family Ministry Committee, this minister builds relationships that reach well beyond the church building and equips a strong team of volunteers to share the work.

Relationships and pastoral care

• Build relationships with children, youth, and parents beyond Sunday: showing up at athletic events, concerts, and productions, and making pastoral care visits

• Recruit, train, equip, and nurture adult teachers, volunteers, and sponsors for youth and children

• Develop a continuum of spiritual growth from birth through 12th grade

Sunday mornings

• Plan and organize Sunday School for a combined children's group (grades 1–5) and youth group (grades 6–12)

• Plan and lead children's church twice a month

• Recruit, develop, equip, and retain grade-level volunteers for ages birth–12th grade

Wednesday evenings

• Plan programming for children (K–5) and youth during adult Bible study

Events, mission, and outreach

• Youth and family fellowships

• Local mission and service opportunities

• Summer camps and Vacation Bible School (or equivalent)

• Outreach events alongside existing partners such as the food pantry, Gateway 180, and CAC

• Serve as liaison to Saint Louis University as an affiliated campus ministry

Administration

• Oversee calendaring and communication for family ministry

• Maintain safe-church records for all volunteers, including background checks

• Work within the church's constitution, policies, procedures, budget, ethical standards, and civil law

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; M.Div., MACE, MARE, or another appropriate advanced degree preferred

• Experience: At least 3–5 years working with children and/or youth (grades 1–12) in a ministry, school, or community setting

How to apply

Send a cover letter, résumé, and references to thirdbaptistchurchsearch@gmail.com.

This position is shared through the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region.

All hiring decisions are made by Third Baptist Church. The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region (ABC-GRR) is supporting this search but does not make any decisions about a candidate's fit for this position. Questions about the Pastoral Search Process in the ABC-GRR can be directed to Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach, Associate Executive Minister, at rob@abcgrr.org or (217) 726-7366 x13.