Associate Pastor of Student Ministries
Status: Full-time (40+ hours/week)
Reports to: Lead Pastor
Purpose Statement:
To shepherd, disciple, and empower students and families from kindergarten through 12th grade—not merely by organizing programs, but by cultivating relationships, offering spiritual care, and fostering environments where young people can encounter Christ and grow in faith. This role involves leading and equipping volunteers, fostering meaningful relationships with students and parents, and creating compelling environments where young people can grow in their faith and connection to the church.
While the K–5th grade ministry is currently healthy and active, this pastor will be responsible for continuing to nurture its development—especially through age-appropriate events and volunteer leadership—while prayerfully and strategically working to grow a vibrant and relational student ministry for middle and high school students.
Key Responsibilities:
Partner with the Lead Pastor and Staff Team:
- Work closely with the Lead Pastor in overall ministry vision and leadership.
- Attend staff meetings and engage in mutual encouragement and accountability.
- Collaborate across ministries to ensure unity and shared mission.
Oversee, Equip, and Empower a Healthy Volunteer Team (K–12):
- Build and sustain a culture of shared ministry, where volunteers feel valued, equipped, and spiritually encouraged.
- Actively recruit, train, and mentor volunteers—not just to fill roles, but to help them grow in their own gifts and calling.
- Avoid a “do-it-all” approach by delegating with clarity and providing meaningful support.
Rebuild and Lead the 6th–12th Grade Ministry:
- Cast vision and develop a strategy for reaching, discipling, and retaining middle and high school students.
- Pursue relationships with teens inside and outside the church through mentoring, events, and outreach.
- Engage with area schools and community networks as appropriate.
- Develop meaningful programs that include Bible teaching, worship, service opportunities, and fun.
- Mobilize older students for leadership and peer ministry.
Develop and Sustain the K–5th Grade Ministry:
- Maintain and enhance existing weekly programs and volunteer rotations.
- Organize seasonal events (e.g., VBS, fall festivals, family nights, etc.) with creativity and care.
- Partner with parents to support spiritual growth at home.
- Ensure a safe, welcoming, and spiritually enriching environment for children.
Foster Healthy Relationships and Spiritual Growth:
- Build trust with families and serve as a resource for parents navigating spiritual formation.
- Create space for students to ask honest questions and grow in their understanding of Jesus.
- Offer pastoral care and guidance as appropriate.
Communication and Promotion:
- Communicate consistently with parents, students, and volunteers.
- Collaborate with the elder team and staff on church-wide communication and planning.
- Promote events and programs through social media and church platforms.
- Prepare and manage the K–12 budget in alignment with ministry goals.
Core Values and Qualifications:
- A passionate and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
- A person of integrity, humility, and authenticity.
- A deep love for students and a pastoral heart for their families.
- Solid biblical understanding and commitment to Restoration principles of unity and truth.
- A background in or strong alignment with the beliefs and practices of the Restoration Movement (Independent Christian Churches).
- Strong communication and leadership skills; able to cast vision and follow through.
- A collaborative spirit and a willingness to serve as part of a healthy team.
- Entrepreneurial mindset—able to initiate and build ministries from the ground up.
- Familiarity with technology and social media as tools for connection and outreach.
- A commitment to multiplying leaders, not just managing tasks—someone who mentors, empowers, and disciples volunteers with intention and care.
- A bachelor’s degree from a Christian college/university and/or ministry experience preferred; however, spiritual maturity, gifting, and calling will be prioritized over credentials.
Work Schedule:
- Regular office hours Monday–Thursday in coordination with Lead Pastor
- Sundays and Wednesday evening programming
- Occasional evening/weekend responsibilities as needed for ministry
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and at least three references to: Lead Pastor, Aaron Welch — [email protected]