Challenges and Opportunities
- Rebuilding Trust After Transition: After a long-term student pastor (16 years) and a short-term successor (7–8 months), the student ministry is eager for someone steady. The good news? The core students tied to the past have graduated, and the next generation is wide open to something new. What’s needed now is a leader who can build trust, bring clarity, and plant long-term roots.
- Younger Base, Long Runway:
The ministry’s strongest base right now is in 7th–9th grade. This gives the new leader time to shape culture, establish rhythms, and walk with students over multiple years of growth. - Solid Volunteers, Collaborative Team: The volunteer base is active and supportive. The broader staff culture—under Cory’s leadership—is moving in a healthy direction marked by fun, trust, and development. This is a great place for someone who wants to lead but not lead alone.
- A Church that Follows Well: There’s still some nostalgia for “how it used to be,” but this congregation is ready for a new season. If you come with humility, clarity, and genuine love for people, they’ll follow you into something new.
Staff Culture & Leadership
- This position will report to Senior Pastor – Cory Pitts, who brings a background in student ministry and leads with a coaching mindset. Cory is intentional about building a healthy team culture—one that’s supportive, developmental, and honest. He’s guiding the church through change with wisdom and steadiness, helping staff grow as people and leaders. This is a church where you’ll be cared for as much as you care for others. You’ll also collaborate closely with ministry peers who genuinely enjoy doing life and ministry together.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and direction for Student Ministry (Grades 7–12 and College).
- Build relationships with students and parents, fostering a culture of trust, discipleship, and fun.
- Recruit, train, and support adult leaders and student leaders for weekly gatherings and events.
- Teach the Bible in a way that connects with both churched and unchurched students.
- Oversee planning and execution of small groups, weekly programs, retreats, camps, and mission trips.
- Steward the student ministry budget and communication tools.
- Partner with Bridge (college/young adult ministry) leaders to support and engage that age group.
- Participate as a full member of the church’s pastoral staff team, contributing to the whole church’s direction.
Key Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years in direct student ministry leadership; 5+ years preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; seminary preferred.
- Leadership: Able to cast vision, develop strategy, and lead teams with clarity and purpose.
- Spiritual Maturity: A growing, grounded walk with Jesus and a clear call to student ministry.
- Communication: Capable teacher and communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Team Fit: Coachable, relational, and aligned with the church’s gospel-centered, Spirit-led, and team-first culture.