First Baptist Spartanburg (FBS) is a historic, Southern Baptist church located in the heart of Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a legacy of ministry spanning more than 185 years. Throughout its history, FBS has been committed to one unchanging mission: to saturate Spartanburg, the Carolinas, and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In recent years, the church has entered a significant season of renewal and growth. Following the retirement of several long-tenured leaders, Dr. Mike Harder joined FBS as Senior Pastor in August 2023, ushering in a new chapter marked by clarity of vision, healthy leadership culture, and forward momentum. Today, FBS averages 2,500–2,700 people on a weekend and reaches more than 100,000 people weekly through its TV and media ministry.
Spartanburg itself is one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, with dozens of new residents moving into the region each day. In response, FBS is actively preparing for the future through a multi-campus vision, with plans to become one church in multiple locations along the I-26 corridor over the next 20 years.
The church is also in the midst of a transformative building campaign, replacing former space with new ministry environments designed to support long-term growth, including expanded children’s and student ministry facilities. At the heart of everything FBS does are its core values: Always, Only Jesus, Scripture Centered, A Growing Faith Family, and Open Hands and Open Hearts.
First Baptist Spartanburg is seeking a full-time Youth Minister to lead and grow a thriving student ministry in a season filled with opportunity. This role is ideal for a mature, relational leader who understands the balance between leading leaders and loving students well.
The Youth Minister will provide leadership for both Middle School (grades 6–8) and High School (grades 9–12) ministries, building a disciple-making culture that includes worship, biblical teaching, small groups, and meaningful relationships. The ministry currently serves hundreds of students across multiple environments, including Sunday morning groups, Wednesday night worship gatherings, and a robust Sunday night in-home discipleship model.
This role is uniquely resourced, including leadership of ministry that meets in The Hangar, a 60,000-square-foot student ministry facility designed specifically for modern youth ministry. The Hangar includes a 650-seat auditorium, classrooms for large and small groups, recreation and hangout spaces, and dedicated offices. The Youth Minister will also steward a healthy annual ministry budget and have the opportunity to build and shape a student ministry staff team around their leadership strengths.
As part of the broader church vision, the Youth Minister will be asked to lead with a long-term mindset, helping position the student ministry to grow and scale alongside the church’s multi-campus future. While strong communication skills are valued, FBS is primarily seeking a leader who loves Jesus, invests deeply in students and families, and can build healthy systems, teams, and culture that endure.
This is a pivotal role within a healthy, growing church that values clarity, collaboration, and relational ministry. For the right leader, it represents an opportunity to step into a well-supported environment with significant influence and room to grow.
Key Responsibilities:
