Key Responsibilities
Oversee and Lead the Student Ministry
- Set the vision and direction for Student Ministry, aligning with the mission of Compass Church.
- Preach engaging, Spirit-filled messages that help students grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus.
- Develop and equip the Student Ministry volunteer team, leading meetings, fostering unity, and providing encouragement and training.
- Plan and oversee Student Ministry services, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage in church, both on Sundays and mid-week, in safe, fun, and age-appropriate environments.
- Manage the Student Ministry calendar and budget, providing leadership and presence at key events.
Current Context and What’s Needed
- Compass Students is a thriving, fun, and relational ministry ready for a passionate leader with a vision to disciple both current students and those yet to be reached. The ministry has a solid foundation with committed volunteers and a history of effective student engagement. Now, Compass is looking for a strategic, growth-minded leader who can bring fresh energy and innovation, recognizing opportunities for improvement while building on what’s already strong.
- The next Student Pastor will be a relational and approachable leader who students, parents, and volunteers can connect with easily. This person will shepherd students on their faith journey, pray for and invest in families, and equip volunteers to thrive. A creative thinker with a pioneering spirit will be energized by the freedom to dream big and take bold steps to spark a new season of leadership and vision.
- With a strong internship program that has developed the next generation of youth pastors since 2012, Compass is committed to leadership development. The next Student Pastor will have the opportunity to continue shaping future leaders while cultivating an environment where students know they are loved by God and supported by an incredible team.
- The ideal candidate will be an energizing presence with a deep, authentic faith, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to create dynamic ministry environments that draw students in. They should bring at least three years of experience in student ministry within a larger church context (five or more is ideal) and be confident in their calling to reach students, engage families, and build a thriving, growing ministry.
Leadership
- Pastor Ronn Smith began his pastoral ministry in 2000 by planting and leading The Sanctuary Church in Chicago, IL. After 20 years in Chicago, he, his wife Michele, and their three children—Hannah, Paige, and Micah—followed God’s call to Compass Church in the summer of 2020.
- Ronn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Wheaton College and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. A highly relational and fun-loving leader, his passion for the community oozes out of him in every conversation. He is deeply committed to helping people experience God’s love in a way that leads to a real, personal relationship with Him.
- Ronn believes NextGen ministry is the most important ministry of the church—not only because students have a unique opportunity to influence their peers in schools, but because this generation of students are leaders now and for years to come in the local church. He will be highly supportive of the student ministry and will partner in any way possible to ensure the success of the next Student Pastor. Whether he’s on the golf course, playing basketball, or spending time with friends and family, Ronn brings energy, humor, and authenticity to everything he does.