
Challenges and Opportunity
- Rebuilding Momentum Post-COVID: Like many churches, Lake Sawyer’s NextGen ministry experienced a season of inward focus and decline. This is a unique opportunity to reenergize and grow the ministry with fresh vision, strategy, and outreach.
- Navigating Cultural Diversity and Growth: Black Diamond and the surrounding areas are growing rapidly and becoming more diverse. This leader will have the opportunity to build bridges across cultures and generations, ensuring that every family feels valued and welcomed.
- Balancing Strategy and Relationships: Lake Sawyer values deep, authentic relationships and strategic ministry development. This leader must balance building trust and community with creating systems that promote healthy, sustainable growth.
Staff Culture
- The NextGen Pastor reports to Lead Pastor Mike Ferrulli, a relational and visionary leader who values authenticity, collaboration, and empowering his team. Mike is committed to investing in the NextGen Pastor and creating a culture where leaders can thrive. Lake Sawyer’s staff is known for its team-oriented, relational approach, making this an ideal environment for a driven, passionate leader to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion a unified vision for NextGen Ministries, ensuring alignment and collaboration from birth through high school.
- Directly oversee and lead the Middle and High School Ministry, teaching, leading events, and discipling students.
- Empower and support the Children’s Pastor in developing and implementing a dynamic Kids Ministry (or empower/support Student Pastor if directly serving with Kids).
- Recruit, equip, and develop volunteers, fostering a culture of leadership. development and team ownership.
- Partner with parents to support faith formation at home and in the church.
- Develop engaging programs, events, and outreach opportunities that connect with students and families in the community.
- Collaborate with other ministry leaders to integrate NextGen ministries with the church’s overall mission and vision.
- Manage budgets and resources responsibly to maximize ministry effectiveness.
Key Qualifications
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; 3-5 years of experience in NextGen, youth, or children’s ministry in a church setting. A proven track record of leading and developing ministries that engage families and students.
- Biblical & Theological Alignment: A commitment to Lake Sawyer’s doctrinal statement and core values, with the ability to teach and model a biblical lifestyle that inspires the next generation.
- Relational Skills: Warm, authentic, and approachable; able to build trust with students, parents, volunteers, and staff.
- Communication & Teaching: Able to effectively communicate biblical truths in engaging and relevant ways for students and parents.
- Team Leadership: Proven ability to recruit, train, and develop staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and empowering ministry culture.