Challenge and Opportunity
- Establish Long-Term Sustainability: Lakeway has experienced frequent transitions in Student Ministry staff over the past few years, creating a strong desire for stability and long-term leadership. A faithful core of volunteers has held things together through those transitions, but this presents a unique challenge: the new leader must prioritize building relational equity with this team. Before making significant changes, they’ll need to earn trust, listen well, and lead collaboratively. These leaders are deeply committed and eager to follow strong, steady leadership—something that’s been missing in recent years.
- Refine and Re-Energize the Program: The core structures—volunteers, programs, and small groups—are in place, but they need thoughtful refinement. This is more of a “remodel” than a rebuild. The right leader will bring new energy and intentional.
- Reach More Students Beyond the Church: While the ministry is strong relationally and students regularly invite friends, there’s room to broaden the reach—especially toward students who are unchurched or spiritually disengaged.
Key Responsibilities
- Cast vision and lead the Student Ministry for both middle and high school, aligning with the church’s broader mission and values.
- Oversee the Student Ministry staff team (full-time associate + part-time admin) and invest deeply in volunteer leadership.
- Recruit, equip, and disciple adult leaders to share ownership and build long-term sustainability.
- Create intentional small group environments that prioritize authentic relationships and spiritual formation.
- Teach and communicate biblical truth in ways that are creative, relevant, and age-appropriate.
- Partner with parents to support faith at home and communicate clearly and consistently.
- Plan and execute engaging student events (camps, retreats, service projects) and weekly programming (Wednesdays + Sundays).
- Maintain a ministry that is fun, inviting, spiritually deep, and outreach-oriented.
Key Qualifications
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; seminary preferred. 4–5 years minimum full-time student ministry experience in a church or parachurch setting.
- Biblical & Theological Alignment: Committed to Lakeway’s theological convictions, including the five solas of the Reformation, and aligned with their doctrinal statement.
- Relational Gifting: Natural presence with students and adults; builds trust quickly and maintains strong relational equity through consistency and care.
- Leadership and Teaching: Strong platform communicator and small-group facilitator; understands how to balance depth and relevance.
- Team Development: Proven ability to recruit, train, and release staff and volunteers. Enjoys coaching and multiplying leaders for long-term ministry health.
Leadership
This role reports directly to Lead Pastor Scott Rodgers, who brings a deep-rooted passion for student ministry and a track record of youth leadership in his own ministry journey. Under his leadership, Lakeway Church has embraced a renewed focus on generational handoff and next-generation discipleship. Scott’s background in youth ministry, combined with his heart for spiritual formation, makes him a natural mentor and advocate for the Student Ministry Director.