Key Qualificiations
- The NextGen/Family pastor must qualify for licensing with the Christian Missionary Alliance.
- Proven experience leading in NextGen or Family Ministry contexts, preferably with staff supervision and multi-age oversight.
- A strong team-builder who can lead both paid staff and volunteers with clarity, care, and accountability.
- Theological depth and spiritual maturity, with the ability to teach, train, and model Christ-like leadership.
- Organizational and administrative skills to manage programming, budgets, and communication effectively.
- Relational and collaborative—someone who works well with others and values a unified church culture.
- A visionary who can develop and implement long-term discipleship strategies for children, students, and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and Equip NextGen Staff: Provide direction, support, and accountability to the Kids, Youth, and College Ministry staff, ensuring alignment with the church’s vision and strategy.
- Oversee NeighborKids Ministry: Directly lead the elementary ministry, including curriculum development, programming, large group environments, and volunteer development.
- Strategic Discipleship Planning: Develop and implement a cohesive discipleship strategy from birth through college, with intentional transition points between age groups.
- Volunteer Development: Recruit, train, and encourage volunteers to lead effectively across all ministries, cultivating a culture of leadership and shared ownership.
- Family Engagement & Events: Coordinate regular family-focused events and build connections with families, including those from the on-campus Chico Christian Preschool.
- Administrative Leadership: Manage budgets, schedules, communication, and collaboration with other ministry departments to ensure smooth and effective ministry execution.
Challenges and Opportunity
- Bringing It All Together
There’s good stuff happening across Kids, and Students,—but the real opportunity is to bring alignment and clarity across the board. The church is ready for someone to create a clear discipleship path from birth through college-age, with strong transitions and shared language along the way. Currently, there isn’t much of a vibrant ministry for Young Adults, in time they would like to see this rectified. - Leading the Ministry and the Team
This role is both boots-on-the-ground in NeighborKids and big-picture with the whole NextGen team. That tension won’t always be easy to manage—but for the right leader, it’s a chance to influence deeply and broadly at the same time. - Investing in a Good Team
There’s a solid team in place, and they’re eager for a leader who will care for them, challenge them, and help them grow. A steady, present leader who leads with both heart and clarity will find the staff ready to go with them. - Growing the Volunteer Bench
There’s a foundation of committed volunteers, but plenty of room to grow. A leader who loves developing people and building systems will find low-hanging fruit when it comes to creating a healthy, expanding volunteer culture. - Partnering with Families in Real Life
Parents are in, but they need help knowing how to lead their kids spiritually at home. The new Next Gen Pastor has the chance to come alongside them—encouraging, equipping, and being a steady voice in the real-life parenting journey.
Leadership and Governance
- Neighborhood Church is led by Senior Pastor Andrew Burchett, a steady and relational leader who has faithfully guided the church through seasons of growth, change, and spiritual depth. Andrew brings warmth, experience, and a genuine heart for people to everything he does—and that tone is reflected throughout the staff and leadership culture.
- The church is governed by a diverse and gifted Board—men and women who provide oversight for the church’s finances, operations, and organizational direction, including Chico Christian Preschool. This group plays a vital role in stewarding the mission and resources of Neighborhood Church. Day-to-day ministry leadership is carried out by the staff, who collaborate closely and are trusted to lead in their areas with clarity and support.