Leadership
Jason Smith, the lead pastor at St. Andrew’s, is known for his warm, approachable leadership style and passionate commitment to guiding people in their faith journeys. With a heart for both teaching and community-building, Jason emphasizes practical, real-life application of Scripture, helping individuals connect deeply with God and each other. His sermons are known for being engaging, thoughtful, and often infused with humor, making them accessible while challenging his congregation to grow spiritually. Jason also places a strong emphasis on creating a church culture where all are not only welcome, but they are wanted!
His leadership is marked by a deep care for people, a collaborative spirit, and a desire to lead St. Andrew’s into being a church that serves both its members and the broader community with love, purpose and a clear personna that he is not above others, but walks alongside them. He is making a tremendous difference there!
Megan Hutchinson rejoined the St Andrews team in July of 2024 after spending 5 years growing in ministry other places. As Family Generations Pastor, she will be supervising this role and looks forward to what God has in store for St Andrews YOUTH. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for youth ministry! Megan and her husband live in Newport with their two young adult sons!
Essential Roles and Responsibilities
- Grow and develop the high school ministry.
- Serve as the primary teacher, spiritual leader and relational connector to students.
- Strategically identify, equip, train, and encourage adult volunteer leaders to effectively reach and disciple students in coordination with family ministries team.
- Thoughtfully and practically plan all-generations events in coordination with family ministries team.
- Implement and improve a comprehensive discipleship plan for middle school students that included but not limited to: programs, curriculum, special events, bi-monthly service opportunities and camps, in coordination with overall purpose statement.
- Creatively implement strategies to connect with students from our local schools and community (e.g., weekly involvement at Young Life, or another on-campus ministry).
- Partner with parents by communicating and connecting with them weekly and effectively.
- Effectively administrate budget, calendar, communications, etc. to support the operations of the ministry in collaboration with middle school ministry.
Other General Responsibilities
- Engage actively within the church community, supporting, and participating in “church-wide” gatherings and functions as a visible part of St. Andrew’s body of believers.
- Collaborate with other church ministries and be a team player.
- Take part in middle school ministry.
- Perform other duties as requested by the Family Generations Pastor.
Qualifications and Expectations
- Maintain a personal relationship with Jesus that includes personal habits, accountability, and corporate worship.
- Bachelor’s degree, Masters preferred, plus minimum of five years church related experience required.
- An active participant of St. Andrew’s who affirms the mission, values and mission.
- A radical commitment to address conflict directly and in love.
- An understanding of healing and recovery (12-steps, C.R., etc…).
- Pursue ongoing personal and professional development through reading, conferences, networking, and staying updated on current trends and resources in youth ministry.
- A commitment to collaboration.
- An openness to growth and feedback.