The Chapel

Pastor/Director of Student Ministries

Lincoln Park, New Jersey

Why I Love This Opportunity

Chris Lawson

Associate

I love this opportunity because it allows me to invest in the next generation of Christ-followers and help students grow spiritually, relationally, and missionally. The role offers the chance to work alongside a passionate team and be part of a vibrant church that values both grace and community. I’m excited about the chance to develop my own leadership and pastoral skills while mentoring others and building a strong student ministry.

This position provides a unique combination of meaningful ministry, personal growth, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About This Organization

Our roots trace back to the 1930s, when a businessman named Tom Allen started a youth outreach in a vacant chapel on Jacksonville Road in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. This growing movement was soon incorporated as Jacksonville Chapel, a church that built on its youth ministry to begin serving all generations. In a culture where people were increasingly left cold by the formality of traditional religion, Jacksonville Chapel became known as a different kind of church—one that embraced historic Christianity in a way that people could grasp and live out in practical ways.

More than 80 years later, The Chapel has never lost its emphasis on serving the next generation and approaching faith in practical ways. But we have now grown into a thriving church community of 1200+ worshipers each Sunday. We are grateful for our rich history and confident that our best days are ahead.

Position Description

This pastor/director will serve as leader of the Student Ministry team and will develop and oversee the programs needed to shepherd people ages 12 to 18 years old. This is a full-time position.

This position serves as part of the Family Ministry Team, working alongside Chapel Kids, and under the direction of the Family Director.

The Chapel is committed to developing this staff member in areas beyond youth ministry. There will be a focus on training for pastoral ministry, including potentially preaching opportunities and leadership development to help equip them for broader ministry roles.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the vision, direction, and integration of student ministries, including leadership of middle and high school ministries, biblical learning, and relational ministry activities.
Recruit, equip, and train volunteer leaders, partnering with parents to foster student growth, and focusing on student volunteerism and service.
Manage administrative duties such as budgeting, organizing trips/retreats, and overseeing digital communication and safety protocols.
Lead and prepare impactful messages and curriculum, ensuring teaching is transformational and life-changing, and preach as needed.
Maintain personal spiritual growth and continue developing leadership and student ministry skills through ongoing training and networking.

What a Strong Candidate Would Look Like:

Cultivate a growing relationship with God through frequent time in the Word and prayer. Have a love for students and a strong desire to see them grow in their walk with Christ.
Possess good communication and teaching skills.
Be able to recruit and equip volunteers and ministry teams in a multi-generational setting.
Demonstrate solid biblical understanding and agreement with The Chapel’s doctrinal statement and key positions.
Provide leadership and direction for a large ministry through effective teamwork.
Have a minimum of two years’ experience working with students.
Hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized college or university (graduate degree preferred).
Have training (or willingness to receive training) in pastoral care and youth mentoring.