Director of Discipleship

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTH HILL; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Laptop provided

Paid time off

Job summary

First Baptist Church South Hill (FBCSH) is seeking a visionary, Spirit-led Director of Discipleship to lead the discipleship formation of all generations—from children to seniors—and to move people from first-time guests to mature disciples living on mission.

The role requires designing a measurable pathway, supervising Children’s and Youth Ministry staff, leading small groups, and developing classes. A Masters of Divinity is required.

Qualifications

• Growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and clear calling to disciple others.
• Demonstrated experience in discipleship, small group leadership, or Christian formation.
• Strong biblical teaching ability and theological understanding.
• Ability to design systems and pathways that foster spiritual growth.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee a church-wide discipleship pathway guiding growth stages.
• Provide direct supervision for Children’s and Youth Ministry staff.
• Lead regular alignment meetings with ministry staff for vision and curriculum.
• Develop systems for group placement, leader care, and multiplication of leaders.
• Oversee discipleship classes and learning environments with biblically sound content.
• Equip and coach teachers and facilitators to lead effectively.

Skills

Discipleship leadership

Curriculum design

Staff supervision

Pastoral communication

Strategic planning

Education

Masters of Divinity

Job description

About The Position

First Baptist Church South Hill (FBCSH) is seeking a visionary, Spirit-led Director of Discipleship to lead and oversee the discipleship formation of the entire congregation across all life stages, including children, youth, young adults, adults, and senior adults. This leader will be responsible for creating a clear, intentional, and measurable discipleship strategy that moves people from first-time guests to mature disciples who live on mission.

Job Title

Director of Discipleship

Position Type

Full-time

Location

On-site

FLSA Status

Exempt

Salary Range

$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

First Baptist Church South Hill (FBCSH) is seeking a visionary, Spirit-led Director of Discipleship to lead and oversee the discipleship formation of the entire congregation across all life stages, including children, youth, young adults, adults, and senior adults. This leader will be responsible for creating a clear, intentional, and measurable discipleship strategy that moves people from first-time guests to mature disciples who live on mission.

Core Role Responsibilities & Duties

Discipleship Strategy & Pathway Development:

• Design, implement, and oversee a clear church-wide discipleship pathway that guides people through identifiable stages of spiritual growth.
• Define what discipleship looks like at each stage and how individuals move from one stage to the next.
• Ensure the discipleship pathway is biblical, simple, measurable, and accessible for all generations.
• Regularly assess and refine the discipleship strategy to ensure alignment with FBCSH's mission and effectiveness in spiritual formation.

Multi-Generational Discipleship Oversight

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation for Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry staff.
• Set discipleship expectations, standards, and outcomes for each age group ministry.
• Lead regular alignment meetings with ministry staff to ensure consistency in vision, curriculum, and formation.
• Ensure that age-group ministries function as part of one unified discipleship system rather than siloed programs.

Small Groups Leadership

• Provide vision, structure, and oversight for the church's small group ministry.
• Recruit, train, and support small group leaders.
• Develop systems for group placement, leader care, multiplication, and spiritual health.
• Ensure small groups align with the overall discipleship pathway and mission of FBCSH.

Discipleship Classes & Formation Environments

• Develop and oversee discipleship classes and learning environments, including foundational courses such as:
  • How to Pray.
  • How to Read and Study the Bible.
  • Foundations of the Christian Faith.
  • Spiritual Disciplines and Christian Living.
• Ensure theological soundness, biblical clarity, and practical application in all discipleship content.
• Equip and coach teachers and facilitators to lead effectively and faithfully.

Leader Development & Equipping

• Identify, train, and mentor discipleship leaders and volunteers.
• Create leadership development opportunities that help leaders grow spiritually and serve effectively.
• Foster a culture of disciple-making rather than program participation.

Measurement & Evaluation

• Establish clear metrics to evaluate discipleship engagement and spiritual growth.
• Track participation, progression, and outcomes within the discipleship pathway.
• Provide regular updates and insights to church leadership regarding discipleship health and effectiveness.

Integration & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with pastoral staff, ministry leaders, and support teams to ensure alignment and unity.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and churchwide initiatives.
• Support church leadership in cultivating a discipleship-driven culture throughout the congregation.

Qualifications

Required:

• A growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to disciple others.
• Demonstrated experience in discipleship, small group leadership, or Christian formation within a church or ministry context.
• Strong biblical teaching ability and theological understanding.
• Proven ability to design systems, processes, and pathways that facilitate spiritual growth.
• Effective communication, organizational, and relational skills.
• Masters of Divinity degree required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the church campus during services, classes, meetings, and events.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally climb stairs as needed.

Salary And Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with church contributions.
• Work technology provided (e.g., laptop).
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Support for continuing education and ministry training.
• Relocation expenses, if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Baptist Church South Hill provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. As a religious organization, the church may give preference to applicants who share and uphold the church’s beliefs, mission, and values.