Discipleship Pastor

SBC Executive Committee; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Church is seeking a Discipleship Pastor to equip and shepherd adults toward spiritual maturity. This role designs and oversees a church-wide discipleship strategy in partnership with the Senior Pastor and ministry staff.

The candidate will lead teaching, leadership development, pastoral care, and collaboration across ministries, ensuring biblically sound resources and a clear growth pathway for all members.

Qualifications

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent preferred; Bachelor's degree in Bible, Theology, or Ministry required.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee a church-wide discipleship strategy aligned with the church's mission and Southern Baptist distinctives.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate small group strategies and assimilation processes to connect attendees into active membership.
• Lead preaching, teaching, and Bible studies; equip members to apply biblical truth in daily life.

Skills

Pastoral leadership

Discipleship strategy

Teaching/Preaching

Counseling

Team leadership

Education

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Bible/Theology/Ministry degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Discipleship Pastor serves as a key ministry leader responsible for equipping and shepherding church members toward spiritual maturity in Jesus Christ. This individual will design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive discipleship strategy that spans all adult age groups and life stages, ensuring every member of the congregation has a clear pathway to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and likeness to Christ. The Discipleship Pastor will work in close partnership with the Senior Pastor and ministry staff to fulfill the church’s mission of glorifying God by making disciples that share His story.

Primary Responsibilities

Discipleship Strategy & Programming

• Develop and lead a church-wide discipleship strategy aligned with the church’s mission, vision, and Southern Baptist distinctives
• Develop, implement, and evaluate Salem's small group strategy
• Oversee new member class and assimilation processes to connect attendees into active church membership
• Develop and maintain biblically sound discipleship materials and resources
• Provide support and guidance to men's ministry, women's ministry, senior adults, and other groups within the church
• Equip and empower members to serve their community and share the gospel

Teaching & Preaching

• Preach and teach regularly in worship services, Wednesday night activities, small groups, and special ministry settings as assigned
• Equip church members to understand, apply, and share biblical truth in their daily lives
• Lead or coordinate Bible studies, topical seminars, and discipleship training events throughout the year

Leadership Development

• Identify, recruit, train, and deploy lay leaders, small group leaders, directors, committee members, and volunteers to carry out the work of ministry
• Provide ongoing coaching and pastoral support to ministry leaders and volunteers
• Develop a culture of multiplying discipleship in which every member is engaged in making disciples
• Partner with the Senior Pastor to identify and develop future ministry leaders and potential candidates for vocational ministry

Pastoral Care & Counseling

• Provide biblical counsel and pastoral care to church members, particularly those within discipleship ministries
• Shepherd individuals and families through seasons of spiritual growth, challenge, and transition
• Participate in hospital visits, crisis care, and other pastoral responsibilities as needed

Collaboration & Administration

• Serve as an active member of the ministry staff team, participating in regular staff meetings and churchwide initiatives, events, and activities
• Manage the discipleship ministry budget responsibly and in accordance with church financial policies
• Maintain accurate ministry records and provide regular reports to the Senior Pastor and relevant church leadership
• Represent the church at associational, state convention, and denominational events as appropriate

Qualifications

Spiritual & Character Requirements

• Demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior with a clear testimony of salvation
• Consistent, vibrant personal walk with God evidenced by prayer, Scripture engagement, and Spirit-filled living
• Meets the biblical qualifications for an elder/overseer as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
• Affirms and fully embraces the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 as the church’s doctrinal standard
• Active in a local Southern Baptist church; willing to become a member of this congregation upon hire

Education & Experience

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree from an accredited seminary preferred; Bachelor's degree in Bible, Theology, or Ministry required
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a pastoral or ministry leadership role with demonstrated discipleship responsibilities
• Experience leading small groups, Sunday School, or similar discipleship structures in a local church context
• Prior experience training and developing lay leaders strongly preferred