Pastor of Student Ministry

Evangelical Free Church of America; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Office space provided

Professional development

Job summary

The Village Church of Barrington seeks a Pastor of Student Ministries to shepherd middle and high schoolers, disciple students toward mature faith in Jesus Christ, and equip leaders within a vibrant church community.

You will plan, teach, and oversee annual ministry strategy, coordinate retreats and camps, and collaborate with parents and staff to integrate students into church life.

Qualifications

• Clear and growing faith in Jesus Christ.
• Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder.
• Strong knowledge of scripture and ability to teach effectively.
• Demonstrated gifting in teaching, evangelism and administration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a gospel-centered discipleship strategy for students.
• Plan and oversee a comprehensive annual student ministry plan.
• Serve as the primary teacher for weekly student ministry gatherings.
• Recruit, train, support and supervise volunteer leaders and teachers.
• Provide pastoral care and encouragement to students and families.
• Coordinate ministry activities with broader church programs and staff.

Skills

Faith development

Teaching

Leadership

Administration

Pastoral care

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Pastor of Student Ministries leads the middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) ministries of The Village Church of Barrington (VCB). The purpose of this role is to disciple students toward mature faith in Jesus Christ by making the gospel central to their lives, equipping leaders, partnering with parents and integrating students into the life and mission of the church.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a clear, gospel-centered discipleship strategy for students.
• Help students grow in biblical understanding, personal faith and missional living.
• Recruit, train, support and supervise volunteer leaders and teachers for both middle and high school ministries.
• Provide ongoing coaching, encouragement and spiritual care for ministry leaders.
• Develop leadership structures that promote consistency, accountability and growth across student ministry.

Programming & Teaching

• Plan and oversee a comprehensive annual student ministry plan that includes discipleship, outreach, community-building and service.
• Serve as the primary teacher for weekly student ministry gatherings.
• Ensure teaching and programming are age-appropriate, biblically faithful and gospel-centered.
• Provide pastoral care, guidance and encouragement to students and families.
• Communicate concerns involving serious student or family issues with pastoral staff.
• Review serious discipline matters with the associate senior pastor.

Planning & Administration

• Create and maintain a unified annual calendar for student ministry.
• Communicate clearly, consistently and proactively with parents, students and leaders.
• Plan, coordinate and lead retreats, camps, conferences (e.g., Challenge Conference) and mission opportunities.
• Coordinate student ministry activities with broader church programs and staff.
• Develop and manage student ministry budgets in coordination with the associate senior pastor.

Church-Wide & Pastoral Contributions

• Participate in broader pastoral ministry as assigned (e.g., preaching, teaching, counseling, baptisms).
• Take on additional responsibilities consistent with gifting, experience and church needs.

Qualifications

• Clear and growing faith in Jesus Christ.
• Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder.
• Strong knowledge of scripture and ability to teach effectively.
• Demonstrated gifting in areas such as teaching, evangelism and administration.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience discipling students or young adults in small-group settings.
• Experience developing leaders and training materials preferred.
• Credentialed with, or actively pursuing credentialing through, the Evangelical Free Church of America.
• Enthusiastic agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith and essential agreement with the stated position papers of VCB.

Additional Considerations

• Full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
• Filling this position requires a ¾ majority vote of the elders and deacon board.
• Compensatory time may be granted for short-term schedule deviations with pastoral approval.
• Generous medical and retirements benefits package.
• Office space, equipment and approved ministry expenses provided.
• Professional development, conferences and sabbatical supported with prior approval.