Student & Discipleship Minister

SBC Executive Committee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership development

Job summary

The SBC Executive Committee in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Student & Discipleship Minister/Leader to spearhead both student and adult ministry efforts. This role requires a visionary leader skilled in spiritual guidance, programming, and relational connections across age groups.

The ideal candidate will hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, display strategic thinking, and have 3–5 years of relevant ministry experience. The position emphasizes the cultivation of faith in youth while integrating young adults into church life.

Qualifications

• Must meet the biblical qualifications of a pastor as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.
• Must wholeheartedly support the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• 3–5 years in student or discipleship ministry, with a proven track record of developing leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead youth ministry activities focusing on spiritual growth.
• Develop and implement a clear pathway for discipleship for all ages.
• Provide biblical counseling and spiritual guidance.

Skills

Relational Intelligence

Strategic Thinking

Strong public speaking

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies or Ministry

Master of Divinity (M.Div) from an SBC seminary

Job description

Job Description

The Student & Discipleship Minister/Leader is a dual-focus leadership role designed to champion the spiritual formation of individuals from middle school through full adulthood. This position requires a leader who can bridge the gap between student ministry and adult discipleship, ensuring a seamless “cradle-to-grave” strategy for spiritual growth. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, gifted teacher, a relational mentor, and a strategic organizer, deeply committed to the truth of God’s Word.

Student Ministry (6th – 12th Grade)

Gospel-Centered Programming – The primary focus is to transition students from an “inherited faith” to a “personal faith” while equipping parents to be the primary disciple-makers.

• Design and lead weekly environments (Sunday mornings/Wednesday nights) that provide high-impact worship, biblical teaching, and age-appropriate small groups.
• Provide spiritual guidance and counseling to youth, helping them navigate life challenges and development in their faith in Jesus Christ.
• Plan and oversee camps, retreats, mission trips, and other events as necessary.

Parental Partnership – Create a strategic rhythm for parent communication, resources, and seminars to help families navigate the unique challenges of the teenage years.

• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians, encouraging their involvement in the spiritual development of their children.
• Involve parents and guardians in periodic training and youth activities to promote a culture of inclusion in the spiritual and emotional growth of their children.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, keeping them informed about upcoming events and activities.

Milestone Management – Oversee key “milestones” in the life of students.

• Keystones may include 6th-grade orientation, baptism, and high school graduation commissioning.
• Work with the Children’s Ministry team to ensure a smooth transition from the children’s ministry to the Student Ministry.

Campus and Online Presence – Ensure a presence with students in the community.

• Maintain a consistent presence at local middle and high schools (lunches, sporting events, FCA) to support students on their “turf”.
• Develop content and social media engagement with students in the community.

Volunteer Recruitment – Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for Student Ministry.

• Build a team of adult leaders who are background-checked and trained to mentor students through the complexities of adolescence.
• Encourage volunteers to participate in all aspects of local student missions opportunities.

College & Young Adult Ministry (18 – 30 Years Old)

Milestone Management – The primary focus is to bridge the gap between student life and the fully integrated adult church body, preventing the “drop-off” that often occurs after graduation.

• College Transition (18–22) – Develop a “Home & Away” strategy that maintains contact with students leaving for university while providing a local gathering for those staying in the area.
• Professional Integration (24–30) – Foster a community for young professionals and couples that addresses career stewardship, biblical marriage/singleness, and financial wisdom.
• Church Body Integration – Unlike youth ministry, this role focuses on moving young adults out of their “silo” and into service within the broader church (e.g., serving in kids’ ministry, being part of the welcome team by greeting, or leading adult groups).

Church-Wide Discipleship (All Ages)

• Develop and implement a clear pathway for discipleship for all ages.
• Oversee Sunday School, Life Groups, and other discipleship areas.
• Equip and train teachers and small group leaders.
• Promote intergenerational discipleship.
• Assist in leadership development and mentoring future leaders.

Pastoral Care & Administration

• Serve as an integral part of the Ministry Staff Team.
• Shepherd – Provide biblical counseling and spiritual guidance to students, young adults, and adult leaders.
• Administration – Develop and manage the annual Student Ministry budget as agreed to and approved by the Finance Committee.
• Preaching/Teaching – Serve as a member of the pastoral preaching team as requested by the Senior Pastor.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Character – Must meet the biblical qualifications of a pastor as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.
• Theology – Must wholeheartedly support the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and be a committed member of the Southern Baptist family.
• Relational Intelligence – Ability to connect with a 13-year-old and a 65-year-old with equal ease and authenticity.
• Strategic Thinking – The capability to see the “big picture” of a person’s spiritual journey across decades of life.
• Communication – Strong public speaking and writing skills for teaching and administrative clarity.
• Education – A Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies or Ministry is required; a Master of Divinity (M.Div) or equivalent from an SBC seminary is strongly preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years in student or discipleship ministry, with a proven track record of developing leaders.

To apply, send your resume to Pastor Evan Owens at [e-mail]. Please include a link to a sermon or bible lesson if available.