Student Pastor

JustChurchJobs, Inc.; Jackson (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Crossroads is seeking a Student Pastor to lead a vibrant 7–12th grade ministry, partnering with families to nurture spiritual growth and biblical worldview. The role emphasizes discipleship, leadership development, and community engagement within the church and local schools.

The position involves weekly youth gatherings, weekend and midweek programming, and regular collaboration with church staff. A calling to invest in the next generation and strong relational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in youth or student ministry preferred.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, and lead volunteers.
• Biblical teaching and discipleship mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and cultivate a thriving student ministry for grades 7–12.
• Plan and lead weekly discipleship experiences and teach Scripture.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and support student ministry volunteers.
• Manage student ministry funds and policies; maintain attendance records.

Job description

At Crossroads, we take God seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too serious. We want to be a church where people of all ages are known, encouraged, and equipped to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Our Student Pastor will play an important role in this mission by helping students discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus, partnering with parents, and developing leaders who invest in the next generation.

Position Purpose

Lead and cultivate a thriving student ministry for students in grades 7–12 by creating opportunities for discipleship, spiritual growth, authentic relationships, and meaningful engagement in the life of the church. Equip and support volunteer leaders, partner with parents and families, and help students navigate culture through a biblical worldview.

Primary Responsibilities

Discipleship & Teaching

Plan and lead weekly discipleship experiences for students in grades 7–12.

Prepare and deliver biblical teaching that encourages students to abide in Christ and apply Scripture to everyday life.

Participate in and contribute to the church’s Discipleship Pathway.

Provide spiritual care, encouragement, and development for student ministry leaders.

Relationships & Communication

Build meaningful, ongoing relationships with students and their parents or guardians.

Maintain consistent communication with students and families through appropriate in-person and digital channels.

Track attendance and follow up with new students, absent students, and those needing additional care.

Maintain a visible presence in students’ lives beyond church, including school and community activities when possible.

Foster a culture of ownership, authenticity, and meaningful participation.

Leadership & Ministry Support

Recruit, train, schedule, equip, and support student ministry volunteer leaders.

Assist other church ministries and staff as time and priorities allow.

Maintain regular campus office hours and availability to support staff, ministry leaders, students, and families.

Develop, maintain, and update student ministry policies and procedures.

Manage student ministry funds, accounts, and petty cash, including weekly meal expenses.

Weekly Rhythm

Sunday

Intentionally connect with students through conversation and relationship-building.

Participate in the Sunday service as designated by the Lead Pastor.

Lead the end-of-service prayer gathering.

Lead the Junior/Senior Bible study and fellowship group.

Monday

Review Sunday attendance and identify necessary follow-ups.

Update attendance and student information in Planning Center.

Communicate with and support volunteer leaders.

Plan and prepare for Wednesday night student ministry.

Participate in the weekly staff meeting.

Contribute to The Spark podcast.

Tuesday

Finalize Wednesday night service preparation.

Send teaching notes and small-group questions to leaders in advance.

Coordinate with the worship leader regarding service music.

Wednesday

Finalize the sermon and small-group materials.

Prepare the gym and set up games and equipment.

Lead and facilitate the weekly student ministry gathering.

Thursday

Follow up with students who need additional care or attention following Wednesday night.

Connect with volunteer leaders to provide encouragement, appreciation, and support.

Begin planning for the following week, including sermon preparation and research.

The weekly rhythm provides a general framework; responsibilities may shift as ministry needs and church priorities require.

Monthly & Ongoing Responsibilities

Recruit, train, develop, and manage volunteer leaders, including maintaining a volunteer schedule.

Pray through, plan, and develop upcoming teaching series and ministry content.

Coordinate baptisms and partner with parents or guardians in counseling students who have made professions of faith.

Attend Leadership Team meetings as requested by the Lead Pastor.

Participate in church-wide events as needed and as availability allows.

Identify, plan, and schedule student activities and events that support discipleship, community, and spiritual growth.

Maintain consistent communication with students, parents, and ministry leaders.

Quarterly & Annual Responsibilities

Discipleship & Special Events

Serve as the primary leader and coordinator for the annual DiscipleNow weekend.

Coordinate hosting responsibilities when the church serves as the DiscipleNow host.

Plan and coordinate annual student camp opportunities, including organizing and assisting with necessary fundraising.

Develop and coordinate a student mission trip or partner with other ministries to provide a mission opportunity.

Identify and participate in relevant conferences for personal development and student ministry growth.

Measures of Success

Success in this role is reflected in the spiritual growth of students, the health of relationships, and the overall culture of the ministry.

Spiritual Formation:

Teach, disciple, and preach in ways that invite students to abide in Christ and live out their faith.

Welcoming Environment:

Create an engaging, authentic, and inviting atmosphere where students feel welcomed, known, and encouraged to participate.

Meaningful Relationships:

Build and maintain relationships with students and their parents or guardians, demonstrating a genuine interest in their lives both inside and outside the church.

Parent Partnership:

Foster open, consistent communication with parents and guardians, building trust and working together to support students’ spiritual growth.

Biblical Discernment:

Stay aware of cultural trends and challenges affecting students and help them navigate those influences through the truth and wisdom of Scripture.

Leadership Development:

Equip and invest in volunteer leaders so they grow spiritually, serve effectively, and take ownership of the ministry.

Intentional Follow-Through:

Maintain consistent attendance tracking, follow-up, communication, preparation, and organization so students and families are cared for well.

Ministry Ownership:

Cultivate a culture of authenticity, responsibility, and shared investment in the spiritual life and mission of the student ministry.

The Heart of the Ministry

The primary goal of student ministry is not simply to host successful events or maintain weekly attendance, but to make disciples of Jesus who grow in their relationship with Him, become rooted in Scripture, and live out their faith in their homes, schools, communities, and the church.