STUDENT PASTOR
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Senior Pastor
MINISTRY PURPOSE
The Student Pastor position exists as a key part of the Kingdom-strategy of Spring Hill Baptist Church to reach and disciple middle-school and high school students that (a) are already within the ministry structures of the church, (b) are in the Mobile area, and (c) are in the broader ministry of Alabama Baptist connection of churches.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Student Pastor reports to the Senior Pastor to execute the vision for Student Ministry (grades 7-12) under the direction of the Senior Pastor and within the overall vision for the ministries of Spring Hill Baptist Church. The overall, and primary objectives for the Student Pastor are outreach to and spiritual formation of middle and high school students.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 1. Enlist, train, and regularly communicate with teachers and adult leaders for the student ministry.
- 2. Assist, communicate, and coordinate with parents for needs relevant to their discipleship of the home and needs relevant to student ministry (events, lessons, curriculum, needs).
- 3. Develop effective relationships with other church and student leaders in Mobile, Alabama, and Convention entities connected to youth ministry.
- 4. Develop effective relationships with local student organizations, school organizations (e.g. FCA, YoungLife, First Priority), and school administrators (coaches, principals, teachers).
- 5. Provide Biblical counseling and mentoring for students on an individual and/or groups-based model for discipleship ministry (small groups, D-groups).
- 6. Teach / Preach weekly sound doctrinal, theological messages with a plan towards the challenges and milestones that students will face through their development and graduation.
- 7. Coordinate with parents regarding their children’s involvement and participation in SHBC programs and activities.
- 8. Create / plan dynamic, engaging, magnetic environments for students throughout the year (camps, retreats, get-togethers, meals, games, etc.).
- 9. Collaborate well with other staff, and provide competent opinions on matters related to church life, planning, staff meetings, etc. Student ministry will need particular coordination with our music ministry for organization of, but not limited, Spring Hill Singers student choir.
- 10. Advise and recommend improvements of ministry materials, equipment, supplies, and space for the student ministry in all church ministry organizations.
- 11. Lead in and develop communications (social media, digital, and print) and promotion of all things related to student ministry, both to the church at large and to the students/parents in particular.
- 12. In consultation with the Senior Pastor and Administrator, prepare an annual budget for approval by the Finance Committee.
- 13. Develop a plan for ongoing education and ministerial training to remain informed and practiced in the latest materials and methods related to the student/college ministry.
- 14. Perform other duties as requested by the Senior Pastor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Character
- Must be demonstrating qualities for the office of pastor as delineated in 1 Timothy 3.1-7 and Titus 1.5-9.
- Must evidence a clear love for the Lord and His Church.
- Must demonstrate commitment to personal evangelism and discipleship.
- Must adhere to the characteristics of holiness described in the Scripture, and outlined in further detail in the Church Covenant.
- Must adhere to the characteristics of conduct described in the Personnel Handbook and Policy.
- A teachable, humble spirit. Eager to learn, willingness to adapt.
- A cheerful heart, not easily offended.
Competence
- Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s Degree. If the candidate does not have a Masters from an SBC seminary, we will encourage and make it possible for the minister to fulfill that educational objective under employment.
- 3-5 years of experience in a like-ministry context. Experience in a church similar in scope to ours is helpful, but not required.
- Ordination or pursuit of ordination to ministry in an affiliated Baptist church.
- Familiarity with student ministry, issues facing students, best practices for counseling, leading, developing student ministry.
- Understands the work ethic required in building a student ministry amidst the challenges of the 21st century.
- A good track record of mobilizing and magnetizing people and leading organizational growth.
Chemistry
- Affirms without hesitation or mental reservation the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 and / or 2000.
- Understands and appreciates all the dynamics in a staff role at an established Baptist church, its advantages and opportunities.
- Values creativity and feedback.
- Delights in the work environment, pace, joy, and progress of the staff and ministries.
- Values and offers direct communication to work out problem solving and develop more ministry potential.
Calling
- Has the affirmation of others (church, affiliates) that the necessary giftedness and talent for working in ministry are present.
- Has a clear internal, Spirit-led affirmation to student ministry in this season of life.
- Has a clear interest in preaching and the ministry of the Word for the next generation.
- Clear evidence of evangelistic and disciple-making success.
- No known personal life reasons, private or public, that would prevent a season of ministry working rigorously with students.
Tagged as: middle school / high school, students, youth