Youth Pastor

First Baptist Church of Aztec New Mexico; Aztec (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

First Baptist Church Aztec is seeking a Youth Pastor to lead Student Ministry (grades 6–12) and supervise ministry volunteers and teams. The role requires strategic planning, relational leadership, and a pastoral heart to guide children, youth, and young adults in their faith journeys.

The Youth Pastor will collaborate with the Senior Pastor and church staff, develop engaging ministries relevant to everyday life, and foster community connections while modeling a strong daily walk with Christ.

Qualifications

• This is a teaching and equipping position; delegation, training, and empowerment of volunteers are required.
• Must align with FBC Aztec beliefs and Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• Defined call to ministry; licensed or ordained or willingness to pursue.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of the pastoral team supporting the Senior Pastor.
• Oversee Student Ministry for grades 6–12, including weekly services and events.
• Provide pastoral care to families and preach as needed.
• Manage the Youth Ministry budget with integrity.
• Ensure policy compliance and safety for youth and children.
• Equip and empower volunteers; develop a robust worship and leadership culture.
• Lead ministry leaders and volunteers toward church goals and collaboration.
• Develop a strategic vision and align ministries across age groups.
• Serve on the Church Council and fill in for the Senior Pastor when needed.
• Promote discipleship; mentor student leaders and volunteer directors.
• Preach on occasion and collaborate with the Senior Pastor on sermons.

Skills

Teaching and equipping

Delegation

Communication

Volunteer leadership

Strategic thinking

Pastoral care

Discipleship

Preaching

Team collaboration

Job description

The Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church Aztec plays a pivotal role in our church’s mission, dedicated to guiding children, youth, and young adults on their faith journeys. They are an active and growing Christian who exemplifies a call to ministry in the local church.

This role is first and foremost responsible for the Student Ministry, grades 6–12, and acts as a direct supervisor to ministry leadership. The Youth Pastor will provide leadership to the various volunteers and ministry teams serving children through young adults.

He will carry out the church’s mission and vision by being strategically minded, administratively skilled, and intentional about recruiting and developing teams within the scope of the next generation of Jesus followers.

The Next Gen Pastor will also possess a pastoral heart and be able to lead volunteers, parents, children, and students through a relational ministry style while serving as the chief communicator in these areas.

The Youth Pastor is charged with creating vibrant, engaging environments that inspire our next generation to become fully devoted followers of Christ. By fostering connections to God and within the community, they will integrate innovative, relevant ministries tailored to resonate with the everyday lives of each age and stage.

Qualifications

• This is a teaching and equipping position. Delegation, training, and empowerment of volunteers are a must.
• A Christian who agrees with the beliefs, values, purpose, and mission of FBC Aztec, as well as the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
• Must have a defined call to ministry and either be licensed or ordained, or be willing to become licensed or ordained.
• The Youth Pastor must be a responsible and passionate Christian who maintains a daily walk with Christ.
• Must have a life and reputation consistent with the qualities described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9.
• The Youth Pastor must be a responsible and passionate Christian who desires to make a difference in the lives of families.
• This is an active job that requires the ability to maintain a sustained, quick pace.
• Communication is a key skill. Delivering messages regularly, communicating effectively with students and families, and developing strong working relationships with church staff are vital to success.
• Must be a lifelong learner. The Youth Pastor is required to pursue further education, skills, and effectiveness through continuing education, conferences, mentoring relationships, and other forms of professional growth.

Key Functions of the Youth Pastor

Pastoral Team Collaboration

Serve as an integral member of the church’s pastoral team, supporting the Senior Pastor and strengthening the church’s leadership.

Student Ministry Oversight

Manage all aspects of Student Ministry activities, from planning through execution, including weekly services and special events.

Pastoral Care

Provide pastoral care to families and preach and teach as needed.

Budget Management

Administer the Youth Ministry budget with integrity, optimizing resources to maximize ministry impact.

Policy Compliance

Adhere to all church policies, prioritizing the safety and well-being of youth and children.

Equipping and Empowering Volunteers

Build a robust team of volunteers and foster a culture of delegation and shared leadership that strengthens a thriving ministry environment.

Develop a volunteer team that is well-trained, highly motivated, and deeply committed, ensuring that each member feels valued and is eager to contribute their best.

Youth Ministries Leadership

Foster a sense of unity and purpose among all ministry leaders and volunteers, aligning everyone with the church’s mission and encouraging collaboration toward common goals.

Strategic Vision and Goal Setting

Craft and implement a strategic vision for the ministry, ensuring seamless integration across all age groups and strengthening alignment with the church’s overarching goals.

Through continuous adaptation and fulfillment of this vision, achieve key milestones and exceed planned outcomes while effectively responding to the growing needs of the church and community.

Church Leadership

Faithfully serve on the Church Council and any committee assigned by the Senior Pastor. Fill in during the absence of the Senior Pastor.

Discipleship

Promote a culture of discipleship throughout the ministry areas. This includes establishing a student leadership team and discipling volunteer leaders and directors.

Preaching

Preach on occasion and work with the Senior Pastor on sermon preparation.