Youth Student Pastor

Lubbock Christian University; New Mexico; On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Lubbock Christian University is seeking a dedicated Student Pastor to provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and discipleship for students in grades 6-12. The role involves planning and implementing student ministry activities while working closely with parents and church staff. Ideal candidates should have experience in youth ministry, a passion for nurturing students' faith, and a commitment to fostering relationships that support their spiritual growth. Join us in encouraging the youth to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and actively participate in church life.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in youth ministry or church ministry preferred.
• Must love God and people, and have a desire to serve.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual leadership and care for students in grades 6-12.
• Plan and oversee student ministry activities and programs.
• Collaborate with parents and church staff to support students.

Skills

Energetic

Pastoral care

Biblical teaching

Relationship building

Education

Experience in youth ministry or church ministry

Job description

Principle Functions

The Student Pastor is responsible for providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and discipleship for students in grades 6–12. This role partners with parents, church staff, and volunteers to help students develop a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and become active participants in the life of the church.

Objective of the Position

Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and ongoing growth of a Christ-centered student ministry for students in grades 6–12.

Lead and disciple students toward a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, equipping them with a strong biblical foundation for their faith, and encourage their active involvement in the life and ministry of the church.

Responsibilities

1. Spiritual Leadership & Discipleship
   • Provide pastoral leadership and care for students in grades 6–12.
   • Teach the Bible faithfully and effectively in alignment with Baptist doctrine.
   • Develop and implement a discipleship-focused student ministry that encourages spiritual growth, biblical literacy, and Christian living.
   • Pray regularly for students, families, and volunteers.
2. Programming & Ministry Oversight
   • Plan, lead, and oversee weekly student gatherings, including Sunday School, Wednesday Night Bible studies, small groups, special events, and other programs.
   • Design age‑appropriate programming that engages both middle school and high school students.
   • Study new materials, programs, curriculum and educational methods for students to make recommendations when feasible.
   • Organize and lead retreats, camps, mission trips, service projects, banquets, and outreach opportunities.
   • Encourage and equip students to actively participate in worship services and other ministries within the church.
3. Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Support
   • Actively recruit and invite students to participate in the student ministry through relationship‑building, community outreach, and collaboration with church families.
   • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages new students to become connected and engaged in the student ministry.
   • Build appropriate, Christ-centered relationships with students that extend beyond scheduled church activities while maintaining clear professional and ethical boundaries.
   • Support students by attending and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities such as school events, sports, performances, and academic milestones, as appropriate.
   • Maintain regular communication with students through approved and appropriate methods, including calls, messages, and check‑ins, in accordance with church policies and parental expectations.
   • Provide encouragement, accountability, and pastoral support to students while partnering with parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their lives.
4. Student Leadership
   • Recruit, train, equip, and support volunteer student leaders and small group leaders.
   • Create and mentor a student leadership team to develop leadership skills, encourage responsibility, and empower students to take an active role in ministry activities.
   • Provide ongoing encouragement, communication, and spiritual development opportunities for volunteers.
   • Ensure volunteers are equipped to lead students with consistency, safety, and care.
5. Parent Partnership
   • Build strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open communication and collaboration.
   • Support parents as the primary spiritual leaders of their children.
   • Establish and facilitate a Parent Student Advisory Board to encourage parent involvement, gather feedback, and partner with families in supporting the student ministry.
6. Church Partnership
   • Work closely with the Children’s Pastor and church staff to intentionally support and guide children as they transition into the student ministry.
   • Coordinate the work of the student division with Music, Christian Education and activity programs of the church.
   • Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and church-wide initiatives.
   • Participate in the staff visitation program to prospective members, potential leaders, hospital and crisis visitation, as it related to the student division.
   • Assist committees assigned and serve as an ex-officio member of said committees.
7. Administration & Organization
   • Assist in the development and manage the approved student ministry budget responsibly and according to policy.
   • Maintain a yearly ministry calendar and communicate clearly with students, parents, volunteers and church staff.
   • Ensure compliance with church safety policies, child protection guidelines, and procedures.
   • Manage ministry resources, curriculum, and facilities related to student ministry.
   • Study and make recommendations for needed changes in the student division, such as organizational changes, space changes, equipment and furnishing needs, and policies and procedures of operation.
8. Personal & Pastoral Expectations
   • Model a Christ-centered life marked by integrity, humility, and spiritual maturity.
   • Maintain an active personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
   • Support and uphold the church’s statement of faith, values, and leadership.
   • Participate regularly in worship services and church events.
   • Communicate online and use social media in a professional, respectful, and Christ-centered manner, recognizing that conduct beyond the keyboard reflects both personal testimony and the church’s public witness.
9. Additional Tasks
   • Preach or lead teaching on Sundays when needed, bringing biblical truth and Christ-centered encouragement to the congregation.
   • Plan and lead student Sunday events, where students take an active role with guidance and oversight from the Student Pastor.
   • Assist the Executive Pastor and Senior Pastor in other tasks, as needed.

Job Requirements

Be energetic, Love God, Love People, Have a Desire to Serve for the Glory of God.

• Experience: 1–2 years in youth ministry/church ministry preferred, but not required.