Pastor of Student Ministries

Ministry Description

1. Purpose: This pastor serves the church as a staff member and is responsible for the oversight of the student ministries as well as other responsibilities which are mutually agreed upon.

2. Qualifications: He must meet the biblical requirements for an elder listed in I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He must be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity (1 Timothy 3:14). He will have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, will be one who is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ by displaying a Christ-like attitude in dealing with people, and he will maintain an active prayer life. He will be in full agreement with the church’s statement of faith and will adhere to its bylaws.

3. Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in a ministry related field required. 2-3 years of youth ministry experience preferred.

4. Position: He is directly responsible to oversee our ministry to junior high, high school and college students. He is first and foremost an equipper of the saints (Eph. 4:11-13). He is an extension of the parent’s ministry to their youth and not a replacement for that ministry. He is directly accountable to the pastor of assimilation and care and may serve as an elder.

5. Primary Responsibilities: Oversee all aspects of the student ministry. Develop and implement a biblical philosophy of student ministry in cooperation with the elders. Oversee all and teach one of the Sunday morning classes for junior high, senior high or college. Oversee midweek Bible studies, the discipleship and counseling of students and their families. Recruit and train the volunteer student ministry staff and develop relationships with students and parents. For more specifics, see number eight, “Specific Duties” below.

6. Other Responsibilities: Assist the pastoral staff and elders in other duties as mutually agreed upon.

7. Lines of Communication:
• With the pastor of assimilation and care: Regularly for ministry coordination, input and personal accountability.
• With volunteer student ministry staff: Regularly to give direction, coordinate ministry responsibilities and equip them for ministry.
• With parents of students: Regularly to reinforce the purposes of the student ministry, to communicate information about upcoming events and to enlist support and build relationships.
• With the elders: Regularly to provide updates, share concerns and communicate goals.

8. Specific Duties:
• The responsibilities in this section are idealistic but do establish the general parameters which are associated with student ministry. It is not our intent to restrict the giftedness or creativity of the individual the Lord will bring to this ministry. He, along with the pastor of assimilation and care, will work on prioritizing this list according to needs, giftedness and interests.

Develop a biblical philosophy of student ministries
1) It will be consistent with our church’s overall philosophy of ministry
2) It will be developed in close cooperation with the pastor of assimilation and care and approved by the elders
3) It will be communicated to parents, youth and the entire church body
4) It will be consistently implemented

Enlist and train student ministry staff
1) Plan and lead regular staff meetings
2) Periodically meet with and evaluate staff individually
3) Foster discipleship relationships

Set specific goals and direction
1) Goals regarding staff: Recruitment, development, morale, etc.
2) Goals regarding the ministry: Instruction, outreach, fun relationship-building activities, budget, resources
3) Goals regarding students: Heart for God, character, spiritual disciplines, maturity, servant’s attitude, leadership, witness, etc.

Develop a discipling emphasis within the group
1) Modeled by the youth staff
2) Encouraged among students
3) Nurture a strong outreach mentality
4) Be available to counsel students or families

Develop relationships with students and their parents
1) Support church-related activities and encourage that same support from staff members, students and parents