Associate Pastor/Student Ministry

About the Role

The primary role of the Associate Pastor of Student Ministry is to oversee all aspects of the Student Ministry, including planning, conducting, evaluating, and coordinating programs for both the youth group and middle school group. This position requires a spiritually mature and biblically grounded Christian who can connect with, lead, and equip students and adults for ministry. The Associate Pastor will also collaborate with the Children’s Ministry Leader and College Ministry Leader to ensure continuity from birth to college, providing high-level supervision over curriculum, budget, volunteers, and facilities.

As an Associate Pastor, this individual will occasionally assist the senior pastor in various areas of ministry, including counseling, weddings, funerals, visitation, and pulpit supply. The role encourages the development of personal gifts and abilities for the benefit of the church, though these should not detract from the primary responsibilities outlined.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, evaluate, and coordinate all aspects of the student ministry.
• Be available to students and their families, including involvement in their lives outside of church (e.g., school events, games, concerts).
• Collaborate with and supervise the College Ministry and Children’s Ministry.
• Assist the senior pastor in all facets of ministry, including visitation, counseling, funerals, and pulpit supply.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the senior pastor.
• Act as senior pastor in their absence or as directed.
• Attend all staff meetings, church council meetings, and scheduled church services.
• Attend relevant seminars and conferences for professional development.
• Seek opportunities for continuing education to stay current with ministry trends.

Student Ministry-Specific Duties

• Develop biblically grounded, age-appropriate programming for middle and high school students (weekly gatherings, retreats, missions, etc.).
• Create clear pathways for student spiritual formation, including baptism, discipleship, and leadership development.
• Direct, maintain, and work with a student ministry committee.
• Recruit, train, and shepherd volunteers within the Student and Children’s Ministries in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry Leader.
• Prepare and present the annual student ministry budget to the budget and finance committee.
• Provide vision and direction to the Children’s Ministry Leader and College Ministry Leader for strong transitional programming.
• Evaluate all student, college, and children’s programs annually.
• Communicate maintenance or renovation needs of the education building and student ministry areas to the Deacons and appropriate committees.

Qualifications

• Unquestioned and vital commitment to Jesus as personal Savior and Lord.
• Willingness to serve within the doctrinal commitments of the church.
• Thoroughly evangelical in faith, doctrine, and practice as understood by the Baptist Faith and Message.
• Effectiveness in personal witness and implementation of ministry.
• Personal character, lifestyle, family life, and emotional/physical health aligned with 1 Timothy 3.
• Strong motivational skills, high level of organization, and understanding of diplomacy and flexibility in a church setting.
• Calling into pastoral ministry, particularly to students at El Bethel Baptist Church.
• Significant relational skills with students and parents.
• Ability to plan, organize, train, and supervise students and adults.
• Ability to provide Christian counsel on contemporary issues to parents, students, and children.
• Ability to recruit, train, and communicate with volunteers.
• Proficiency in Planning Center or comparable software.

Education & Experience

• College graduate with a degree from an accredited seminary or equivalent experience.
• Experience leading a variety of student programs.
• Experience planning, organizing, training, and supervising students and adults.
• Education and experience commensurate with student ministry.