Discipleship Pastor

About the Role

This position supports the Senior Pastor in accomplishing the church’s mission through effective and timely implementation of the church’s ministry vision, mission, and values. The Discipleship Pastor will operate under the supervision of and report to the Senior Pastor, working collaboratively with all staff and leadership to fully support the ministries of Donelson First. This role requires a highly-skilled, positive, authentic, and inspiring individual who is a team builder, strong leader, spiritually wise, and effective in ministry. The ideal candidate will have a gift and passion for spiritually leading a multi-age church, with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. This person will represent Donelson First and Jesus Christ, demonstrating love and concern for all people.

Per the church bylaws, all Ministry Team members shall lead the church to accomplish its purpose through worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and fellowship; proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers; care for the church’s members and community; work under the direction of the Senior Pastor; and uphold high character, teaching and ministering in accordance with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 without reservation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a holistic discipleship strategy for all ages, including families, married couples, singles, parents, kids, students, senior adults, and young adults.
• Craft and lead intergenerational experiences, encouraging shared discipleship across ages.
• Oversee the development of Life, Home, and Discipleship Groups (e.g., couples, parenting, young adults, and intergenerational gatherings) that foster gospel unity.
• Collaborate on a ministry vision that is vibrant, multi-generational, and aligned with Donelson First’s revitalization goals.
• Preach at the direction of the Senior Pastor, offering clear, bold, and relational Scripture-centered teaching.
• Disciple and lead leaders of Groups and ministries to promote unity, consistency, and continuity of programming, staffing, inreach, and outreach.
• Coordinate and oversee programming, events, conferences, and classes to support, disciple, and grow the church.
• Integrate children and students into the larger church community, fostering an atmosphere where all ages are valued and contribute.
• Develop, direct, and facilitate the First Things First New Member Orientation (onboarding process for new members).
• Oversee the church’s volunteer base, Let’s Go Serve, by recruiting, training, educating, and supporting volunteers and leaders across all ministries.
• Minister to children, youth, and families in the surrounding community.
• Provide counseling in areas related to pre-marriage, marriage, and parenting as needed or under the direction of the Senior Pastor.
• Assist with hospital and nursing home visits, as well as extended care situations of the congregation.
• Encourage and lead parents to assume the biblical role as primary disciplers of their children and students.
• Host quarterly volunteer training sessions and stay current with volunteer background checks, first aid, and CPR.
• Build healthy relationships with the congregation and Ministry Team through meetings, writing cards, special events, etc.
• Regularly meet with Ministry Team members to mentor, encourage, disciple, and pray.
• Support the overall ministries of Donelson First as a team player.
• Maintain a character that represents Christ, edifies the church, and embodies the leadership qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
• Invest spiritually and personally in the lives of members, volunteer teams, and the Ministry Team.
• Effectively communicate with the Ministry Team, congregation, and guests about upcoming events.
• Perform other related duties to meet the needs of the church.

Requirements

• Spiritual Integrity: A growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an evidenced call to family and discipleship ministry.
• Discipleship Excellence: Proven ability to craft and implement discipleship strategies that cultivate spiritual maturity across ages.
• Intergenerational Fluency: Skilled in building relational bridges between generations in both events and discipleship flow.
• Leadership & Team Development: Capable of recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing both volunteers and staff.
• Pastoral Courage & Compassion: Confidently address conflict and disunity directly, lovingly rooted in Scripture.
• Communication & Preaching Skills: Excellent in verbal and written ministry communication, with an ability to engage multiple age groups.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education, Theology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience: Ideally at least 5 years in discipleship, family, or other ministry leadership.
• Enneagram: Enneagram number must be included in resume and/or cover letter.