Student Minister

About the role

The Student Minister of Southside Baptist Church is responsible for providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and discipleship for students and their families, while working in close cooperation with the Senior Pastor and church staff. This role exists to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, engage in biblical community, and live out their faith through worship, discipleship, and mission. The Student Minister also provides oversight and direction for the Student Ministry, and offers collaborative leadership support to the College Ministry and Children’s Ministry, equipping teachers and volunteers to serve effectively and biblically.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports directly to the Senior Pastor
• Works collaboratively with all pastoral staff, ministry leaders, and church leadership

Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership & Discipleship

• Teach and lead students for spiritual growth through Sunday Small Groups and Wednesday Night Midweek
• Provide biblical instruction that addresses students’ spiritual, moral, and life-development needs
• Lead students in personal evangelism, discipleship, and outreach opportunities
• Model a growing, Christ-centered life through consistent personal devotion, prayer, worship, and obedience to Scripture
• Encourage students to develop spiritual disciplines and a personal faith that is lived out daily

Ministry Planning & Programming

• Plan, organize, and oversee ministry activities such as fellowships, retreats, camps, conferences, and special events
• Develop an annual ministry calendar that aligns with the overall church calendar and vision
• Ensure all ministry programming supports discipleship rather than activity-driven participation

Family & Pastoral Care

• Build strong, healthy relationships with parents and families to support spiritual growth in the home
• Visit students and families in homes, schools, hospitals, and during times of need
• Be available for hospital visits, pastoral care needs, and funerals involving students and church members
• Support the broader pastoral ministry of the church by visiting church members as assigned or needed

Leadership & Administration

• Recruit, train, equip, and encourage volunteers and small group leaders for student ministry
• Provide clear expectations, spiritual encouragement, and accountability for volunteers
• Oversee the Student Ministry budget responsibly, maximizing stewardship and ministry impact
• Stay informed on current, biblically sound student ministry curriculum and resources
• Maintain accurate communication with parents, students, volunteers, and staff
• Ensure ministry practices align with church policies, safety standards, and child/student protection guidelines

Church & Staff Support

• Work cooperatively with the Senior Pastor and staff in the overall mission and direction of Southside Baptist Church
• Preach or assist in worship services as requested, including preaching in the Senior Pastor’s absence
• Participate faithfully in staff meetings, planning sessions, and church-wide events
• Represent Southside Baptist Church with integrity in the community and local schools

Personal & Family Life

• Lead your family well, demonstrating biblical character and balance between ministry and home (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)
• Maintain personal accountability, humility, and teachability in leadership and relationships

Desired Qualities for the Student Minister

Character & Calling

• Intentional – Purposeful in relationships, planning, and spiritual leadership
• Humble & Teachable – Open to accountability, growth, and feedback
• Ministry-Focused – Demonstrates a clear calling to student ministry, not viewing the role as a steppingstone

Leadership & Initiative

• Organized & Planful – Able to develop clear ministry plans, calendars, and strategies
• Takes Initiative – Proactive in identifying needs and opportunities for ministry growth
• Engaged Leader – Present and involved with students, families, volunteers, and the church body

Relational & Communication Strengths

• Relational – Builds trust-filled relationships with students, parents, volunteers, and staff
• Personable & Approachable – Leads with warmth, humility, and genuine care
• Strong Communicator – Clearly and compellingly communicates biblical truth in age-appropriate ways

Energy & Presence

• Energetic – Brings appropriate enthusiasm and passion to ministry
• Positive Presence – Encouraging, emotionally healthy, and life-giving
• Consistently Engaged – Invests in students beyond scheduled programs

Discipleship & Spiritual Leadership

• Discipleship-Oriented – Prioritizes spiritual formation over attendance or events
• Biblically Grounded – Committed to Scripture as the authority for faith and practice
• Models Faithfulness – Lives a Christlike life students and families can follow

Alignment with Southside Baptist Church

• Team-Oriented – Works well with pastors, staff, and volunteers
• Shared Vision – Fully embraces the mission, values, and direction of Southside Baptist Church
• Cultural Fit – Supports unity, cooperation, and a healthy church culture