Pastor of Groups & Strategic Discipleship

About the Pastor of Groups & Strategic Discipleship

We are seeking a Christlike individual to lead a robust, multiplying small group ministry. Qualified candidates will have experience leading staff and overseeing at least 50 small groups. In the years ahead, this department will aim to grow this ministry from today’s 150 small groups to 300 small groups enabling approximately 3,000 people to be ministered to.

The Pastor of Groups & Strategic Discipleship’s responsibilities include:

• Recruit small group leaders to increase the quantity of small groups.
• Provide ongoing training for all small group leaders.
• Ensure all new groups follow a model of multiplication.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure the website is continually updated to reflect open LifeGroups and new LifeGroups.
• Coach and oversee staff leading Woven (Women’s Ministry), Forged (Men’s Ministry), Young Adult ministries, and any new small group ministries that may emerge over time.
• Create systems to onboard and equip new small group leaders.
• Maintain departmental alignment in Central’s humble, hungry, smart model.

What you bring - The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Pastor of Groups & Strategic Discipleship:

Education and Experience

A biblical or theological degree is strongly preferred; however, substantial ministry experience demonstrating theological depth, leadership maturity, and proven fruitfulness will also be considered. This role requires seasoned leadership and is not an entry-level position.

Ordination: Not required.

Group Ministry Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading and growing small group or discipleship ministries, ideally within a large or rapidly scaling church context.

Team Leadership: Experience overseeing staff and ministry leaders across multiple ministry expressions.

Volunteer-Based Ministry: Track record of building, multiplying, and sustaining volunteer leaders through vision, coaching, and accountability.

Organizational Growth: Experience navigating change, growth, and increasing complexity while maintaining ministry health and cultural alignment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Biblical & Theological Alignment: Holds a personal faith in Jesus Christ and fully affirms Central’s Statement of Faith, including believer’s baptism and a traditional Christian view of marriage and sexuality.

Discipleship & Group Ministry Philosophy: Demonstrates a strong understanding of discipleship pathways and the role of small groups as the primary vehicle for spiritual formation in a large, growing church.

Organizational Awareness: Understands how ministries, systems, and teams function within a complex church environment and how to align departmental goals with the broader vision of the church.

Skills & Abilities

Systems Design & Scalability: Proven ability to design, implement, and refine sustainable systems that move group ministry beyond personal shepherding to scalable structures capable of serving thousands.

Recruitment & Mobilization: Strong communicator and vision-caster who naturally recruits, inspires, and mobilizes volunteers and group leaders toward multiplication and ownership. Opportunities to communicate from the main stage are available for those who show this desire and ability.

Leadership Development: Skilled in coaching, training, and equipping both staff and lay leaders, including onboarding new leaders and developing healthy leadership pipelines.

Strategic Leadership: Able to lead with clarity, set direction, articulate future vision, and translate strategy into actionable goals.

Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively across departments to ensure alignment and shared momentum.