Director of Student Ministry

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)

Jackson, Mississippi

“First Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world”

Job Description for Director of Student Ministry

OVERVIEW AND MISSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church of Jackson exists to glorify God by making disciples in our neighborhood, our communities, and the world. In His providence, God has placed us on the corner of North State and Pinehurst Streets, in midtown Jackson. We resolve to be good neighbors and gospel witnesses in the neighborhoods around our church campus. We draw members and visitors from the entire metro-Jackson area. We will continue to make disciples in our city by equipping believers to live for Christ in their homes, their workplaces, and in their neighborhoods across our region. For more information please visit our website, First Presbyterian Church.

JOB SUMMARY

First Presbyterian Church seeks a committed and gifted ministry leader to serve as Director of Student Ministry. This individual will lead and oversee Junior High and Senior High student ministry in a manner that makes disciples of Jesus Christ in an atmosphere that is biblically faithful, relationally engaging, and spiritually vibrant.

The ideal candidate’s life is marked by personal integrity, spiritual maturity, and Christlike conduct, with the wisdom and sound judgment to lead and serve others well. He will demonstrate a deep love for students, a passion for discipleship, strong organizational leadership, and the ability to equip volunteers, staff, and parents for the spiritual nurture of covenant children.

Reports to the Minister of Students and Families, meeting at least twice per month to discuss relevant ministry plans, opportunities, issues, working competencies, and growth in grace. In addition, he will manage and lead a youth staff team consisting of 3-4 people, holding a weekly staff meeting to maintain unity and effectiveness in ministry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Spiritual Leadership & Discipleship

• Lead students to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ through personal relationships, Gospel proclamation, prayer, and faithful teaching of Scripture.
• Cultivate a discipleship culture among Junior High and Senior High students that encourages spiritual growth, service, leadership development, and Christian maturity.
• Provide pastoral care and relational presence among students and their parents.
• Promote Gospel unity and Christ-centered fellowship among students.

Staff Leadership & Oversight

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership for student ministry staff and ministry interns.
• Lead regular staff meetings that foster both spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness (weekly).
• Evaluate staff performance and ministry effectiveness in partnership with church leadership (annually).

Ministry Programming & Events

• Plan and organize a comprehensive year-round student ministry program (grades 7-12) for Junior High and Senior High students, ensuring everything reflects the mission and philosophy of First Presbyterian Church.
• Oversee and manage weekly ministry environments including Sunday and Wednesday evening programming, Bible studies, discipleship groups, Sunday School classes, retreats, conferences, mission trips, banquets, service projects, and special events.

Parent & Volunteer Engagement

• Develop strong relationships with parents and support them in the Christian discipleship of their children.
• Cultivate parental involvement and partnership in student ministry.

Churchwide Ministry Support

• Assist in worship services and other churchwide ministries as assigned by the Senior Minister or Executive Minister.
• Work cooperatively with all ministers, staff, committees, and volunteers in support of the church’s overall mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned by church leadership or Session.

Communication & Administration

• Maintain effective communication with relevant parties regarding the ministry calendar.
• Coordinate student ministry calendars with other church ministry areas to avoid conflicts and improve alignment.
• Maintain office hours and administrative presence as determined by the Minister of Students and Families.
• Submit teaching plans and curriculum schedules to the Minister of Students and Families for regularly scheduled teaching environments.

Budget & Operational Stewardship

• Assist the Minister of Students and Families in planning and managing the annual student ministry budget.
• Collect and submit funds related to ministry events and activities in accordance with church financial procedures.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Optimally, the Student Director would be amenable to a 6 year period of employment for the health of the youth program.
• This is a full-time, year-round ministry position.
• The schedule includes regular weekly programming, office responsibilities, evening ministry commitments, weekend events, retreats, camps, mission trips, and seasonal ministry demands.
• Flexibility is required to meet the dynamic needs of student and family ministry.
   

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Director of Student Ministry is offered an annual salary, payable in 26 equal bi-weekly installments. First Presbyterian Church Jackson provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and financial security. Benefits available to eligible full-time staff members include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement benefits (after one year of service)
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

A full summary of benefits will be available as a candidate progresses through the interview process.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

• A committed evangelical Christian with a vibrant personal faith and a desire to serve students and parents through Gospel ministry.
• Agreement with the doctrinal beliefs and ministry philosophy of First Presbyterian Church.
• Demonstrated ability to teach Scripture, disciple students, and lead with spiritual maturity.
• Strong relational skills with students, parents, volunteers, and staff.
• Excellent leadership, planning, administrative, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams, manage calendars, coordinate events, and oversee budgets.
• Bachelor’s degree required; theological training or ministry experience preferred.
• If currently in seminary, willingness to slow down the pace of seminary.
• Experience in student ministry leadership strongly preferred.