Student Pastor

First Baptist Church Blairsville

Student Pastor

Role

The role of the Student Pastor is to oversee the student ministry strategy (Grades 6-12) of First Baptist Church (FBC). This will require a firm grasp of the beliefs, values and strategy of FBC and the ability to align staff and key leadership teams with its mission, vision, and values. Under the direction and leadership of the Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor, the Student Pastor will partner with ministry leaders and parents to lead students to a genuine sense of belonging, involvement and spiritual growth at FBC by meeting students where they are and leading them to next steps. Keeping the Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor informed and updated through regular communications, the Student Pastor will facilitate relational connection and spiritual growth of students through weekend environments, small groups, mid-week environments, and volunteer teams. As with all FBC staff, the Student Pastor is one part of a larger team and as such will, at times, work together with or fill in for other staff members, ministries, and committees in service to the overall church.

Character

The Student Pastor must have an active and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, uphold and live out biblical principles and core values both in their personal life and in their professional life, have a servant’s heart, be a self-motivator, and take personal pride in his work. They must be friendly and courteous to everyone. They must be a team player to the staff and a friendly, dependable, representative of the Senior Pastor to the congregation and community.

Responsibilities

• Model Biblical Principals
  
  

The Student Pastor Shall Model The Biblical Priorities And Core Values Of FBC. They Shall Model a Strong And Growing Personal Relationship With Christ, Their Spouse (if Married) And Children (if Applicable). The Student Pastor Shall Strive To Fulfill His Purpose In Life And Ministry While Demonstrating Integrity In Words, Relationships, And Actions. These Objectives Will Be Accomplished By:

• Committing to a daily quiet-time with God.
• Participating in a FBC small group on a regular basis.
• Setting appropriate boundaries to protect character and integrity.
• Developing personal evangelism opportunities within and outside the church.
• Supporting the ministries of FBC by faithfully giving at least 10% of gross income.
• Adhering to and encompassing the qualities and characteristics required of FBC employees, as defined by the Staff Handbook.
• Assisting the Senior Pastor in visiting hospitalized and shut-in members, especially student families.
• Leadership of Staff and Volunteer Teams
  
  

Success In This Role Will Be Best Accomplished By Prioritizing An Investment In Ministry Leaders Who, In Turn, Positively Influence The Students. The Student Pastor Is Responsible For Creating An Environment That Recruits, Develops And Empowers Student Ministry Leaders. This Will Be Accomplished By:

• Communicating a clear vision and wins for staff and volunteer teams on a regular basis.
• Building systems and structures that lead people from being spectators to volunteers.
• Overseeing systems for background checks, safety and security procedures, scheduling, training, and care of volunteers.
• Develop, maintain, provide training for, and ensure compliance with FBC’s Ministry Safe policy.
• Leading staff and volunteer meetings.
• Championing the student ministry leadership development strategy.
• Providing centralized efforts for training leaders (retreats, tools, etc.)
• Providing staff and volunteer teams with current student ministry best practices.
• Ensuring that the student ministry team answers questions and provides remarkable customer service to parents and students on a consistent basis.
• Providing regular evaluations and feedback to team members.
• Creating and continuously improving follow-up methods to ensure that new students and their families are plugged in to FBC.
• Prepare and submit an annual Student Ministry budget.
• Managing budget forecasts and expenses for team leaders.
• Oversight of Campus Worship Experiences
  
  

Responsible for creating programs that provide engaging experiences and life-changing environments for students. This will be accomplished by:

• Providing insight and direction for big-picture programming and creative planning processes.
• Selecting relevant curriculum, props, and games for weekend experiences.
• Ensuring that check-in areas, ministry spaces and signage are clear, current, and focused on new students and their families.
• Producing videos, weekly scripts and lessons, printed promotions, verbal announcements, web page information, marketing, etc. about the student’s ministry at FBC.
• Creating and maintaining a safe environment for students, including special needs at FBC.
• Oversight and Execution of Small Groups
  
  

Construct practical on-ramps and systems to help students move from visiting to belonging and growing. This will be accomplished by:

• Developing a systematic and effective effort to integrate student small groups into weekend environments.
• Overseeing information and tracking of small group participants and leaders.
• Actively encouraging small group leaders to connect with families and students during the week.
• Providing opportunities for students to discover their unique purpose and begin developing their talents and abilities.
• Offering small group leaders curriculum, coaching materials and creative approaches to small group ministry.
• Working with the Children’s Director to ensure consistency of approach to the Next-Generation ministries of the church as well as ensuring a smooth transition from Children’s Ministry to Student Ministry.
• Implementing a strategy to equip parents to help their students take their next steps toward Christ.
• Representing the church by being involved in the public schools and in community student related events.
• Preaching Team Member & General Responsibilities
  
  

As a Pastor on staff, the Student Pastor will be required to or may be called upon to:

• Attend staff and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings and other meetings as required by the Senior Pastor and/or Executive Pastor.
• Assist the Senior Pastor as needed in the prayerful development of sermon series and messages.
• Participate in worship planning meetings.
• Preach in weekend services and other events as assigned.
• Deliver relevant and biblical messages when called upon.
• Teach and lead in large, medium, and small group settings as needed.
• Provide and receive appropriate feedback on message development and delivery.
• Serve, conduct, or perform the duties of a minister of the gospel as needed.
• Assist other staff members as able for the purpose of meeting the overall church goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor and/or Executive Pastor.
  
  

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of adolescent development and issues impacting students.
• Able to teach and mentor students in a relatable and respectful manner.
• Demonstrates leadership and team-building skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written and effective interpersonal interactions.
• Ability to relate to and effectively engage with students and their families.
• Able to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Experience in event planning and management.
• Proficient in using social media and other digital platforms for ministry purposes.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and attend special events.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Valid driver's license.
  
  

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in theology, religious studies, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of Student Ministry experience.
  
  

Hours And Benefits

• Full Time. The Student Pastor will be expected to maintain office hours Monday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm, with a 1-hour lunch break. These office hours are also utilized for community engagement, discipleship, and leadership meetings both on and off campus. In addition, the Student Pastor is expected to be on campus on Sundays and Wednesday evenings during church services and during other special events as required by the Senior Pastor and/or Executive Pastor.
• Competitive salary based on education, experience, and proven track record
• Medical Reimbursement (QSEHRA)
• 10% 403b contributions
• Up to 5 days paid vacation first year of service, 10 days after one year of service, 15 days after 5 years of service and 20 days after 10 years of service. (Only 1 in 5 days may be a Sunday)
• 9 paid church holidays
• Sick Leave. Full-time employees accrue sick leave at a rate of one day per month after 90 days of service.
• Bereavement Leave
• Life Insurance
• Staff Care and Development