Associate Pastor for Students

Associate Pastor for Students

Principal Function:

As a vital part of the ministerial staff, the Associate Pastor will play a key role in all ministries at Garden Lakes Baptist Church, including participating in worship services, pastoral care, and teaching. However, the primary function of the Associate Pastor for Students will be responsible for the overall program for youth (grades 6th -12th) and college students. This consists of developing and implementing a comprehensive, relationally engaging program of discipleship, outreach, and service among the youth and college students of Garden Lakes Baptist Church. This individual will need to provide leadership in building relationships with students and their families, encouraging Christian faith development, and community connections. The position also engages in ministry that fulfills the mission of Garden Lakes Baptist Church. The Associate Pastor for Students will lead and/or enlist volunteers to assist in leading all youth and college events, participate in weekly staff meetings, and be expected to attend other church-wide gatherings.

This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor, while working collaboratively with the ministerial staff, support staff, lay leaders, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:

· Oversee and coordinate student ministries including Sunday Small Group Bible studies, Biblical and theological studies, Wednesday evening studies, camps and retreats, social functions, worship participation and opportunities, and missional activities.

· Plan and execute annual trips of discipleship opportunities.

· Provide spiritual mentorship and practical guidance to foster Christ-centered living, develop Christlike character, and guide students toward deeper faith and decisions to follow Christ.

· Encourage students to regularly attend and participate in worship.

· Build relationships with the students by being available to meet with, counsel, and encourage them. Foster relationships with and between students by attending activities that involve them.

· Develop and administer the annual budget for the Student and College ministry.

· Develop regular and timely communication to: students, their parents, and workers using various means and technologies (e.g. written, social media, web page, videos, etc.).

· Plan effective programs and regular dialog opportunities that support, encourage, and help train parents of students.

· Plan, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive program that will provide an atmosphere for college students to discover and continue to grow in the fullness of God.

· Plan, coordinate, and implement weekly small group Bible study and occasional social gatherings for college students.

· Coordinate outreach programs via special events that include college students.

· Maintain contact with and minister to Garden Lakes Baptist Church college students during their return from their various campuses and while away at their colleges with all types of correspondence.

· As a member of the ministerial staff, share in pastoral responsibilities including pastoral care, leading in worship, and teaching.

· As a member of the ministerial staff, share in pastoral responsibilities demonstrating commitment to outreach, leading strategic initiatives and support to membership growth and discipleship across all age demographics within the church and local community.

· Facilitate the work of standing committees of the church (Administrative Committee, Missions Committee, Christian Formation and Growth, and Deacon Body as a ministerial liaison).

· Any other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Working Conditions:

· This is a full-time position. Must be available for evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

· Relocate to Rome and become a member of Garden Lakes Baptist Church.

Qualifications:

· Exemplary Christian who holds a passion for leading students and demonstrates a call from God to minister to students and their families as well as college students.

· A Master's degree is ideally preferred from an accredited seminary, divinity school, or school of theology.

· Three to five years of related experience and/or training is preferred.