Job Overview
Red Cedar Church is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor of Family Ministry to provide pastoral leadership for the children, students, and families of the church. This position will oversee ministries from birth through high school, with particular attention given to equipping parents and volunteers to participate faithfully in the discipleship of the next generation. The person who fills this role should be deeply rooted in Scripture, committed to making disciples, and eager to help families cultivate Christ-centered faith both in the home and within the life of the church. The Associate Pastor will not be expected to carry every responsibility alone, but will instead build and support ministry teams, organize ministry efforts, and encourage the congregation to invest in children and students. In addition, he will assist the Senior Pastor in the broader shepherding work of the church through teaching, pastoral care, and ministry support.
Job Description
1. Give Leadership to Family Ministry (55%)
The Associate Pastor will serve as the primary shepherd, teacher, and vision leader for ministries from birth through high school.
Responsibilities include:
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Guide the discipleship of children, youth, and families by preparing parents and volunteers to lead Bible studies, small groups, and other ministry gatherings.
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Oversee and coordinate children's and youth ministries, including Sunday School, and ministry opportunities, primarily through coordination with the Deacon of Children's Ministry and trained volunteer teams.
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Further our family ministry through outreach opportunities, mission trips, and fellowship events
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Plan and implement a ministry vision for the spiritual growth, Biblical worldview, and evangelistic engagement of children, students, and families in harmony with the church's mission.
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Encourage and equip parents to embrace their God-given role in the discipleship of their children.
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Recruit, train, and support adult volunteers for children's and youth ministries, with an eye toward developing future ministry leaders.
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Recognize, mentor, and develop emerging leaders who can serve faithfully in children's and youth ministries.
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Participate in the shepherding care of the church—particularly among young families. Providing pastoral counsel to children, students, and families as needs arise.
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Spend time with families in their homes for encouragement, prayer, and discipleship
2. Pastoral Duties (20%)
In a church of our size, pastors may need to contribute in several ministry areas according to their gifts and the needs of the congregation. The emphasis will remain on equipping lay leaders for the work of ministry while providing encouragement, support, and oversight. (Eph. 4:11–12)
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Preach in the main worship service at least twice per year.
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Assist with weddings, funerals, and other pastoral responsibilities when needed.
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Provide care, encouragement, and pastoral support to members of the congregation.
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Welcome and assimilation of newcomers
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Church communication and web presence
3. Partner with the Lead Pastor and Church Leadership (15%)
Come alongside the Lead Pastor in supporting the broader vision, direction, and ministry health of the church.
Responsibilities include:
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Meet consistently with the Lead Pastor for ministry planning, encouragement, and accountability.
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Offer thoughtful input and ideas that strengthen Sunday worship services.
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Give input in the church's overall discipleship and educational ministries.
4. Continue Growing Personally and Ministerially (10%)
Pursue ongoing growth in character, biblical understanding, and ministry skill through personal study, regular feedback, and appropriate training opportunities.
This may include:
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Meeting regularly with the Lead Pastor and other church leaders for encouragement, ministry coordination, and feedback.
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Participation in conferences, ministry training, or formal theological education when appropriate.
Pastoral Calling and Character
Because this role includes pastoral responsibilities, the man who serves in this position should display a genuine calling to pastoral ministry and a long-term desire to serve the local church. He should meet the biblical qualifications for church leadership described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, and he should seek continued growth as a shepherd, teacher, and servant leader.
The candidate must adhere to the EFCA Statement of Faith and Distinctives, as well as align with the denials and affirmations of the EFCA:
https://www.efca.org/sof
https://www.efca.org/distinctives
https://www.efca.org/where-we-stand-in-the-efca-denials-and-affirmations
Although Family Ministry will be the primary area of focus, the Associate Pastor will also share in the broader pastoral ministry of the church through teaching, occasional preaching, and assisting the Lead Pastor in caring for the congregation. Red Cedar Church desires to support a man who senses a call to pastoral ministry and who is eager to continue growing in faithfulness, wisdom, and pastoral effectiveness as he serves the body.
Experience and Education
The ideal candidate will bring both practical ministry experience and a commitment to continued growth in biblical and theological understanding.
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Bachelor's degree required.
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Formal biblical or theological education is preferred.
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Previous experience serving in children's ministry, student ministry, or family ministry is required.