First Baptist Church De Soto is a healthy, growing, multi-generational congregation of approximately 350 attenders located in rural De Soto MO. Our mission is to make disciples by exalting Christ, equipping the church, and engaging the world for the glory of God. We are committed to gospel-centered preaching, authentic community, and equipping every generation to live out their faith. We are excited to expand our student ministry as we seek to reach and disciple the next generation in a rapidly changing world. We are prayerfully seeking a full-time Associate Pastor of Students. The Associate Pastor of Students will oversee the discipleship ministry of students (6th grade – 12th grade) by partnering with parents to help students experience salvation, exalt Christ in worship, be equipped in groups, and engage the world with the gospel. The Associate Pastor of Students will report directly to the Pastor of Discipleship and Administration and serve as a key member of our pastoral team.

Job Responsibilities and Duties: • Equipping parents with training and resources to disciple their children • Consistently communicating with parents through multiple channels including meetings, texts, email, social media, etc. • Developing and equipping a leadership team of adults to disciple students • Selecting and teaching curriculum for Sunday School • Conducting a weekly worship service for teens that includes teaching, fun, and small group interaction • Planning events throughout the year for students including camps, mission trips, retreats, discipleship weekends, etc. • Developing a strategy for evangelism to unreached students • Counseling students and/or their parents as needed • Ensuring that all Child Protection Policies are followed in all areas of the student ministry • Visiting and following up on students as needed • Creating an annual budget for the student ministry • Staying updated on student ministry resources and trends through networking, reading, conferences, etc. • Keeping the church's social media and website accounts updated with events/information pertaining to student ministry • Participating in leadership/ministry of our High School and Junior High Upward Basketball leagues • Assisting other pastoral staff with funerals, weddings, preaching, and hospital visits as needed • Working with other pastors and lay elders to oversee the ministries, vision, and care of the church • Performing other duties as assigned

Job Skills and Requirements: • Meet the qualifications of an elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 • A burden and passion to reach students with the gospel and help them become fully devoted disciples of Jesus • Consistent practice of evangelism and other spiritual disciplines • Adhere to a family-equipping model of student discipleship • 3 – 5 years of experience working with students • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biblical studies or related field • Adhere to and be in agreement with FBC De Soto's Statement of Faith (https://www.fbcdesoto.com/our-beliefs)

Compensation & Benefits • Competitive full-time salary commensurate with experience and education • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply If God is calling you to invest in the spiritual lives of the next generation at First Baptist Church De Soto, we invite you to apply!

Please submit the following by January 15th , 2026: • Resume • Cover letter explaining your calling to student ministry • Personal statement of faith and philosophy of youth ministry (1-2 pages) • Links to recent teaching samples (video/audio preferred) • At least three professional references (including one pastoral reference)

Email applications to: [email protected] Subject line: Associate Pastor of Students Application