Associate Pastor to Children

Principal Function: The Associate Pastor assists the Senior Pastor in shepherding the congregation through the ministry to children. He is responsible for envisioning, planning, implementing, growing, and evaluating Poplar Grove's discipleship program for children (Birth through Grade 5).

The Pastor to Children will: Equip children with a biblical foundation that fosters love for God, heart transformation, and leadership toward Christ. Provide a place where children can belong, believe the good news, become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, and be His witnesses in every context.

General Summary:

The Associate Pastor must: Meet the spiritual, personal, and character qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6–9. Exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Hold to the doctrinal beliefs of the Southern Baptist Convention as described in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.

Key Attributes:

Domestic Dignity: Husband of one wife (never divorced; single men or widowers not excluded), above reproach, able to manage his home well. Personal Integrity: Blameless, self-controlled, disciplined, not arrogant, not greedy, upright, and holy. Spiritual Maturity: Holds the Word as ultimate authority, shepherd to the flock, able to defend the faith. Spiritual Requirements Calling: Clear calling to shepherd people as a pastor and to equip/disciple ministry team members. Character: Demonstrates spiritual maturity consistent with Scripture, exemplary in word and deed. Competence: Executes ministry responsibilities effectively, with gifts of administration and leadership. Communication: Relates and communicates well with church members, vendors, ministry leaders, employees, and peers. Culture: Understands and fits within church leadership culture. Family: Leads his family effectively, encouraging active participation in ministry life.

Specific Responsibilities Discipleship: Oversee all children's ministries: Sunday School, Nursery, Children's Worship, AWANA, D-Groups, VBS, choirs, camps, etc. Oversee Mother's Day Out (MDO). Approve curriculum, teacher assignments, and requests for new classes. Preach sermons when requested by the Senior Pastor. Outreach Plan, coordinate, and conduct children's outreach events in the community. Teach children to be effective witnesses for Christ. Personally witness to the lost regularly. Plan, recruit, and manage budgets for local ministry work and mission trips. Inreach Assist the Senior Pastor in ministering to members who are sick, hospitalized, or in crisis. Provide counsel, comfort, and encouragement to suffering members and their families.

Leadership Development: Discover, recruit, train, and develop children's leaders. Oversee ministerial assistants, interns, and adult leadership teams. Mentor parents. Personal Growth Grow in personal walk with the Lord. Faithfully practice spiritual disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, stewardship, evangelism, fellowship, fasting, and service. Pursue professional development opportunities. Administration Develop and manage budgets for Sunday School, discipleship, outreach, and evangelism. Manage MDO Directors. Utilize ministry assistants, interns, and volunteer leadership teams. Possess knowledge of Mac and ProPresenter.

Qualifications: Born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Demonstrates a vital and growing relationship with Christ. Preferred to be married (not single, not divorced). Adheres to Poplar Grove Baptist Church Statement of Faith and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Meets requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–3. Preferred minimum of 3 years' experience in a thriving church. Preferred experience in children's ministry or pastoral ministry. Seminary degree preferred (M.Div or M.A.).

Position Details Status: Full-time, salaried

Supervises: MDO Director Reports To: Senior Pastor