The Discipleship Pastor will lead and oversee ministries that equip believers to grow in Christ and reach others with the Gospel. This individual should be a spiritually mature, relationally gifted, and strategically minded leader – highly skilled, positive, authentic, and inspiring. They must be both creative and organized, able to see the big picture while also managing the details that bring ministry to life. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, team builder, and problem solver with a genuine love for people and a passion for leading a multi-generational church. Grounded in wisdom, humility, and Godly character, this person will create systems, develop leaders, and foster unity as Donelson First continues to fulfill its mission.

Core Competencies

Models a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.Demonstrates authenticity, humility, and love for people of all ages.Creative, innovative, and detail-oriented in ministry design.Strong communicator and team builder with excellent organizational skills.Emotionally and spiritually wise; able to handle conflict biblically.A leader who inspires unity, collaboration, and gospel-centered service.

Key Responsibilities

Discipleship & Leadership Development

Develop and execute a comprehensive discipleship strategy for families, couples, singles, parents, students, children, and senior adults.Oversee the development of Life, Home, and Discipleship Groups that foster intergenerational relationships and gospel unity.Recruit, train, and mentor group leaders and ministry volunteers for consistency and alignment.Integrate children and students into the larger church body, fostering an atmosphere where all generations are valued and contribute.

Volunteer Engagement

Oversee the church's volunteer ministry, Let's Go Serve, by recruiting, equipping, and supporting volunteers across all ministries.Host quarterly volunteer trainings; maintain current background checks and CPR/First Aid certifications.

Ministry Oversight

Collaborate with the Senior Pastor and Ministry Team to ensure vibrant, multi-generational ministry programming.Coordinate and oversee events, conferences, and classes that promote spiritual growth and community engagement.Develop and facilitate new member orientation.Provide pastoral care and counseling related to marriage, parenting, and family life.Assist with weddings, funerals, baptisms, hospital and nursing home visits, and other pastoral duties.

Preaching & Communication

Preach and teach as assigned – clear, Scripture-centered, and relational in style.Communicate effectively with the Ministry Team, congregation, and guests through various channels.

Spiritual & Professional Requirements

Demonstrates a consistent walk with Christ and meets the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1–7.Evidences a clear call to discipleship and family ministry.Models integrity, humility, and a servant-leader heart.Displays skill in building bridges between generations and promoting unity.Leads with courage, compassion, and biblical conviction.Communicates effectively in verbal, written, and interpersonal settings.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Christian Education, Theology, Counseling, or a related field.Experience: Minimum of 5 years in discipleship, family, or ministry leadership.Personality Insight: Applicants are encouraged to include Enneagram number to help understand team dynamics.Membership: Family must be or become active members of Donelson First.

Reports To: Senior Pastor & Executive Director

Supervises: Volunteer leaders, small group coordinators, and discipleship ministry teams.

Statement of Faith & Ministry Alignment

In accordance with church bylaws, all ministry team members must:

Lead the church to accomplish its purpose through worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and fellowship.Proclaim the Gospel to believers and unbelievers.Teach and lead in accordance with the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) without reservation.Maintain high moral character and be above reproach in family and community life.

Other Duties

This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Discipleship Pastor may perform other duties as needed to fulfill the mission and ministries of Donelson First.