Pastor of Discipleship

Rukes Group•Inwood, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Pastor/Pastor of Discipleship will share in the general pastoral ministry of First Reformed Church while giving primary leadership to discipling and developing high school students and young adults (approximately ages 18–28). This is a full-time pastoral position with an active, visible presence in Sunday worship and the broader congregational life of First Reformed Church, as well as in high school and young adult ministry environments. The role also involves contributing unique gifts to enhance the church's ministry, potentially including leadership for Life Groups, participation in worship, and technology support. This is a new role, and the specific patterns, boundaries, and structures will be shaped over time.

Requirements

A maturing disciple of Jesus Christ with a clear love for the Lord, His Word, and His Church.
A call to serve an established rural congregation in the Reformed tradition.
Theological conviction and practice compatible with the Reformed tradition.
Evident integrity, humility, and teachability.
Committed to prayer, Scripture, and ongoing spiritual growth.
Strong social skills and relational presence.
Able to function as a highly relational, visible pastor in a rural context.
Flexible, adaptable, and able to “juggle” multiple responsibilities in a growing church.
Comfortable partnering with a highly relational Lead Pastor and sharing ministry.
Demonstrated gifting as a Pastor/Shepherd.
Demonstrated gifting as a Discipler/Mentor/Coach.
Demonstrated gifting as a Communicator (able to preach biblically faithful, clear sermons and teach effectively).
Handles Scripture faithfully and communicates clearly to both adults and younger audiences.
Able to provide spiritual support in times of transition.
Able to identify, invest in, and develop emerging leaders among high school and young adults.
Works well with the Lead Pastor, consistory, staff, and volunteers; open to feedback and shared discernment.
Able to use tools such as PowerPoint, outlines, and basic technology to support preaching, teaching, and ministry communication.
Able to plan, prioritize, and follow through on multiple ministry responsibilities in a growing church setting.
Ordained or ordainable by the Alliance of Reformed Churches.

Nice To Haves

Formal theological training (seminary degree or meaningful progress toward one) is strongly preferred.
Some experience working with youth and/or young adults.
Some exposure to broader pastoral or church ministry.

Responsibilities

Provide pastoral oversight and leadership for high school students and young adults (approximately 18–28).
Disciple, mentor, and coach students and young adults toward mature faith and active participation in the life and mission of the church.
Develop, equip, and encourage volunteer leaders who serve in high school and young adult ministries.
Design and/or support gatherings, small groups, studies, and leadership development environments appropriate to these age groups.
Help integrate students and young adults into corporate worship, service opportunities, and leadership roles.
Maintain a visible, relational presence in key environments such as the West Lyon School District and community activities connected to youth and young adults.
Preach 10–12 times per year.
Assist in leading worship.
Share in pastoral care of the congregation with the Lead Pastor, including hospital and home visitation, crisis care, weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other pastoral functions.
Participate in the general shepherding of the congregation.
Bring and develop unique gifts and strengths to enhance the ministry of First Reformed Church (e.g., Life Groups, worship participation, technology support).
Work with the Lead Pastor and Consistory to discern, define, and refine the 'gift-based ministry contribution' portion of the role over time.
Be willing to grow with the role as the church continues to develop and as the ministry team takes shape over time.