Student Ministries Pastor

U.S. Church Ministries•Chester, NJ

About The Position

The Student Ministries Pastor leads, develops, directs, and implements the vision, strategy, and programs for student ministry for grades 6 through 12 at Mendham Hills Community Church (MHCC). The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for ministry activities serving junior high and senior high students, including Sunday School, weekly youth group meetings, small Bible studies, summer activities, retreats, and special events. The pastor works collaboratively with church staff and volunteers to align student ministry with MHCC’s vision, mission, and goals, and collaborates with the Children’s Ministry Director to support the transition of fifth graders into the youth program. The position includes recruiting, training, and shepherding volunteer teams; communicating with staff, volunteers, parents, and students; mentoring and counseling students; supporting parents in times of concern or crisis; and overseeing curriculum, budget, safety and security processes, ministry spaces, equipment, and resources. The Student Ministries Pastor also participates in staff meetings, training, and conferences and pursues ongoing growth and development.

Requirements

Love for Jesus and a desire to see lives and communities changed by the gospel.
A personal, mature, and growing relationship with Christ, evidenced by actions, attitude, and behavior.
Alignment with and embracement of MHCC’s vision, values, and statement of faith, and support of church leadership.
Fulfillment of the requirements and expectations of MHCC membership.
A strong personal presence reflecting love for students and passion for ministry to students and their families.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.
Ability to work independently without constant direct supervision.
Positive attitude, flexibility, and a servant’s heart, including willingness to serve outside the role when needed for the good of the staff team and MHCC.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including ability to cast vision, build teams, and develop leaders.
Strong organizational, planning, administrative, and communication skills, including multitasking, time management, prioritization, and attention to detail.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Computer and technical competence in applicable areas.
Solid interpersonal skills and ability to maintain healthy, motivating relationships with MHCC leadership, staff, and volunteers.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgment, discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain a philosophy and long-term strategy for student ministry aligned with MHCC’s strategy, vision, and goals.
Collaborate with staff so Student Ministries contributes to MHCC’s overall vision and mission, and regularly increase the ministry’s visibility within the church.
Develop and maintain a balanced, well-planned annual program coordinated with the MHCC calendar.
Provide strategic leadership, direction, management, and oversight for junior high and senior high ministry programs and activities.
Recruit, organize, train, and shepherd volunteer teams; plan and conduct regular team meetings.
Develop and carry out a communication plan to keep staff, volunteers, and parents informed, and regularly contribute to MHCC’s social media presence.
Develop and maintain a process for assimilating new students and their families.
Coordinate and communicate scheduling and staffing for Student Ministries programs, activities, and events.
Be accessible to volunteers and teach or assist when needed; provide volunteers with lessons, materials, and other resources.
Mentor, counsel, and spend time with students outside scheduled ministry activities; speak with concerned parents and mediate between parents and students during crises.
Identify students with leadership potential and provide development opportunities.
Oversee the selection and implementation of curriculum and manage the Student Ministries budget.
Develop, implement, and maintain safety and security processes, including volunteer background checks and student release and permission forms.
Oversee the appearance, organization, cleanliness, and upkeep of Student Ministries rooms and physical spaces; manage and care for ministry equipment and props.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, training, and conferences, and pursue professional and ministry development through reading, conferences, and exchanging ideas.
Collaborate with the Children’s Ministry Director to support fifth graders’ transition into the youth program.