Students Pastor

Willow Creek Community Church•West Chicago, IL

3h•$45,000 - $63,000

About The Position

At Willow Creek Community Church we believe middle school and high school students aren’t just the future of the church — they’re a vital part of it right now. We’re looking for a Students Pastor who loves teenagers, believes in the local church, and is energized by building environments where students can experience God, build authentic friendships, and grow in confidence in their faith. If you’re a relational leader who can rally volunteers, build trust with parents, and create engaging programs for 6th–12th grade students, we’d love to meet you. Why This Role Matters As our Students Pastor, you’ll lead Junior High Ministry (JHM) and High School Ministry (HSM) at the Wheaton Campus. You’ll shape the vision, build strong volunteer teams, and create experiences students actually want to invite their friends to. You’ll collaborate with our Central Students team and campus leadership to align with the bigger picture while contextualizing ministry for Wheaton families. This is a hands-on leadership role — equal parts vision, relationships, execution, and spiritual leadership. What Success Looks Like Students Are Showing Up & Bringing Friends You’ll build momentum through intentional outreach and meaningful relationships, resulting in growing weekly attendance and strong engagement at large events, small groups, and camps. Volunteers Are Thriving You’ll recruit, train, and support a consistent team of small group leaders who feel equipped, appreciated, and connected. Volunteers know what’s expected, feel cared for, and are growing as leaders. Students Are Taking Real Steps in Faith Middle and high schoolers know they are loved by God and are taking tangible next steps — whether that’s joining a small group, serving, getting baptized, or deepening their understanding of Scripture. Parents Feel Supported You’ll build trust with families and serve as a primary support to parents navigating the teenage years. Safe & Healthy Environments You’ll ensure policies, procedures, and child protection practices are followed so every student experience is safe and excellent.

Requirements

Has a growing, authentic relationship with Christ.
Builds strong, healthy teams and knows how to develop people.
Communicates clearly and compassionately with students, volunteers, and parents.
Brings both creativity and organization — you plan ahead and follow through.
Thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment.
Is aligned with Willow’s mission, values and beliefs.
Undergraduate degree preferred (ministry, education, social work, psychology, biblical studies, or related field preferred — or equivalent experience).
Experience leading teams and recruiting/developing volunteers.
Experience working with middle and/or high school students.
A proven heart for shepherding and discipling others.
Calling and character matter deeply to us — we recognize that growth and life experience are just as meaningful as formal credentials.

Responsibilities

Build momentum through intentional outreach and meaningful relationships, resulting in growing weekly attendance and strong engagement at large events, small groups, and camps.
Recruit, train, and support a consistent team of small group leaders who feel equipped, appreciated, and connected.
Ensure policies, procedures, and child protection practices are followed so every student experience is safe and excellent.