Student Pastor Job Description

Overview

The Student Pastor at Ascent Church is a dynamic and passionate leader responsible for creating and overseeing a thriving, unified ministry for Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) students. This role is essential for helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith, build community, discover their gifts, and learn to influence their world. The pastor will accomplish this through a balanced focus on relational ministry, volunteer leadership development, engaging weekly programs, and impactful events.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vision, Program & Discipleship

• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and strategy for student ministry that aligns with Ascent Church’s mission.
• Design and lead engaging, fun, and spiritually formative weekly environments for both middle school and high school groups, including relevant teaching and worship elements.
• Build authentic relationships with students through regular presence and mentoring, providing spiritual and emotional support.
• Establish and oversee a robust small group ministry to foster deeper connection and spiritual growth after large-group programming.

2. Volunteer & Parental Partnership

• Recruit, onboard, train, and inspire two distinct, dedicated teams of volunteer leaders/mentors—one for middle school and one for high school students.
• Provide ongoing support, encouragement, and development for all volunteer leaders, equipping them to facilitate small groups and mentor students effectively.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with parents, serving as a trusted resource and partner in the spiritual development of their children and maintaining clear, consistent communication.

3. Events & Experiential Ministry

• Plan and execute a year-round ministry calendar, including high-impact events (e.g., retreats, conferences, outreach) that build community and deepen faith.
• Organize and lead a summer mission trip or significant service-learning experience, providing opportunities for students to serve others and live out their faith.

4. Teaching & Staff Collaboration

• Regularly deliver engaging, relevant, and biblically sound messages to both student groups.
• Collaborate effectively with other church staff to ensure seamless transitions for students and to integrate student ministry into the broader church vision.
• Manage the student ministry budget responsibly.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of ministry experience leading or significantly contributing to a student ministry program (both middle and high school).
• Proven experience in recruiting, training, and inspiring volunteer leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging environments and deliver relevant teaching to teenagers.
• Experience planning and executing large events and mission trips.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Dynamic and engaging public speaking ability.
• Strong ability to connect with and relate to both middle school and high school students.
• A vibrant and mature personal faith with a deep love for students and a passion for their spiritual formation.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and a committed team player.