Associate Pastor of Students and Families

The Associate Pastor of Students and Families must be called by God and by Southern Heights Baptist Church for ministry to students from pre-school to college. He must be ordained into vocational ministry, either previously by a church of like faith or by Southern Heights Baptist Church upon his calling. He will be tasked with equipping and teaching students who are already believers, and with evangelizing students and prospective students who are not yet believers. He should have a passion and ability to develop students into healthy, active disciples of Jesus Christ. He will design and/or cultivate a student ministry that is consistent with the beliefs, mission, and direction of Southern Heights Baptist Church. He will build relationships with students and their families as we seek to integrate them into our fellowship.

Personal Requirements

• Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, having been saved by the grace of God, having made a public profession of faith by baptism, and presently displaying a daily walk with God.
• Must fully affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, as well as the motto of Southern Heights Baptist Church, “Jesus Centered, Word Driven.”
• Must meet the requirements given in Scripture for a pastor, specifically those listed in 1 Timothy chapter 3.
• Has obtained or is currently pursuing at least an undergraduate degree in a field of study that can be reasonably applied to student ministry AND/OR has at least two years of experience in student ministry.

Professional Expectations

• Works under the direction and guidance of the Senior (Lead) Pastor.
• Works with other church staff and deacon body to ensure unity and open communication among church leadership.
• Develops an organized student ministry, ranging from pre-K to college.
• Oversees all student ministries, which includes the delegation of teaching and serving responsibilities to volunteers from within the church.
• Is the primary leader of middle and high school students, serving as a traditional youth pastor in this way.
• Designs and coordinates a weekly student program, involving the teaching of God’s Word, strategic activities for students, and ideally a worship experience for students in middle school and above.
• Works alongside the Sunday School director to determine class setup and subsequent teachers for student Sunday School classes.
• Is active in the lives of students outside of church. This would include consistent conversations, attendance at sporting events, concerts, etc., and attempting to get to know students’ families and forming relationships with them.
• Develops and/or maintains a small group for college students. This may be delegated, but will be under the student pastor’s oversight.
• Develops and/or maintains a ministry to students from pre-K to 5^th This may be delegated, but will be under the student pastor’s oversight.
• Must be willing to assist the Senior (Lead) Pastor in his duties, which may include - but is not limited to - preaching on Sundays, community outreach, and counseling/coaching sessions.