Student Pastor

Job Title: Student Pastor

Reports To: Lead Pastor
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried
Location: Ascent Church, Virginia Beach, VA

Position Summary:

The Student Pastor will provide visionary leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the student ministry at Ascent Church, encompassing middle school and high school students. This leader will develop a holistic discipleship strategy, build and lead a high-capacity volunteer team, partner with parents, and cultivate a Christ-centered culture to reach and equip the next generation to follow Jesus for a lifetime. 

Key Responsibilities:

Vision & Strategy

• Operates with passion and creativity to reach families and raise up the next generation. Develops and implements a student ministry strategy aligned with the church's mission, vision, and values.
• Plans strategically with a pastoral heart and a hands-on leadership style. Provides direction and support to student ministries, ensuring a cohesive and unified discipleship pathway.
• Commits to staying informed on cultural and ministry trends affecting the next generation and to adapt strategies accordingly. 

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruits, trains, and empowers volunteer leaders and ministry teams to shepherd the next generation effectively. Oversees and grows staff teams as ministries grow.
• Provides ongoing coaching and leadership development to ensure team health and excellence.

Ministry Oversight

• Ensures the ministry is effectively structured, staffed, and resourced to fulfill its purpose. Oversees curriculum selection and teaching content. 
• Ensures the safety, security, and operational excellence of all environments and programming.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partners with the entire staff team to integrate student ministry into the broader life of the church.
• Collaborates with other pastors and departments for unified church-wide initiatives.
• Maintains clear, timely, and effective communication with parents, staff, volunteers, and church leadership.

Qualifications:

• A deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for the spiritual formation of middle school and high school students. 
• Bachelor's degree; Master’s or Seminary degree completed or in progress preferred. Strong theological foundation with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Previous leadership experience in Next Gen / Family Ministry and proven ability to lead and manage teams, develop leaders, and scale ministries.
• High emotional intelligence, relational aptitude, and a collaborative spirit. Passionate about leading in a fast-paced ministry environment committed to essentialism and excellence.

Work Schedule & Expectations:

• Full-time (40 hrs/week), including Sunday services, Wednesday nights, staff meetings, and mid-week programming.
• Regular evening and weekend responsibilities as required, including summer Student Camp.
• Participation in church-wide events and pastoral duties as needed, including pastoral care such as weddings and funerals.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter sharing your heart for student ministry, a link to a recent sermon/message, and three references to info@ascentchurch.net.