Student Pastor
STUDENT PASTOR
GATHERING POINT CHURCH - Dayton, IN
The Student Pastor will provide spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for students (6th–12th grade) and their families at GPC. This role includes overseeing weekly programming, creating discipleship pathways, equipping parents, engaging with schools and the community, and building strong bridges between kids and adult ministries. The Student Pastor will shepherd students to grow in their faith, discover their purpose, and live as disciples who make disciples.
The Student Pastor will be considered effective when:
• Students are coming to Christ, being discipled, and living out their faith.
• Parents feel supported and equipped as the primary spiritual leaders of their homes.
• Healthy volunteer teams are serving with passion and purpose.
• Student ministry is integrated into the broader church family and aligned with its vision.
• Strong connections are built with schools and the wider community.
1. Programming & Teaching
• Lead and oversee weekly Sunday night gatherings designed to engage students with worship, biblical teaching, small groups, and community.
• Lead midweek Bible study or discipleship environment to deepen students’ understanding of Scripture and prayer.
• Recruit, train, and empower volunteer leaders to serve in all aspects of student ministry.
• Ensure all teaching and curriculum align with the church’s mission, vision, values, and theology.
2. Discipleship & Spiritual Growth
• Create intentional discipleship opportunities for students (small groups, mentoring, leadership development).
• Equip and empower students to live missionally in their schools, homes, and community.
• Provide resources and accountability for student leaders to grow in faith and influence.
3. Outreach & Community Engagement
• Plan and implement outreach events throughout the year to connect with new students.
• Build relationships with local schools (attending events, connecting with staff, being present in the community).
• Partner with community organizations and networks to expand the ministry’s reach.
4. Parent Partnership
• Provide resources and training opportunities for parents to help them disciple their teenagers at home.
• Maintain clear, regular communication with parents about ministry vision, events, and opportunities.
• Create environments where families feel supported, encouraged, and connected.
5. Teamwork & Church Integration
• Work in close partnership with our Kids Pastor to ensure a healthy bridge between kid’s ministry and student ministry.
• Collaborate with the pastoral staff to align student ministry with the church’s overall discipleship pathway.
• Support broader church initiatives, events, and worship gatherings.
• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and planning sessions.
6. Leadership & Administration
• Develop and steward an annual student ministry budget.
• Ensure safety protocols, policies, and background checks are maintained for volunteers and events.
• Plan annual retreats, mission trips, and special events that grow faith and build community.
• Provide pastoral care for students and families as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Meet character requirements of an elder as outlined in scripture (1 Tim 3, Titus 1), and a strong devotional and prayer life.
• A committed, personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is pursuing Him with his/her heart, mind, and soul.
• A life growing in all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
• Agree to the Gathering Point Church Statement of Faith and Employee Handbook, without stipulation or contingency.
• Involved in the heart of our church (tithing, events, activities, etc.).
• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong administration, organizational, and communication skills.
• Team player and a love for people of all ages.
• Teachable spirit and willingness to learn.
• Experience and basic knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Pages, Numbers, Keynote, ProPresenter
and a willingness to learn other systems such as Planning Center Online or any other church database.
EDUCATION:
A four-year Bachelor’s Degree is strongly encouraged, with preference given to a pastoral or other ministry-related degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Successful candidate should have related ministry experience with large church experience being a bonus.