Family Ministry Pastor

Family Ministry Pastor | The Abyssinian Baptist Church (New York, New York)

The Abyssinian Baptist Church exists to lead all people to Christ through love, service, community transformation, and global impact. Founded in 1808 in the heart of Harlem, Abyssinian is one of the most historic Black Baptist churches in America, a congregation that has long bridged faith and justice, gospel and community. Today, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, the church is experiencing renewed momentum, significant membership growth, and a Spirit-led vision for the future.

We are prayerfully seeking our next Family Ministry Pastor, a gifted builder, spiritual leader, and relational shepherd who will establish and grow a comprehensive family ministry spanning the full age spectrum from birth through college. This is a rare, ground-floor opportunity to build something lasting inside one of the most storied and influential churches in the country.

About the Ministry:

The Abyssinian Baptist Church has a rich legacy of investing in young people, and the stage is now set for a major expansion of that vision. The church has recently completed a brand-new, dedicated two-floor space designed exclusively for children and youth, a facility that signals serious investment and sets the table for ministry transformation.

Currently, approximately 30 young people gather on Sundays, with a database of 559 youth and families representing enormous growth potential. Programming has been volunteer-led, and the church is now ready to invest in dedicated, professional leadership to build the ministry from the ground up with vision, structure, and spiritual intentionality.

The Family Ministry Pastor will oversee the entire age-cycle ministry including:

• Nursery and Toddlers (Ages 0-2)
• Children's Ministry / Aby Kidz (Ages 3-9)
• Preteen Ministry (Ages 10-13)
• Student Ministry / Middle and High School (Ages 14-18)
• College-Age Young Adults (Ages 18-22, both local and away)

The ministry is organized around five pillars: Worship, Spiritual Development, Fellowship, Cultural/Heritage, and Scholarship, a framework that reflects both the gospel depth and the unique cultural identity of Abyssinian and the Harlem community it serves.

The Right Fit Will Be Someone Who:

• Is a proven builder who thrives in creating ministry structures, systems, and culture from the ground up
• Carries genuine cultural intelligence and is at home with the full socioeconomic and cultural diversity of Harlem and the Abyssinian family
• Possesses strong relational range, connecting authentically with toddlers, teenagers, college students, parents, and grandparents alike
• Brings spiritual depth as a Christ-centered teacher who connects Scripture to justice, identity, and everyday life in a way that resonates with urban young people
• Is a recruiter and developer of volunteers, able to build and sustain a team of 30+ leaders across age groups
• Is committed to family ministry, building trust with parents and caregivers and partnering with families in the discipleship of their children

A bachelor's degree is required; a seminary education is preferred. The salary range is $70,000 to $90,000 depending on experience, with a benefits package that includes 80% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement through the American Baptist MMBB.

Why Abyssinian Baptist Church?

• A historic congregation with over 200 years of faithful witness, social impact, and gospel-centered community in Harlem, New York
• A church in an exciting season of renewed growth, having added over 500 members under current pastoral leadership
• A brand-new, two-floor children and youth facility that is purpose-built and ready to be transformed into an immersive ministry environment
• A senior pastor who is deeply committed to building strong family and youth ministry as a cornerstone of the church's future vision
• A congregation with a deep sense of cultural identity, community mission, and global influence where ministry truly matters
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If you are a ministry builder with a heart for the next generation, a passion for discipleship, and the cultural depth to thrive in one of America's most iconic churches, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your resume and cover letter (with relevant ministry links, if available) to staffing@abyssinian.org.