Student Pastor

This Student Pastor role is centered on reaching and discipling students (grades 6–12) to know Christ, cultivate a deep love for God and others, and equip them to live missionally. The position involves teaching, leading volunteers, planning events, and fostering spiritual growth among students and their families. The ideal candidate will be a servant leader with strong communication, organization, and relational skills, who is actively engaged in the life of the church. Responsibilities include overseeing student programs, coordinating with Mt. Juliet Christian Academy (MJCA), and facilitating outreach and missions. The role requires a visible, faithful presence on campus and a commitment to excellence in ministry leadership.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Students

• Build Christ-centered relationships with students in grades 6–12.
• Maintain a visible presence at MJCA and local schools.
• Provide pastoral care, guidance, and counseling to students and families.
• Create opportunities for students to identify and use their spiritual gifts.
• Lead a welcoming environment where all students feel known and loved.
• Collect feedback to continually improve ministry impact and relevance.

Parents

• Develop supportive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Equip parents to be primary disciple-makers through resources and training.
• Maintain open lines of communication with parents and seek regular feedback.
• Facilitate forums or groups to encourage and equip parents of teens.

Leaders

• Provide leadership and development to student ministry staff and volunteers.
• Implement a robust recruitment, training, and retention plan for volunteers.
• Ensure adherence to church safety policies and student protection protocols.
• Encourage and create community among leaders through team-building and appreciation efforts.
• Provide ongoing equipping through training events, resources, and mentorship.

Outreach & Missions

• Encourage students to engage their schools and communities with the gospel.
• Develop a missions strategy that progresses students from exposure to leadership in missions.
• Lead students in local, national, and international mission opportunities.
• Plan and execute outreach events that engage new students and families.
• Partner with schools, local organizations, and outreach ministries in Mt. Juliet/Wilson County.

Organizational 

• Lead, coordinate, and evaluate all student ministry activities and programs.
• Research and recommend relevant curriculum and teaching tools.
• Develop systems for evaluating success based on attendance, engagement, and spiritual growth.
• Partner with church leaders to ensure ministry alignment with overall vision.
• Execute intentional annual programming: camps, retreats, mission trips, outreach, and spiritual formation events.
• Implement clear communication strategies across platforms (email, social media, parent updates).
• Coordinate student chapels for MJCA.
• Participate in staff outreach efforts including visitation and new member engagement.
• Maintain and evaluate ministry structure, policies, space, and equipment needs.
• Prepare and manage the student ministry budget.
• Perform bi-annual performance reviews in coordination with the Senior Pastor.
• Attend at least one ministry conference and one mission event annually.
• Oversee the small group curriculum scope and sequence.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ with a demonstrated life of integrity and spiritual maturity.
• Be an active member of First Mt. Juliet, faithfully attending, serving, and giving.
• Possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills; be able to multitask while maintaining a positive outlook.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
• Successfully complete background checks and all child safety training.
• Theological education and student ministry experience.
• Maintain consistent on-campus presence: Monday – Thursday (8 AM–4 PM), Wednesday evenings (5–8:00 PM), and Sundays (7 AM–12:30 PM).
• Participate in weekly staff meetings unless excused.