POSITION: Student Ministry Pastor: Full Time
AFFILIATION: Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA)
CONTACT: Matthew Johnson
RSM Pastoral Search Team Chairman
*All resumes can be submitted via email
PURPOSE: We will glorify God by aligning everything we do with Jesus’ call to discipleship
VISION: Refuge Church will be a biblically functioning community of faith where the spiritually curious, weary, and lonely can safely explore the peace, hope, and life Jesus offers in an atmosphere of love leading to a life-changing relationship with Jesus
MISSION: We will achieve our purpose and vision through the worshipping community, growth group communities, and through ministry teams.
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JOB DESCRIPTION:
The one called by the church shall provide spiritual guidance as an Equipper-Shepherd-Teacher, focusing primarily on middle and high school students (grades 6–12). This leader will help the church realize its purpose and vision, cultivating spiritual growth among students and partnering with their families long-term in the discipleship journey. Currently, the student ministry serves approximately 30 students, supported by a dedicated team of 8 adult volunteers. The Student Ministry Leader will nurture and grow a relationally-based, discipleship-focused leadership team, investing in both students and volunteers. He shall lead as one called to proclaim God’s truth, modeling a life of faithful obedience to Christ. This is not merely a role but a calling—to walk with young people, guide them in their spiritual formation, and equip them to live as followers of Jesus in all areas of life.
Compensation Range: $42,321-$52,000
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The suitable candidate will be assessed by the following criteria:
PERSONAL:
1. Family: Married; Family embraces his call
2. Significant cultural connection with the Midwest
3. A life-long learner
4. A self-starter; relationally approachable; self-aware
SPIRITUAL:
1. Shows evidence of good spiritual character as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9
2. In full agreement with the church’s statement of faith
3. Demonstratable gifting in the areas of teaching and leadership
4. An obvious, growing walk with Christ
5. Outreach-oriented both personally and corporately
PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATIONAL:
1. Holds a B.A. in Ministry
2. Licensed or ordained by the EFCA or a like-minded body
3. Be able to embrace the church’s Purpose/Vision/Mission Statements
4. Reports to the Lead Pastor
5. Commit to working with the church Ministry Team structure
6. Demonstrated capacity to recruit, train, equip, and release volunteer leaders
7. Proficiency in social media
Refuge Church of Zimmerman, Minnesota—a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and Spirit-led community that has been faithfully serving the Zimmerman area for over 52 years. As a congregation of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), our mission is to be a biblically functioning community of faith where the spiritually curious, weary, and lonely can safely explore the peace, hope, and life that Jesus offers. We seek to cultivate an atmosphere of love that leads to a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our church family realizes this mission through three vital communities:
Refuge Church is currently experiencing a season of growth and revitalization. We are averaging 175 in weekly worship attendance, and we rejoice in the ways God is drawing individuals and families into deeper connection with Him and with one another. Our current membership stands at 97, with 56 of those actively involved in ministry teams.
Our congregation spans all generations, with a noticeable shift in recent years toward younger families and children. Currently, 59% of our regular program attenders are under the age of 19, 20% are between 20 and 50, and 21% are between the ages of 51 and 93. This shift is most evident in our Refuge Kids Programming, which has seen a 33% increase in attendance over the past six months.
Refuge Student Ministries, serving students from 6th through 12th grade, is also experiencing significant growth—both numerically and spiritually—under the leadership of an interim youth pastor. Of the 37 total students (21 in 6th–8th grade and 16 in 9th–12th grade), 59% are homeschooled, reflecting a rapidly growing demographic in our region. Our church’s location next to the Middle School/High School provides an ideal opportunity for outreach and engagement.
Financially, Refuge Church continues to be blessed with generous giving. In the current fiscal year, undesignated giving has reached $365,515.70 and designated giving totals $36,356.45. We joyfully commit 13% of our total budget to missions, including direct missionary support and our EFCA Fair Share contribution. Our Missions Team prayerfully oversees our missionary partnerships and disbursements.
Our six ministry teams reflect our commitment to holistic discipleship and service:
At the heart of Refuge Church is a warm, welcoming family of believers committed to living out the call of Jesus to make disciples. We value expository preaching, practical community ministries, and the faithful presence of the Church in our neighborhood and beyond. We are prayerfully discerning God's continued direction for Refuge Church and are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead.