Job Description

Director of Student Ministries

Grace Baptist Church – Waterloo, Iowa

Position Summary

The Director of Student Ministries is responsible for leading a disciple-making ministry for students in grades 6–12 that helps them Encounter God, Experience Growth, and Exercise Gifts. This individual will provide spiritual leadership to students, equip and develop volunteers, partner with parents, and create environments where students can grow in their faith and become fully engaged members of the church body.

This position requires a leader who is spiritually mature, relationally engaging, organized, dependable, and capable of translating vision into consistent ministry execution.

About Grace Baptist Church

Grace Baptist Church exists to help people Encounter God, Experience Growth, and Exercise Gifts.

We are a family of faith passionate about God's Word, Christ-centered worship, biblical community, and making disciples. Located in Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Baptist currently averages approximately 270 people in weekly worship attendance and is committed to reaching the next generation for Christ.

Personal Qualifications

The Director of Student Ministries must:

Demonstrate a growing and intimate walk with Jesus Christ.
Display an exemplary Christian testimony both inside and outside the church.
Affirm and support the doctrinal convictions of Grace Baptist Church.
Have a passion for evangelism and discipleship.
Love students and desire to see them grow in spiritual maturity.
Be teachable, humble, and committed to personal growth.
Work effectively with staff, elders, volunteers, and parents.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, initiative, and follow-through.
Meet the biblical qualifications appropriate for church leadership.

Desired Spiritual Gifts and Strengths

Teaching
Leadership
Shepherding
Hospitality
Administration
Discernment
Faith

Primary Responsibilities

Student Discipleship

Lead and oversee all student ministry efforts for grades 6–12.
Teach and communicate God's Word in a faithful and engaging manner.
Create environments where students can Encounter God, Experience Growth, and Exercise Gifts.
Develop pathways that help students mature spiritually.
Encourage students toward church membership, service, and long-term faithfulness.

Volunteer Leadership

Recruit, train, schedule, and support adult volunteers.
Develop a healthy leadership pipeline within the ministry.
Equip volunteers to disciple students effectively.
Provide clear expectations, training, and encouragement for ministry leaders.
Conduct regular evaluations and coaching conversations with volunteers.

Parent Partnership

Build meaningful relationships with parents and families.
Communicate regularly regarding ministry activities and student discipleship opportunities.
Encourage and equip parents as the primary disciplers of their children.
Partner with families during significant spiritual milestones.

Student Engagement

Build intentional relationships with students.
Maintain a visible presence in the lives of students and families.
Participate in camps, retreats, outreach events, and ministry gatherings.
Create opportunities for students to serve within the church body.
Assist students in identifying and developing spiritual gifts.

Ministry Planning & Administration

Develop and maintain an annual ministry calendar.
Plan and execute youth gatherings, retreats, camps, and special events.
Ensure ministry environments are safe, organized, and welcoming.
Maintain volunteer schedules and ministry records.
Develop and manage the annual student ministry budget.
Evaluate ministry initiatives and recommend improvements.

Church-Wide Ministry Integration

Work collaboratively with church staff and elders.
Support the overall mission and strategic priorities of Grace Baptist Church.
Assist in connecting students and families into the broader life of the church.
Help students transition successfully:
Into Student Ministry
Into Adult Grace Groups
Into Church Membership
Into Active Service

Success Measures

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

Spiritual Outcomes

Students growing in spiritual maturity.
Students regularly engaging with Scripture and prayer.
Salvations, baptisms, and discipleship opportunities.

Relational Outcomes

Strong relationships with students and families.
Healthy volunteer culture.
Meaningful student connections within the church body.

Leadership Outcomes

Development of volunteer leaders.
Increasing ownership among ministry volunteers.
Student leaders serving and discipling others.

Operational Outcomes

Consistent execution of ministry plans.
Strong communication with students, parents, volunteers, and church leadership.
Effective stewardship of ministry resources.
Reliable follow-through on responsibilities and commitments.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To

Lead Pastor

Accountable To

Elder Team

Collaborates With

Church Staff
Ministry Leaders
Grace Group Leaders
Volunteer Teams

Position Details

Employment Status

Full-Time

Expected Commitment

Minimum 40 hours per week

Compensation

$45,000–$55,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Benefits

One week paid vacation
Paid holidays
Ministry development opportunities
Conference and training opportunities as approved

Education & Experience

Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree in Bible, Theology, Ministry, or related field
Seminary training or equivalent ministry preparation
Previous experience leading student ministry, discipleship, or volunteer teams

Requirements

Successful completion of background check
Agreement with Grace Baptist Church doctrinal statement and core values

Core Values

Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17

Love

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a; Romans 12:9a

Gospel

Philippians 1:28

Community

Hebrews 10:24–25a

Passion

Colossians 3:23–24

Joy

Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Prayer

Philippians 4:6–8

Closing Statement

The Director of Student Ministries is not simply responsible for running programs. This role exists to make disciples, develop leaders, equip families, and help students become mature followers of Jesus Christ who actively participate in the mission of Grace Baptist Church.

About the Grace Baptist Church