Director or Assistant Pastor of Student Ministries

First Presbyterian Church is located in the center of Harrisonburg, Virginia, a vibrant college town featuring a diverse community and the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. First Pres' mission is to love Jesus, proclaim the Gospel, serve our neighbor and grow God's kingdom.

Job Description:

Join First Presbyterian Church (First Pres) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as a Director or Assistant Pastor of Student Ministries, dedicated to equipping the congregation to engage and disciple Middle, High and College students through peer and multigenerational relationships. The harvest is ripe in Harrisonburg, with a growing number of students and three colleges, including James Madison University, which has 24,000 students.

Purpose: To help build the body of Christ at First Presbyterian Church by focusing on the faith development of middle and high school and college students. The director will recruit, lead, train and encourage students and congregation members, with an understanding that student ministry includes worship, education, spiritual development, evangelism, missions, service fellowship, and affirmation of youth and college students, and support for their families.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Wisdom and demonstrated history of developing ministry for students focused on the long term following of Jesus Christ and the tools to work through seasons of challenge or doubt.
• A deep and growing love for, faith in, and relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• An affirmation of acceptance of the Essential Tenets of the ECO Presbyterian denomination.
• A working knowledge and commitment to continued study of the scriptures and prayer.
• A commitment to worship and participate in the life of First Pres.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with advanced training necessary to be an Assistant Pastor.
• Meet requirements of the child protection policy at First Pres.
• Preferred 3 years of church-based or parachurch ministry.
• An ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and work collaboratively with others in an encouraging manner.
• Experience recruiting and supervising covenant partners for student engagement.
• Experience managing paid staff (ex. interns) not required but desired.

Job Duties:

Collaborate with the Student Ministries Team to:

• Develop and maintain student ministry commensurate with the vision and needs of the church focused on the long term following of Jesus Christ and the tools to work through seasons of challenge or doubt.
• Build relationships with middle school, high school, and college students to establish and maintain their walk with Jesus and invest in their daily lives.
• Make calls and visits with youth and college students and families during times of need or significant moments.
• Connect First Pres covenant partners to relate to, disciple and support students.
• Implement, manage and run programs and activities to support the long term vision including Sunday school, bible study, confirmation class, retreats, camps, evangelism, mission engagement, service, and relationship-building activities.
• Communicate with students, families and appropriate involved parties about planned or ongoing activities coordinating with the Communications team and first utilizing resources and methods First Pres already employs.
• Update and maintain records of students, adult volunteers (including child protection review and updates), planned activities (calendar), curriculum use (either external or internally built), monthly activities report, meeting minutes, session reports, finances (including annual budget preparation and linked spending).
• Attend and lead/report at regular Student Ministries Team meetings (monthly), session and other committee/ministry teams meetings (as needed),
• Attend ECO/Christian training, classes, and conferences for spiritual and professional development

Behavioral Expectations: Subordinate to The Great Commandment, the person in this role gives active and loyal support to First Presbyterian Church, its philosophies and objectives, and to abide by all church regulations and policies as stated in the ECO Policies and Procedures Handbook. All paid staff of First Presbyterian Church are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a Christ-centered manner. In addition, all staff are expected to perform their work for the Glory of God as directed in Colossians 3: 23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”

Anticipated Days and Hours Worked: Sundays-Thursdays, as well as other times as necessary for ministry. The execution of normal duties and responsibilities will sometimes require 40+ hours per week and will include Sundays and Christian holidays. Incorporating appropriate sabbath time into your schedule should be planned with the supervisor and coordinated with the Student Ministry Team and other church staff.   

Compensation: First Presbyterian Church compensates competitively both in terms of salary and benefits (health insurance, paid time off, professional development/tuition assistance). The range is based upon experience and is available upon request. Maximum salary is $60,000.

Apply online: firstpreshbg.org/employment

First Pres is a Presbyterian church in the heart of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded in 1789, we have a long history of serving our neighbors in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. 

We love God and love people. Join us as we worship God, follow Jesus and serve our community.