Summary: The Student Ministries Pastor (SMP) leads or oversees all ministries created for and directed toward middle school (grades 6 – 8), high school (grades 9 –12), and college and career young adults (ages 18 – 26). The SMP will ensure that Student Ministries provides an environment where students can, in age-appropriate ways, Discover a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, Connect with caring, like minded believers, Grow in spiritual, emotional, and relational maturity, and Serve each other, the local community, and the world together. The mission of Student Ministries will be to honor God by developing more disciple-making followers of Jesus Christ.

I. Qualifications
a. Must possess and be able to communicate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and at least three years of experience of growth in maturity.
b. Must practice the disciplines of regular, personal Bible study, worship, fellowship, and prayer. Must have met or be able to meet the church’s requirements for official membership, including baptism by immersion.
c. Possesses a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in biblical or theological studies or student ministry. (May be waived for experience.)
d. Demonstrates experience leading a student ministry of 50 or more.
e. Demonstrates a call of God and passion for students’ spiritual growth.
f. Able to speak, write, and teach clearly, effectively, and appropriately, including sharing the Gospel and encouraging students to respond.
g. Ability to relate well and work effectively with students, adult leaders, parents, other church staff, and volunteers, as well as the community.
h. Able to disciple students and volunteer staff in an organized process.
i. Able to cast a compelling, challenging, and engaging vision to students to encourage them to grow in their faith in and love for Jesus Christ.
j. Able to recruit and train adult and student leaders to serve in ministry.
k. Able to agree fully and comply with the mission, vision, statement of faith, and priorities as stated in the Church Bylaws and Guiding Principles.
l. Able to pass initial and periodic thorough background examinations.

Responsibilities
Middle School and High School
a. Leads, oversees, and promotes the ongoing spiritual growth of students.
b. Establishes a core set of topics to be covered in a multi-year plan.
c. Ensures biblical teaching is provided at weekly student events.
d. Creates opportunities for student discipleship in small groups.
e. Plans and implements quarterly special events for outreach and growth.
f. Plans and implements at least one summer and one winter retreat.
g. Plans and implements at least one mission or service project.
h. Plans and implements at least one annual student leader training.
i. Trains students and adult volunteers in age-appropriate evangelism.
j. Recruits and trains adult volunteers, interns, and additional ministry staff, as needed, to support the overall mission of Student Ministries.
k. Regularly connects with other area student ministry leaders for the purpose of creating joint activities, networking, and sharing resources.

College and Career
Currently, Encompass Church does not draw a large number of young, single adults, ages 18 to 26, but growth is occurring. As time allows and growth brings more young adults, the SMP may be asked to explore ways of establishing a ministry for college and/or career young adults.

General Responsibilities
a. Plans and participates in periodic safety trainings for adult leaders.
b. Attends and participates fully in regular church staff meetings.
c. Maintains relational availability to students, parents, and staff.
d. Supports the church staff in accomplishing the church’s mission.

III. Relationships
a. Reports to the Senior Pastor of Encompass Church.
b. Oversees Student Ministries leaders (paid and volunteer).
c. Coordinates with Encompass Church staff and leaders.

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