Associate Pastor of Family Ministry

Associate Pastor of Family Ministry

First Baptist Church Ashdown is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor of Family Ministry to help shepherd and disciple the next generation of our church. This pastor will provide leadership and oversight to ministries serving children and youth (ages 0–18) while equipping parents and volunteers to play an active role in the spiritual formation of young people. We desire a man who is committed to the authority of Scripture, passionate about raising up disciples, and eager to help families cultivate a Christ-centered home.

Rather than carrying out every aspect of ministry himself, the Associate Pastor will focus on training, organizing, and supporting members of the congregation to serve and disciple the next generation. He will also assist the Lead Pastor in the broader shepherding of the church through teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.

Provide leadership, discipleship, and pastoral care for children, youth, and their families (ages 0–18).

• Provide leadership for the discipleship of children, youth, and families by equipping parents and volunteers to lead Bible studies, small groups, and ministry activities.
• Provide oversight and coordination for youth and children’s ministries, including Sunday School, midweek gatherings, retreats, camps, and mission opportunities, primarily through teams of trained volunteers.
• Provide direct leadership to the children’s ministry and oversight of the youth ministry.
• Develop and implement a vision and strategy for spiritual growth and evangelism among children, youth, and their families in alignment with the church’s overall mission.
• Equip and support parents as the primary disciplers of their children (Deut. 6:4–9; Eph. 6:4).
• Recruit, train, and equip adult volunteers to serve in children’s and youth ministries, cultivating future leaders within the church.
• Maintain regular engagement with children, youth, and families for discipleship, encouragement, and support.
• Identify, mentor, and develop emerging leaders within the church to serve in children’s and youth ministries.

• Assist the Lead Pastor in advancing the overall vision and ministry of the church.
• Meet regularly with the Lead Pastor for planning, encouragement, and accountability.
• Provide feedback and ideas to strengthen Sunday morning worship services.
• Assist with organizing and strengthening the church’s discipleship and educational ministries.
• Preach in the main worship service several times per year (approximately 5–10 times annually).
• Help with other aspects of church leadership as needed.

• Provide pastoral counseling to youth, children, and their families when needed.
• Visit families in their homes for encouragement and discipleship.
• Assist with weddings, funerals, and other pastoral care responsibilities as needed.
• Provide pastoral support and encouragement to members of the congregation.

• Pursue continued growth in pastoral ministry through mentorship, study, and training.
• Regular mentorship and theological study with the Lead Pastor.
• Participation in conferences, ministry training, or formal theological education as appropriate.

• Assisting with small groups or discipleship ministries.
• Supporting outreach and missions.
• Helping with technology or A/V.
• Other ministry opportunities as determined in collaboration with the Lead Pastor.

Because this position carries pastoral responsibilities, the man serving in this role should demonstrate a clear calling to pastoral ministry and a desire to serve the local church long‑term. He should meet the biblical character qualifications for church leadership described in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, and he should aspire to grow as a shepherd, teacher, and servant of the church.

While the primary focus of this role is Family Ministry, the Associate Pastor will also participate in the broader pastoral work of the church, including teaching, occasional preaching, and assisting the Lead Pastor in the spiritual care of the congregation. Our desire is to invest in and develop a man who senses a calling to pastoral ministry and who may grow in responsibility and leadership over time.