Jr. Pastor

Position: Jr. High Pastor
Location: Linda

Campus: Yorba Linda

Church Size: 6000+
Ministry Scope: 6th – 8th Grade Ministry

Compensation: $60,000-$65,000 Annually

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Position Summary

The Junior High Director/Pastor is a relational leader and disciple-maker who builds and leads a thriving ministry for 6th–8th grade students. This leader empowers volunteers, equips parents, and creates environments where students encounter Jesus, build meaningful friendships, and take steps to live out their faith. Partnering with the Next Gen team, the Junior High Director/Pastor helps shape a holistic discipleship strategy that inspires students to gather in worship, grow in groups, and go serve the world.

About

Friends Church

Friends Church is a growing, multi-generational community located in North Orange County, California. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world. We believe the next generation matters—and we are passionate about helping students and families know and follow Jesus.

What You’ll Do Lead with Vision and Strategy

• Partner with Next Gen leadership to align junior high ministry with the mission of Friends Church.
• Provide direct leadership and support for all aspects of JHM programming, camps, spiritual formation, and events.
• Build a culture where every student has a caring leader and a safe place to belong.

Champion Student Discipleship

• Oversee weekly junior high gatherings (weekend services, Wednesday nights, and small groups), ensuring excellence in teaching, worship, small groups, and hospitality.
• Develop and implement a discipleship pathway that helps students grow in Christ and take ownership of their faith.
• Provide pastoral care to students and families, especially in times of need, while connecting them to additional resources as appropriate.

Develop and Empower Leaders

• Recruit, train, equip, and shepherd volunteer leaders, cultivating a strong leadership culture.
• Create leadership pathways for students and volunteers to step into greater responsibility.
• Provide regular training, coaching, and encouragement for leaders to thrive in ministry.
• Oversee, develop, and coach the Junior High Associate, providing clear direction, ongoing feedback, and opportunities for growth. Ensure their work is aligned with the overall vision and goals of the Junior High Ministry.

Engage and Partner with Parents

• Build meaningful relationships with parents, offering encouragement, communication, and support.
• Create opportunities and resources that help parents disciple their junior high students at home.
• Partner with the Next Gen and Discipleship teams to connect parents into groups and broader church community.

Create Life-Changing Experiences

• Lead the planning and execution of camps and outreach opportunities.
• Provide safe, fun, and spiritually engaging experiences that help students connect deeply with God and one another.
• Champion service opportunities that help students live out their faith locally and globally.

Collaborate Church-Wide

• Work closely with Next Gen, Hospitality, and discipleship teams to ensure alignment with the broader church vision.
• Participate in and contribute to church-wide events (Family Fun Fest, Tree Lighting, Baptism Celebrations, etc.).
• Partner with Friends Christian Middle School to build bridges of influence with junior high students and families.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate follower of Jesus with a heart for junior high students and their families.
• A strategic leader who thrives in developing teams and building community.
• Strong communicator, both on stage and in personal interactions.
• Organized, creative, and collaborative, with the ability to execute both details and vision.
• Team‑oriented, humble, and adaptable in a fast‑paced ministry environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education, or related field required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in student ministry (preferably junior high) in a mid‑to large‑sized church.
• Experience recruiting, equipping, and leading teams of volunteers.

Join Our Team

If you’re called to invest in the next generation and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, we’d love to meet you. Come help us…