Student Ministry Pastor​/Director

Student Ministry Pastor/Director – First Baptist Church Grove City, Ohio

First Baptist Church Grove City is currently searching for the next Student Ministry Director/Pastor to disciple, train, equip, and send the next generation. Grove City is located south of Columbus and maintains a small community feel while experiencing significant growth.

Bachelor’s degree in ministry, biblical studies, or a related field preferred but not required.

Experience in leading a student ministry is ideal; strong internship or residency experience at least is preferred. Experience in counseling and/or willingness to grow in this area.

• Prepare and deliver engaging, Bible-based messages weekly for middle and high school students.
• Lead engaging, safe, and structured weekly gatherings that include teaching, worship, small groups, and fellowship.
• Create an atmosphere where both churched and unchurched students feel welcomed, known, and able to process real life through a biblical lens.
• Build on the existing foundation while introducing improvements that move the ministry toward intentional discipleship, engagement and outreach.
• Provide shared oversight to UPWARD Sports ministry.

• Recruit, train, equip, and retain adult volunteers and student leaders.
• Provide ongoing spiritual leadership and discipleship to volunteers, helping them grow as leaders first.
• Lead regular volunteer meetings and annual vision casting to create alignment and momentum.
• Foster a team-oriented culture marked by ownership, clarity, and relational investment.

• Build meaningful relationships and community with students through consistent presence, mentorship, and leadership.
• Encourage spiritual growth, evangelism, and biblical maturity among students.
• Partner with parents and caregivers as the primary disciple-makers, equipping and supporting them in that role.
• Provide and solicit pastoral care as needed, including prayer, crisis response, and family support.

• Plan and execute events such as camps, retreats, mission opportunities, service projects, and outreach opportunities.
• Manage event logistics including budgeting, communication, promotion, and execution.
• Ensure all environments are clear, engaging, and aligned with the overall ministry strategy.

• Report to the Executive Pastor of Discipleship and Administration and work closely with pastoral and ministry staff to align student ministry with the broader mission and vision of the church and discipleship strategy.
• Communicate consistently and clearly with parents and caregivers to build trust and engagement.
• Participate in staff meetings, prayer rhythms, and broader church initiatives.
• Contribute to the overall life of the church beyond student ministry as needed.

• Develop and maintain systems for scheduling, communication, and follow-up.
• Track attendance, engagement, and ministry effectiveness to drive decisions.
• Balance time effectively between student ministry responsibilities and broader church involvement.

• Demonstrates a mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, modeling spiritual leadership, consistency, and integrity in both personal life and ministry.
• Align with FBC Grove City’s statement of faith, leadership and ministry philosophy.
• Experience leading student ministry environments, including preparing and preaching messages, building ministry structure, and discipleship.
• Engaging and growing communicator with the ability to clearly teach Scripture and connect with students in a meaningful and applicable way.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and lead volunteer teams, creating ownership and multiplying leaders over time.
• Relationally strong with high emotional intelligence, able to build trust with students, parents, caregivers, and volunteers while navigating challenges wisely.
• Self-starter who takes initiative, owns the ministry, and moves things forward without needing constant direction.
• Creative, forward-thinking leader who can design engaging environments and bring fresh vision while staying aligned with the church’s mission.
• Proven ability to lead through change, not just maintain existing systems, with the wisdom to communicate clearly and bring people along.
• Strong organizational instincts with the ability to create clarity, follow through, and maintain consistent ministry rhythms.
• Team-oriented leader who collaborates well with staff, contributes to church-wide initiatives, and addresses issues directly and constructively.
• Live life on-mission and be burdened for the nations.