Pastor of Discipleship and Family Formation

Position Summary

First Reformed Church exists to make disciples of Jesus who love, grow, and go. The Director of Discipleship and Family Formation will help create clear pathways for discipleship, community, family formation, leadership development, and pastoral care. The female or male in this role will give particular attention to adults approximately 25‑45 years of age and their children, helping people move from first‑time attendance toward belonging, spiritual growth, service, and mature discipleship.

Working closely with the Lead Pastor, staff, elders, and ministry leaders, this position will strengthen ministries to young adults, parents, and children while equipping volunteers and families to participate in the work of discipleship.

We believe disciples are formed through worship, Scripture, prayer, the sacraments, Christian community, service, and mission. This role will help cultivate a church where people Love God and one another, Grow into the likeness of Christ, and Go into our neighborhoods and the world as faithful witnesses to Jesus.

Reports to the Lead Pastor. Works collaboratively with the elders, church staff, Children's Ministry Director, Preschool Director, Hope Community leaders, and ministry volunteers.

1. Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

Provide leadership for the overall discipleship pathway of First Reformed Church.

• Develop opportunities and resources that encourage growth through Scripture, prayer, worship, community, service, and witness.
• Equip members to become disciples who make disciples.
• Work with the Lead Pastor to align preaching, Hope Communities, and other ministries around the church's discipleship vision.

2. Family Formation & Children's Ministry

Provide leadership and strategic oversight for ministry to young adults, parents, children, and families.

• Partner closely with the Children's Ministry Director to strengthen children's ministry and develop volunteers.
• Equip parents as primary disciple-makers in the home and develop resources that help families practice faith together.
• Build intentional relationships with young adults, parents, and families connected to the First Reformed Church preschool.

3. Hope Communities & Leadership Development

Provide leadership for Hope Communities while developing volunteers and ministry leaders throughout the church.

• Recruit, train, coach, and encourage Hope Community leaders and help establish new communities as the congregation grows.
• Develop sermon-connected discipleship resources with the Lead Pastor.
• Identify, equip, and encourage volunteers and emerging leaders to use their gifts in the life and mission of the church.

4. Assimilation, Membership & Pastoral Care

Help people become known, connected, and cared for within the life of First Reformed Church.

• Strengthen the pathway from first‑time guest to active participation and membership.
• Coordinate membership classes and walk alongside individuals and families considering membership or baptism.
• Share with the Lead Pastor, elders, and care ministry in visitation, prayer, crisis care, weddings, funerals, and other significant pastoral moments.

5. Teaching & Ministry Support

Support the Lead Pastor and broader ministry of First Reformed Church through teaching, worship leadership, and collaborative ministry.

• Preach approximately 4-6 Sundays per year, depending upon ministry needs and the gifts of the individual.
• Teach Bible studies, discipleship classes, membership classes, and other gatherings.
• Assist with baptisms, communion, and other worship responsibilities as appropriate, and participate as a collaborative member of the staff team.

• A growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Agreement with the historic Christian faith and willingness to serve within the Reformed theological tradition and ministry of First Reformed Church.
• Demonstrated gifts in discipleship, teaching, shepherding, relational leadership, and volunteer development.
• A passion for young adults, parents, children, and family formation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Previous church ministry experience, theological education, small-group leadership, family ministry experience, and seminary training is preferred but not required. Ordination is not required. Candidates who are ordained, pursuing ordination, or interested in exploring an appropriate denominational pathway are encouraged to apply.

We seek a leader who is…