Youth Pastor

Student Pastor About the Student Pastor

The Student Pastor’s main responsibility is to lead and disciple middle and high school students (grades 6–12) and their families. The Student Pastor will serve under the direction of the Senior Pastor and in collaboration with the church staff to fulfill our mission of Worship God, Make Disciples, and Serve Others. The ideal candidate is a biblically grounded, gospel-centered leader who loves students, parents, and volunteers, and who is committed to equipping the next generation to know Christ and live for Him.

• Lead and pastor the church’s student ministry (grades 6–12), including weekly Bible study, discipleship gatherings, small groups, and large-group events tailored to the spiritual needs of students in our church and community.
• Proactively reach unchurched students in Okeechobee and surrounding areas with the gospel, inviting them into the life of the church and helping them grow as followers of Jesus.
• Recruit, train, equip, and shepherd a team of adult volunteers and leaders who will faithfully minister to students.
• In collaboration with the Senior Pastor and church leadership, develop and manage an annual student ministry budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Design, evaluate, and oversee age‑appropriate curriculum, programs, events, retreats, camps, mission trips, and fundraisers that align with Scripture and the church’s doctrinal statement.
• Partner with the Family Pastor to equip parents in discipling their students and addressing the spiritual and relational needs of families.
• Provide biblical counseling, mentoring, and pastoral care to students and families as needed, including crisis intervention and referral when appropriate.
• Participate in general pastoral duties (e.g., weddings, funerals, hospital visitation, member care) as needed.
• Develop and communicate a clear, long‑term vision for student ministry that supports and advances the overall vision of FBC Okeechobee.
• Regularly communicate with church leadership and the congregation about student ministry developments, needs, and victories.
• Foster ministry opportunities for students within the broader church family (e.g., serving in children’s ministry, worship team, outreach events, etc.).
• Engage appropriately in local schools and community events to build relationships and demonstrate Christ’s love.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, retreats, and church‑wide events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Bachelor’s degree in ministry, biblical studies, Christian education, or a related field (seminary or Bible college training strongly preferred).

3–5 years of experience in student ministry (or equivalent pastoral/leadership experience working with youth).

A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ, evidence of a growing personal relationship with Him, and a calling to student ministry.

A lifestyle that meets the biblical qualifications for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 2 Timothy 2:1–7).

Agreement with and commitment to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

Theological Foundation:
The candidate must be theologically sound and align completely with the church’s conservative, SBC‑aligned beliefs. He must hold a traditional view of marriage, abstain from alcohol, and prioritize biblical literacy.

Preaching and Teaching:
He must be highly skilled at explaining biblical history and communicating theology in an engaging, relatable way to teenagers.

Self‑Starter:
The candidate must be driven, hardworking, and capable of managing his responsibilities without micromanagement.

Relational & Fun‑Loving:
He must be energetic and comfortable building relationships within the congregation and with those outside of the church family.

Cultural Fit:
The ideal candidate must appreciate and embrace Southern, small‑town life and outdoor culture. The ability to relate well to students, parents, volunteers, and church staff.

Teammate:
He should be a leader with “low fences” who takes the initiative to invest in the entirety of the church, with a heart to serve. Also, the ability to lead and manage teams, train volunteers and those in the congregation.

Servant Leader:
He must exude a heart of service that reflects how Jesus modeled leadership, looking to serve his teammates and volunteer teams as well as those in the congregation.

Strong interpersonal skills with excellent communication, organizational, and administrative skills.