Student Discipleship Pastor; Youth Pastor), lia, CA

Thrive Church in Visalia, California is prayerfully seeking a passionate and spiritually grounded Student Discipleship Pastor (Youth Pastor) to lead and develop a thriving discipleship ministry for students and families.

We are a life‑giving, relational church committed to helping people encounter Jesus, grow in authentic community, and live on mission. Our heart for student ministry is not entertainment‑driven, but formation‑centered. We believe students are called to become disciples of Jesus who learn to live in proximity to Him and participate fully in the life and mission of the church.

The Student Discipleship Pastor provides spiritual leadership and strategic oversight for middle school and high school ministry, partnering closely with families, volunteers, and church leadership to create a culture of discipleship, belonging, and spiritual formation.

This pastor will report directly to the Lead Pastor and collaborate with the pastoral team to ensure alignment with the church’s mission, vision, and core practices.

• Lead weekly student discipleship gatherings focused on Scripture, prayer, worship, and spiritual formation.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive discipleship pathway for students and their families.
• Recruit, train, and care for adult volunteer leaders and student leaders.
• Build meaningful relationships with students and families, providing pastoral care and spiritual guidance.
• Partner with parents and guardians to support faith formation in the home.
• Coordinate student events, retreats, camps, and outreach opportunities.
• Integrate students into the broader life of the church, including worship, service, and mission.
• Collaborate with other ministry leaders to create intergenerational connection and continuity of discipleship.

Thrive Church models ministry after Acts 2:42 to 47 and emphasizes:

• Prayer
• Devotional life
• Worship
• Story and testimony
• Relational connection
• Gathering and community
• Disciple making
• Releasing and sending disciples

Our student ministry is shaped by spiritual formation, trauma‑aware pastoral care, and relational leadership.

• A clear call to student and family discipleship ministry.
• A growing and vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Experience in youth ministry, student leadership, or discipleship development.
• Strong relational and communication skills with students, families, and volunteers.
• Ability to lead, equip, and encourage teams.
• Alignment with the Church of God doctrine and polity.
• Willingness to pursue or maintain Church of God credentialing.
• Ministry training or theological education preferred.

Thrive Church is a Church of God congregation in Visalia, California, focused on becoming a community that forms disciples who live close to Jesus, grow in wholeness, and engage their city with hope. Our leadership culture is rooted in humility, collaboration, and spiritual health.

Please send a resume and brief ministry philosophy to: