Student Minister

Primary Objective of this Position:

To provide leadership in creating and sustaining an environment that facilitates and nurtures the spiritual growth of Heritage’s 6th -12th grade students and their families.

Introduction:

The mission of Heritage Church of Christ is to lead people into a thriving relationship with Jesus by connecting them to God, to one another, and to purpose. With that goal in mind, the student minister at Heritage will coordinate our congregation’s efforts to help students build those relationships. The student minister is empowered and entrusted to develop a balanced program that gives students opportunity to:

•  first, feel safe and welcomed by warm relationships with others;
• second, to experience and learn about God’s love and develop their own love for Him;
• and third, to share God’s love with others by serving inside and outside the student ministry, and learning to be a connector, helping others in HSM receive the love and relationship they received.

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

1. Actively develop a team of adults to collaborate in shaping the direction of the ministry and in facilitating ministry events.
2. Plan and provide Bible classes and other learning opportunities that are bible-based, creative, and relevant to students. This involves teaching as well as recruiting and equipping others to do the same.
3. Coordinate and facilitate special events which promote spiritual growth, build a sense of community in the student ministry, and create experiences which encourage our students to serve God by serving others.
4. Provide opportunities for the students to develop supportive relationships with each other.
5. Effectively communicate the ministry’s schedule, goals, and opportunities on a regular basis with students, volunteers, parents, staff & shepherds.
6. Provide regular training, resources, and encouragement for volunteers who work with the student ministry.
7. Develop/maintain an atmosphere at all student activities that encourages teens to reach out to their peers and other generations in positive ways.
8. Provide the appropriate teaching and counseling to students and families regarding familial relationships, life circumstances, and church direction and leadership.
9. Actively support the direction and vision of the Heritage church as a whole and prioritize partnership with other Heritage ministries with the goal of engaging students into the body-life of the larger congregation.
10. Actively participate as a professional, contributing member of the Heritage leadership and ministry team. This includes pastoral duties, church and staff-wide projects, and other responsibilities assigned by the senior minister.
11. Maintain and direct the student ministry budget, keeping accurate records and ensuring appropriate stewardship of those resources.

Candidate Characteristics

• A dedicated disciple with a faith background in Restoration Movement churches (Churches of Christ and Christian Churches)
• Preference given to college graduates, especially with a Bible/Ministry degree
• Preference given to candidates with 3+ years of full-time student ministry experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Committed to the truth that salvation is offered by grace through faith.
• Godly Character – Displays personal integrity and unquestioned moral character.
• Strong Bible knowledge and obvious personal Bible study habits.
• Good Financial Steward, having managed his financial assets with wisdom.
• Seeking a Long-term Relationship with Heritage.
• A visionary leader willing to adapt to the needs of the congregation.
• Warm and genuine personality with people skills, able to relate to all ages.
• Acts as a consensus builder and team player in resolving conflicts over Biblical and organizational issues.

There are a few things you should know about Heritage Church of Christ before you apply:

1. We are convinced that the grace of God is offered to all people.
2. We are convinced that the grace of God is enough for all people.
3. We are passionate about our calling to lead unchurched people into a relationship with Jesus

Heritage has a long history of love for Christ, and we are always working to adapt our ministry strategies to reach new neighbors with His Gospel. A spirit of willingness to try new things to reach new people is part of the DNA of our church.

As we begin this process of adding a new staff member to work with 6th-12th grade students and their families plus a team of volunteers, our goal is to discern God’s call. We recognize that ministers and congregations have personalities, needs, and unique visions. It is critical for there to be a good match between you, the ministry staff, and the culture of the congregation if we are to partner together. It is to this end that we are approaching the search process in a spirit of prayer and communal discernment.