Pastor of Student Ministries

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Youth Pastor will oversee SEVEN Student Ministries, which serves students in grades 6–12. This role provides leadership, vision, and pastoral care for students, volunteer leaders, and parents—ensuring that every student is known, loved, and invited into a personal and growing relationship with Jesus.

You’ll lead a dynamic Wednesday night program, oversee life groups, develop student leaders, collaborate with staff, and equip volunteers to disciple students. The Youth Pastor will also partner with the Next Gen Pastor to align student ministry within Northbrook’s larger discipleship model.

Key Responsibilities

1. Student Discipleship & Programming

· Lead, teach, and coordinate weekly Wednesday night student gatherings (SEVEN) with excellence and creativity

· Design environments and experiences that help students:

o Discover who God is

o Grow in their faith

o Share their lives with others

· Oversee Life Groups for students, including leader recruitment, training, and student connection

· Provide regular opportunities for spiritual growth including retreats, camps, baptism nights, service projects, and mission trips

2. Volunteer Leadership

· Recruit, train, and equip a team of passionate, committed adult leaders

· Develop a culture of discipleship over chaperoning

· Provide clear expectations, support, and ongoing encouragement for leaders

3. Student Leadership Development

· Create pathways for student leaders to serve, lead, and disciple their peers

· Mentor and empower students to use their gifts within the church and community

4. Parent Partnership

· Build relationships with parents and equip them as primary disciplers of their students

· Host parent nights, communicate regularly, and offer spiritual/parenting resources

5. Ministry Alignment & Collaboration

· Partner with the Next Gen Pastor to ensure alignment with the church-wide formation pathway

· Collaborate with other ministry teams (worship, communications, operations, etc.)

· Participate in all-staff meetings, prayer, and events as a valued team member

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are a relational, Spirit-led leader with a heart for the next generation. You’re energized by students, love developing leaders, and are both strategic and spontaneous. You’re passionate about discipleship that’s authentic, reproducible, and rooted in the gospel—and you’re not afraid to laugh, lead games, or get messy for the sake of ministry.

Qualifications

· A growing and mature relationship with Jesus Christ

· A clear calling and passion for youth ministry

· Minimum 3 years of full-time student ministry experience (preferred)

· Bachelor’s degree in ministry or related field (theological training a plus)

· Strong communicator and Bible teacher for youth audiences

· Proven ability to recruit, lead, and multiply volunteer teams

· Able to lead through both vision and details

· Experience working in a medium-to-large church context is a plus

Weekly Rhythms

· Wednesday Nights – SEVEN Youth Ministry (student gathering)

· Sunday Mornings – Life Groups / Family ministry touchpoints

· Weekdays – Planning, meeting with leaders, team collaboration, parent care

· Annual Events – Winter Retreat, Summer Camp, Outreach nights, etc.

You’ll Love This Role If You…

Thrive in a team environment
Love both middle school AND high school students
Believe discipleship is more than just great events
Work hard and don't need to be micromanaged
Can lead with both fun AND depth
Are looking for a church that values innovation, authenticity, and family