Student Pastor

Student Pastor – Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland, FL

Heritage Baptist Church is seeking a Student Pastor to join our existing team that serves our growing community of Lakeland, Florida. The position requires a four-year college degree with preference given to those candidates who have a seminary degree and/or three or more years’ experience ministering to students.

Candidates need to display a commitment to sound doctrine and be in agreement with the doctrine and practices of Heritage Baptist Church. Candidates must have a heart for service, the capacity to teach the Scriptures, and are relational with a strong desire to connect with people. The ideal candidate will be a strong spiritual leader who is married to a godly wife. This is a high intensity role which requires an individual with keen administrative skills. In addition, this position requires long term calendar planning and the oversight of an annual budget.

Our church is a unique, multi-generational body of believers that is passionate about the Scriptures and is committed to the teaching and practical application of God’s Word. We are an intentionally discipleship-oriented church that seeks to engage our covenant members in community and evangelize our lost world. Accordingly, during our church’s forty-five-year history, we have consistently displayed a strong commitment to both local and global missions. We have sent out twenty-seven members to serve as full-time vocational missionaries, and our unified budget currently supports twenty-two missionary units and five local agencies.

The city of Lakeland has a growing population of over 115,000 people (~750,000 in Polk County), and is located between two major metropolitan cities—Tampa and Orlando. Lakeland is home to four college campuses—Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Polk State College, and Florida Polytechnic University. In addition, our city strikes a unique balance between new innovation and historic development. Despite Florida’s stereotype as a hub for retirement, the average age in Lakeland is only 40. Its variety of parks and recreation offerings combined with diverse education options make it a great place to raise a family. The historic downtown area offers local eateries, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, and some of the largest events and festivals in central Florida. With an average temperature of 79 degrees, we enjoy consistent outdoor activity and are located only about an hour from the beach. In short, Lakeland is an ethnically diverse, culturally integrated, and affordable community that makes it an ideal location to call home.

Ministry description:

The major area of responsibility will entail oversight of ministry to Middle and High School students. He will report directly to the Associate Pastor of Discipleship.

Personal Background:

• Bachelor’s degree required; seminary training preferred.
• A married man with a godly wife.
• Has ministry experience (more than 3 years preferred)

1. Has faitfully taught the scripture
2. Has personally discipled students
3. Has effectively built and/or coordianted a leadership team
4. Has thoughtfully managed a budegt

Personal Characteristics:

• Fulfills the character qualities of 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1 and is demonstrably growing in Christ-like maturity.
• Is a godly husband (and father, if applicable) who loves his family and can balance ministry and home life responsibilities.
• Has a commitment to sound doctrine and is in agreement with the doctrinal statement of Heritage.
• Has a deep passion for the Word of God that is compelling to others.
• Has a deep passion to reach the lost for Christ and has a proven background in this area.
• Has a deep love for students and a discipleship mindset.
• Is committed to building students into spiritual leaders.
• Is a strong leader who connects with teens and who students will follow.
• Is a strong leader who is not intimidated by lay leaders but rather will empower other adults to leverage their gifts and talents in ministry.
• Is a trusted steward of his personal finances and cheerfully gives to the local church.

Ministry Competencies:

• Has a good theological mind and is a skilled teacher/communicator of the Word of God who is able to communicate the Scriptures effectively to students.
• Has exceptional people skills to build relationships with students, parents, and lay leaders.
• Has effective administrative skills in the planning of events, mission trips, and community outreach.
• Is able to communicate with teens, parents, lay leaders, and fellow staff members.
• Is able to be trusted with the spiritual growth of over 100 students and a leadership team of 25.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Office programs, with the capacity to use ministry specific technology tools.
• Has the ability to articulate a clear understanding of cultural trends and discern how to minister effectively.
• Has the ability to partner with parents/guardians and work with families.
• Has a philosophy of ministry that is consistent with Heritage’s Council of Elders and Pastoral Staff.

The candidate who earns this position will represent a church whose heartbeat is to glorify God by making disciples through gospel-centered worship, gospel-formed community, and gospel-driven service. Feel free to visit our website at www.hbclakeland.com.

If you have a strong desire to come alongside parents and families in the discipleship of middle and high school students and meet the requirements listed here, please email your resume and cover letter to dvancamp@hbclakeland.com.