Director/Pastor of Student Ministries

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Director (or Pastor) of Student Ministries will shepherd and lead the middle school & high school students of Oak Pointe Church Canton as well as the volunteer team that works with these age groups. This person is responsible for partnering with families to equip the students to know Jesus and make Him known. 

The role of the Director of Student Ministries (DSM) is to plan, execute, and equip all elements of the student ministry including weekly student ministry programming, training & leadership of volunteers, training & leadership of student leaders, executing occasional outreach events, and working in conjunction with our network of churches to craft camps and retreats. In addition, this role will work closely with other staff members of Oak Pointe Canton to help execute the ministry of the church. Depending upon the gifting, passion, and experience of the individual candidate, further opportunities to shepherd at the church level may become available. 

STATUS:

Full-time. Can also consider starting part-time with a plan to move toward full-time.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The DSM reports to the Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Canton. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The DSM works closely with the Lead Pastor and the rest of the staff at Oak Pointe Canton. In addition, the DSM will maintain close communication and cooperation with the various student ministry pastors and directors within the Oak Pointe Family of Churches. 

CHARACTER:

The DSM should demonstrate character qualities in line with a disciple of Jesus Christ. They should seek to love God and love people, to be authentic in relationships, and to live out a commitment to practicing the way of Jesus in their own life.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Bachelors degree required. Some formal theological and/or ministry training preferred.
2. EXPERIENCE: Must have experience working with students in some capacity and have demonstrated the ability to build & lead teams, cast vision, develop strategic plans, and manage the day-to-day operations of a ministry.
3. REQUIREMENTS: Attend Oak Pointe Canton, affirm our mission statement, values, and statement of beliefs.
4. CHARACTERISTICS: Maturing in the faith, grounded in daily practices of the faith, committed to the mission of Jesus, and committed to life in community with others.
5. COMPETENCIES: Strong communicator and leader. Able to remain organized, and to plan in advance. Comfortable relating to and leading both students and adults. 
6. CHEMISTRY: Good fit with Oak Pointe Canton staff team. Is a proven team player who supports other ministries within the church.
7. CALLING: Views this role as a ministry and senses God’s direction into this position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

STUDENT MINISTRY PROGRAMMING

• Design, plan, execute, and evaluate weekly student ministries program (currently held on Sundays from 11:30am-1:30pm). 

• Write & deliver messages.
• Prepare leaders for group discussion.
• Prepare & execute games and other activities.

• Design, plan, execute, and evaluate camps and retreats throughout the year in cooperation with the youth ministry staffs in the family of churches.
• Design, plan, execute, and evaluate outreach events for students to invite their friends.
• Promote ministry and events via announcements, social media, website, etc. 
• Communicate regularly with volunteers, parents, students, and church at large via email, text service, and social media.
• Be a student of youth culture and effective practices in student ministry.

EQUIPPING

• Equip student leaders in sharing the gospel with their unbelieving friends and in encouraging/discipling their believing friends.
• Equip adult volunteers to shepherd well and disciple the students through training and teaching in the context of regular meetings.
• Provide support for parents in discipling their children in the home. 

STAFF

• Attend and participate in the weekly staff meeting and various other staff meetings.
• Attend weekend services and assist in shepherding the people of Oak Pointe Canton.
• Assist with Sunday morning preparations. 
• Assist with occasional church community events and outreaches.