Pastor/Director of Jr. High Student Discipleship

Reports to: Executive Pastor of Family Discipleship

Status: Full Time

Position Objective: To shepherd students and families toward a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and increased levels of commitment to Christ and the church (Follow Christ, Grow Together, Serve Others and Reach the World) by providing leadership to the Student Discipleship ministries of the church.

Explanation of Position Objective:

  1. "To shepherd students and families toward a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and increased levels of commitment to Christ and the church...": It is expected, first and foremost, that the person who fills this position is committed to the high calling of shepherding God's flock. In that, he should be recognized by the church as one who meets and exemplifies the characteristics of an Elder in the church (I Timothy 3, Titus 1). Furthermore, he must be significantly committed to the ongoing discipleship of students and families in the church. Shepherd-leadership requires personal commitment to one's own spiritual growth as well as the possession of the professional ability to guide others toward spiritual vibrancy and protection. This leader is to make it their task to shepherd God's people in the specific areas of disciple-making, faith and knowledge development, volunteer service and family discipleship understanding and practice. By working with volunteers and fellow staff members, this leader will help the Harvest family maintain and increase their calling to make disciples of every person at every developmental level. This position requires a pastoral leader who is missional in his personal commitments and who thrives in helping others pursue relationship with Christ and involvement in the church.

  2. "...by providing leadership to the Student's Discipleship ministries of the church": Furthermore, it is expected that this person should be gifted and committed to providing direction, vision and accountability to others under their leadership. The ability to cast vision, help others develop and implement practical goals and objectives, and the commitment to hold personnel and programs to stated levels of accountability are vital in this role of leadership. This individual will be responsible for the leadership, management, administration and coordination of all Student's Discipleship ministries from 6th-8th grade. He will be effective as he mobilizes volunteers in the weekly Discipleship ministries and as he equips families and leaders to increase in their knowledge and practice of the discipleship of students. By philosophy, Harvest's approach to student's discipleship recognizes the primary role of disciple-maker that belongs to the parents. Thus, our approach is to equip, encourage and exhort parents to take up this God-given role and privilege while coming alongside them to supplement and provide resources that strengthen such discipleship in their homes.

Spiritual and Character Qualifications:
The Pastor/Director of Jr. High Student Discipleship should:

  • Have a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a passionate, growing, personal relationship with Him

  • Have a history of moral purity

  • Be a self-starter with drive, passion and initiative

  • Be teachable and willing to be held accountable

  • Be a team player with a positive attitude

  • Be a ministry partner willing to voice concern and disagreement in a respectful way while following accepted relationships of responsibility, leadership and team commitment

  • Be a covenant member, or willing to become a covenant member, of Harvest Church and work under the direction of the Elders and Pastors

  • Be fully committed to the doctrine, vision and philosophy of Harvest Church

Position Description:
Leadership, Vision and Administration:

  • In coordination with Student Discipleship & Family Discipleship teams; plan, implement, and direct assigned aspects of Jr. High student ministry at Harvest Church.

  • Participate in creating a compelling vision as a cohesive part of t overall vision of Harvest Church.

  • Form measurable objectives and ministry benchmarks as a part of the vision

  • Build an accurate budget reflecting objectives and goals ensuring effective and efficient use of funds and resources.

  • Develop weekly ministry plans including preparation for games, teaching, small groups, etc.

  • In cooperation with the Student Discipleship & Family Discipleship team, plan and execute other ministry activities as assigned.

Preaching & Teaching:

  • Engage the hearts of students and families through the faithful teaching of God's Word. Content should focus on equipping and accurate application.

  • Participate with the Student Discipleship team to plan and execute scope and sequence of long-term teaching plan.

  • Integrate teaching with a comprehensive discipleship plan including camps, retreats, small groups, and social gatherings.

Shepherd the Students:

  • Focusing primarily, but not exclusively on males, work to engage in life with students, discipling them into Christlikeness.

  • In coordination with Student Discipleship team, create a culture of community, engagement, growth in personal discipleship, worship, service, and witness.

  • Counsel students as needed.

Lead the Leaders:

  • Provide small group leaders with clear objectives for small group discipleship as a part of a cohesive plan.

  • Work with small group leaders to help develop discipleship strategies/plans to help parents move their students along the discipleship pathway towards maturity.

  • In cooperation with the Student Discipleship team, provide leadership, development and accountability to the SALT team.

Lead the Parents:

  • Communicate comprehensively with parents and families of Harvest Students.

  • In coordination with Student Discipleship team, create and lead an assimilation process pursuing student ministry families who are new or not engaged in student ministry life.

  • Equip parents through meeting and interactions, development of resources, and strategic events.  

Salary and Benefits:

  • Salary and benefits to be determined by the Board of Elders in agreement with the Harvest Staff/Employee Manual.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to Greg Bradshaw, Executive Pastor, Family Discipleship at gbradshaw@harvestindy.org