Overview Job Title: Student Ministry Pastor | Director

Primary Focus: Student Ministries (Grades 6–12) Reports to: Executive and/or Lead Pastor Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Member of: Staff Leadership Team

Church Profile

Woodland Church is a vibrant, multi-campus church located in Southwest Michigan. As part of The Wesleyan Church’s Great Lakes Region, Woodland welcomes approximately 1,300 people across campuses each Sunday. Rooted in a long-standing legacy of community outreach—locally, nationally, and globally—our church lives out its mission: Wediscover new lifewhen we are ROOTED, GROWING, and OVERFLOWING. Rooted in Jesus, Growing to become more like him, and Overflowing his love to the world. (Colossians 2:6-7)

We are passionate about collaborative leadership and take a team-oriented approach to ministry, believing that we lead most effectively when we lead together. Woodland Church offers a dynamic and supportive environment for those called to reach a lost world for Christ.

Position Overview The Student Ministry Pastor/Director leads the spiritual formation and discipleship of students from 6th through 12th grade. The pastor/director fosters an integrated discipleship pathway, equipping students, parents, and volunteers to grow in Christ and live out their faith.

This position is ideal for a hardworking, highly relational leader with a strong biblical foundation, a proven ability to recruit and develop volunteers, and a passion for building an underperforming Student Ministry into a thriving, disciple-making community. They will prioritize volunteer leadership development and create engaging, age-appropriate environments that lead the next generation to know and follow Jesus.

This position may provide opportunities for participation in the teaching/preaching rotation in our adult services, and will be active in our Next Steps strategies such as new believer and baptism classes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership of Student Ministries (Grades 6–12) – 75%

Plan, lead, and oversee all middle and high school weekly gatherings, incorporating teaching, worship, small groups, fellowship, and fun.

Serve as the primary communicator and develop a teaching team which provides biblically sound, gospel-centered messages and curriculum.

Organize events such as retreats, outreach events, and summer camps that foster discipleship, evangelism, and connection.

Develop student leadership opportunities and encourage students to live missionally in their homes, schools, and communities.

Cultivate authentic relationships through presence, mentorship, and pastoral care.

Volunteer Leadership & Team Development – 10%

Recruit, equip, and shepherd volunteer leaders across Student Ministries.

Champion a team culture that values servant leadership, discipleship, and relational investment.

Lead and/or collaborate with interns and part-time staff as needed.

Parent Partnership – 10%

Must communicate consistently and effectively with parents and guardians.

Provide training, encouragement, and tools to help parents lead faith development at home.

Host parent forums, create resources, and act as a sounding board for addressing relevant issues in student behavior and development.

Manage budgets, schedules, safety protocols, and systems for Student Ministries – 5%

Participate in church-wide staff meetings, planning retreats, and major ministry events.

Collaborate with other ministry departments to integrate Student Ministry into the broader mission of the church.

May be provided with opportunities to teach/preach in adult services and to provide support to other staff in counseling, congregational care, funerals, weddings, etc.

Qualifications Education & Experience

Minimum 2-3 years as a Student Ministry pastor/director or other related ministry field (i.e. student ministry resident) is required.

Proven ability to develop and lead dynamic ministry programs and teams.

Bachelor’s degree in ministry, theology, or related field is preferred.

Experience in mid-size, multi-staff church environments is preferred.

Spiritual & Personal Qualities

A growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ marked by humility and integrity.

A clear call to vocational ministry and a heart for the discipleship of students and their parents.

Alignment with Woodland’s mission, statement of faith, core values, and with the doctrine and beliefs of The Wesleyan Church.

Skills & Competencies

Strong communicator with the ability to preach, teach, and lead students

Relationally driven, with a high capacity to connect with students and their parents, and volunteers.

Skilled in volunteer recruitment, leadership development, and creating team culture.

Organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple projects and ministry systems effectively.

Proficient with basic office software and digital tools (e.g., MS Office and/or Google docs/sheets, Planning Center Online, etc.).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (for event setup or activities).

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and attend camps or retreats as needed.

Able to sit, stand, walk, and work at a computer for extended periods.

Workplace Expectations

Maintains a vital, personal relationship with Jesus and models spiritual maturity in all areas of life.

Fully supports and engages in the life and mission of the local church.

Participates in regular church staff rhythms and complies with child protection and safety policies.

Submits to church leadership, policies, and denominational guidelines (if applicable).

Successfully completes a background check and ongoing training as required.

#J-18808-Ljbffr