Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Student Pastor

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

WHY THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Southside Methodist Church is positioned for a new chapter in student ministry. Following a long-tenured youth director whom students deeply loved, the church is ready for a leader to bring fresh energy, gospel-centered teaching, and strategic leadership to re-engage students and families.

The foundation is there—students who are hungry for connection, parents who are ready to support, and a church that values the spiritual formation of the strongest generation. With a strong budget, a flexible and supportive leadership culture, and a congregation spanning generations, this is a unique opportunity not only to maintain a ministry but to build something lasting. You’ll have room to create, lead, and shape a youth culture that invites students to know Jesus deeply, live boldly, and impact their world.

CHURCH OVERVIEW

Founded in 1950, Southside Methodist Church is a multigenerational church committed to helping people  Learn, Love, and Live Jesus.

• Learn His story, teaching, revelation, plan, and the Gospel.
• Love Jesus deeply and intimately as we discover who He truly is.
• Live in a way that makes His message known—serving, witnessing, and walking in His ways.

Theologically, we are aligned with the  Global Methodist Church , grounded in Scripture, affirming the leadership of women, and holding to a biblical view of marriage and salvation through Christ alone.

For more about our denominational identity:

• Global Methodist Church Website
• Book of Doctrines and Discipline (PDF)
• Catechism for the Global Methodist Church (PDF)

GMC Mission:  To make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

GMC Vision:  Multiplying disciples who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

Southside offers two Sunday worship experiences—a 9:00 a.m. contemporary service and an 11:00 a.m. traditional service—with most students attending the earlier service. The staff team is collaborative, fun, and eager to empower a new Student Pastor to lead boldly and pastorally.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Located in Jacksonville’s historic  San Marco/Southside neighborhood, the church is rooted in a diverse, vibrant, and walkable area with young families, parks, restaurants, and schools nearby. The surrounding community is a mix of cultures, income levels, and educational backgrounds. Families are looking for spiritual direction. Students are searching for belonging. The opportunity to reach and disciple this generation has never been more timely or more needed.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Student Pastor will provide vision, teaching, and relational leadership for a thriving student ministry (grades 6–12). The focus is to make disciples who  Learn, Love, and Live Jesus , equipping students to follow Christ now—not just someday. The right candidate will lead a ministry that is biblical, relational, and fun, while also integrating students into the broader life of the church.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and grow a vibrant student ministry (grades 6–12)
• Teach students the truth of God’s Word in ways that connect and challenge
• Develop weekly programming that is both engaging and spiritually formative
• Build relationships with students, families, and school/community partners
• Recruit, train, and invest in adult volunteer leaders
• Plan and oversee retreats, service projects, and outreach events
• Communicate consistently with parents, equipping them to disciple their teens
• Collaborate with church staff to keep student ministry integrated in the life of the church

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Character & Spiritual Life:

• A deep, authentic relationship with Jesus
• A disciple-maker who models a life of prayer, scripture, and service
• Theological alignment with the Global Methodist Church
• A joyful spirit, humble heart, and resilient faith

Leadership & Relational Skills:

• Strong communicator with students and adults
• Approachable and relational; trustworthy and consistent
• Organized and proactive; capable of building sustainable ministry systems
• Emotionally intelligent and spiritually discerning—a leader who can read the room and lead with grace

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Relationship Building: Create a culture of belonging where students feel seen, known, and loved
• Volunteer Engagement: Recruit and equip a dynamic team of volunteers
• Spiritual Growth: Help students grow in their knowledge of Scripture, relationship with Jesus, and courage to live their faith

SUCCESS IN THE FIRST YEAR

• Rebuild weekly attendance and re-engage adult volunteers
• Establish consistent communication rhythms with parents and students
• Launch small groups and discipleship pathways
• Build relational equity with students, parents, and church members
• Help students take ownership of their faith and bring their friends

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous youth ministry or leadership experience strongly preferred
• Clear understanding of student culture and how to connect with today’s teens
• Willingness to recruit and empower both male and female volunteers
• Doctrinal alignment with the Global Methodist Church and its catechism

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Full-time role, 40+ hours/week (including Sundays)
• $40-50K, depending on experience and education
• Benefits package including health, dental, vision, and paid time off
• Help with certain relocation costs
• Leadership Coaching through Lead222

**Please direct all inquiries about this job to LeadStaffing who is managing the search for this position for Southside Methodist Church.

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