Pastor of Student Ministries

Job Description

Pastor of Student Ministries - First Baptist Church of Lodi, California

The Opportunity

First Baptist Church (FBC) is seeking a Pastor of Student Ministries who will lead, grow, and shape a high-impact ministry to the next generation.

This leader will not simply maintain programs, but will develop people, expand reach, and create a discipling culture that produces mature followers of Jesus Christ.

You will have the opportunity to influence students, families, and leaders across our church and community while building a ministry with long-term Kingdom impact.

FBC is a vibrant, growing church in California’s Central Valley with a long-standing commitment to student ministry.

We are deeply committed to FBC’s mission which is to make, mature, and mobilize disciples of Jesus Christ who love the Lord above all and share His reality with the world.

Student ministry is a strategic priority at FBC. You will join a collaborative, supportive staff team and a church body that values and invests in the next generation.

What/Who You Will Lead

High School Ministry Leadership (Primary)

• Own and execute the vision for a thriving High School Ministry
• Lead weekly gatherings, teaching, outreach, and discipleship environments
• Build a culture that attracts both churched and unchurched students

Middle School Ministry (Oversight)

• Provide leadership, coaching, and alignment for the Middle School Director
• Ensure continuity of discipleship from middle school through high school

Volunteer & Leader Development

• Recruit, train, and shepherd a strong Adult volunteer leadership team
• Develop student leaders and create pathways for ownership and service

Relational Discipleship

• Build meaningful relationships with students and families
• Equip parents as primary disciplers of their students

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Create environments where students can explore faith and belong before believing
• Engage local schools and community networks strategically

Programming & Experiences

• Lead camps, retreats, mission trips, and outreach initiatives
• Ensure a balanced ministry approach: discipleship, community, service, and mission

Staff Team Contribution

• Serve as an engaged member of the church staff
• Collaborate across ministries to integrate students into the broader life of the church

What Success Looks Like (12–24 Months)

• Measurable growth in student engagement and consistent attendance
• A healthy, scalable volunteer leadership pipeline
• Clear discipleship pathways with increasing student spiritual maturity
• Strong parent trust, engagement, and partnership
• Middle and High School ministries aligned and growing
• Increased student participation in serving and church-wide integration

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is best suited for a leader who is:

• Authentic -- energized by developing people and building meaningful connections
• Relationally strong -- naturally connects with students, parents, and leaders
• A developer of people -- multiplies impact through volunteers and student leaders
• A clear communicator -- able to teach Scripture in an engaging, relevant way
• A team player -- collaborates well within a staff and leadership structure
• Mission-driven -- passionate about reaching students who don’t yet know Christ

Qualifications

• A clear and growing, relationship with Jesus Christ
• Demonstrated experience in Student Ministry leadership
• Proven ability to lead, organize, and grow a ministry
• Strong Biblical teaching and communication skills
• Experience recruiting and developing volunteer leaders
• Undergraduate degree in ministry, theology, education, or related field
• Graduate degree preferred (or willingness to pursue further educational achievement)

Leadership & Structure

• Reports to: Co-Lead Pastor
• Works closely with: Executive Pastor and ministry staff team
• Leads: High School Ministry and the Middle School Director

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-Time Position
• Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Competitive benefits package, including:
• Medical and Dental coverage
• Retirement matching

Next Steps

If you are called to invest in the next generation and lead a growing, impactful student ministry, we would welcome a conversation. Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Bryan Hyzdu, Executive Pastor (bryan@fbclodi.org)