Student Pastor

Job Description

ABOUT CATALYST CHURCH

Catalyst Church is a young, growing, and vibrant church located in Artesia in southeastern New Mexico. In June of 2025, our church family celebrated a major milestone as we moved into a brand-new facility, creating space for the continued growth and momentum God has been bringing to our congregation. Just a few months later, in January 2026, we celebrated our 10th anniversary as a church—reflecting on a decade of ministry, life change, and God’s faithfulness in our community.

Catalyst is a church that values both hard work and genuine joy. Our staff culture is built on teamwork, humility, and fun—we truly see ourselves as a family. People at Catalyst care deeply for one another, and that sense of belonging extends to everyone who walks through our doors. We’re passionate about helping people take their next step with Jesus and creating an environment where faith can grow in authentic community.

God has been blessing our church with steady growth. Our current average attendance for the year is over 250 up from 211 last year. Over the past nine months alone, we’ve celebrated 27 baptisms, including 15 students…evidence that God is moving powerfully among the next generation.

Student ministry is an especially exciting area of growth for Catalyst. Our youth ministry averages about 45 students each Wednesday night and continues to build strong momentum. Students are actively involved in the life of the church, not only attending but serving. Many of them participate on the worship team, run media and production, help in kids ministry, and contribute throughout the church. There is a strong foundation already in place and tremendous potential for future impact.

We’re looking for a leader who wants to be fully invested, not just in the church but in the community as well. Artesia is the kind of town where relationships matter, and being present in students’ lives means showing up to games, activities, and community events. The right leader will build on the solid groundwork that has already been laid while helping guide students toward deeper discipleship and leadership in the church.

Catalyst Church is a place where relationships are strong, ministry is growing, and the future is full of possibility. If you’re passionate about discipling students, building meaningful relationships, and serving in a church that feels like family, Catalyst may be exactly where God is calling you to serve.

ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking a passionate, relational, and mission-minded Youth Pastor who is excited to disciple the next generation and invest deeply in the lives of students in Artesia and the surrounding community.

This is not simply a program-management role.

This is a relational leadership opportunity for a pastor who believes student ministry is about discipleship, spiritual formation, and raising up young leaders who actively participate in the life of the church.

Our student ministry already has a strong foundation. With roughly 45 students gathering weekly and many of them already serving in areas like worship, media, and kids ministry, we’re looking for a leader who will build on that momentum, helping students grow deeper in their faith while empowering them to live it out in the church, their schools, and the community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Youth Pastor will lead and shape the student ministry of Catalyst by developing meaningful discipleship environments, equipping volunteers, and building relationships with students and families.

Your leadership will help cultivate:

• A vibrant weekly student gathering centered on worship, biblical teaching, and authentic community • Strong discipleship pathways that help students grow in their relationship with Jesus • A team of volunteers who are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to invest in students • A culture where students actively serve and engage in the broader life of the church • Meaningful relationships with students through presence in their everyday lives—school events, activities, and community moments

This role also provides opportunities to contribute to the life of the broader church through preaching occasionally on Sunday mornings, participating in church-wide initiatives, and serving alongside a unified staff team.

WHO THRIVES HERE

The right candidate for Catalyst will be someone who embraces both relational ministry and intentional leadership.

A Shepherd at Heart You genuinely love students and want to walk alongside them through the most formative years of their lives. You are approachable, relational, and invested in helping students follow Jesus.

A Relational Leader You understand that effective youth ministry happens beyond the church building. You enjoy showing up at games, performances, school events, and community activities where students are already living their lives.

A Builder of Teams You recruit, train, and empower volunteers to be part of the mission. You believe great ministry happens through teams, not individuals.

A Biblical Communicator You can teach Scripture clearly and faithfully in ways that connect with students and help them understand how God’s Word shapes everyday life.

A Team Player You enjoy working alongside other staff members, supporting church-wide initiatives, and contributing to the overall health and mission of the church.

A Growing Disciple Your leadership flows from a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, marked by spiritual maturity, integrity, and humility.

WHAT YOU’LL LEAD

The Youth Pastor will oversee the primary rhythms and environments of the student ministry, including:

• Weekly student worship and Bible study gatherings (Wednesday nights) • Student events throughout the year including camps, retreats, trips, and outreach opportunities • Volunteer recruitment, development, and leadership • Ongoing communication with students and parents through social media, church communications, and regular updates • Curriculum development or selection to help students grow in biblical understanding and spiritual maturity • Intentional relationship building with students throughout the week

You will also participate in the life of the broader church through occasional preaching, assisting with weekend service preparation as needed, and supporting church events and ministries.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Experience leading or serving in student ministry within a church context • A strong and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ • Alignment with the doctrine and statement of faith of Catalyst Church • The ability to lead, organize, and communicate effectively • A heart for discipleship and developing young leaders • Some formal Bible training preferred

This is a full-time pastoral role for a leader who is excited to invest in students, serve the local church, and become part of a church family that works hard, has fun, and is passionate about seeing lives transformed by Jesus.

ABOUT ARTESIA, NM

Artesia is a close-knit, welcoming community in southeastern New Mexico where relationships matter and people genuinely care for one another. With a population of just over 12,000, it offers a safe, family-friendly environment, strong schools, and a steady rhythm of community events that bring people together throughout the year. Life here moves at a relational pace—neighbors know each other, families are deeply connected, and there’s a strong sense of pride in the town and its people.

Often referred to as the “City of Champions,” Artesia is known across the state for its rich athletic tradition and deep-rooted community pride in sports. From youth leagues to championship-level high school programs, athletics are a central part of the culture, creating a shared identity and energy throughout the town. Beyond sports, Artesia reflects a strong set of values—hard work, resilience, and community commitment—that shape everyday life and make it a great place to invest in people and ministry.

Conveniently located between Roswell and Carlsbad—home to the world-famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park—Artesia serves as a central hub for the region. The city is also less than 60 miles from the beautiful Sacramento Mountains and within two hours of Ruidoso, offering easy access to hiking, camping, skiing, and year-round outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy small-town living or quick getaways to the mountains, Artesia offers a unique blend of simplicity, opportunity, and adventure.