Pastor of Students

Department:                      Highland Kids + Students + Families

Exempt or Non-Exempt:   Full Time, Exempt

Reports to:                         Minister to Families, Kids, and Students

Direct Supervisor of:         Director Middle School and Director High School

Tier:                                    Director Tier

Work Schedule:                 Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm

Our vision: leading all generations to find and follow Jesus for the flourishing of our city and beyond

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Highland Kids + Students + Families Department seeks to advance and support the vision through proclaiming the Gospel, equipping and resourcing families for life and godliness, and discipling the next generation of believers to be Christ followers.

The Pastor to Highland Students will oversee and lead a dynamic and impactful ministry for students in 7th - 12th grade. This person will partner with the Minister to Families, Kids, and Students to create and implement a shared vision for student ministry that is in keeping with church wide vision as it’s applied to the student ministry context.

This role requires an outgoing, passionate, organized, and visionary individual who is committed to fostering spiritual growth, biblical understanding, and personal development in students during this pivotal stage of their faith journey. This role places a strong emphasis on a volunteer-driven ministry model, equipping and mobilizing adult leaders to disciple students. The Pastor to Students will cultivate a culture where students encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and actively engage in the life of the church. This person would exhibit a passionate and relentless pursuit of students inspiring them find and follow Jesus.  

DESIRED RESULTS/IMPACT OF THIS POSITION

• Volunteer Leadership Development – Recruit, train, and empower a team of volunteers who take ownership of student discipleship.
  


• Discipleship & Spiritual Growth – Foster a Christ-centered student ministry where students grow in faith through biblical teaching, small groups, service, and mentorship.
  


• Student Engagement & Retention – Create an environment where students feel known, valued, and encouraged to participate in church life resulting in student retention through their years of participation in Highland Student Ministry. 
  


• Partnership with Parents – Consistently equip and resource parents with cultural and biblical supports for parenting teens.  
  


• Alignment with Church Mission – Ensure the student ministry reflects the broader vision and values of the church.
  

By achieving these desired results, the Pastor to Students will contribute to the overall mission of the church, foster the spiritual growth of students and support the church’s vision to engage families and make disciples.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer-Driven Ministry Development

• Recruit, train, and equip volunteers to lead small groups, mentor students, and facilitate events.


• Provide regular ongoing support, encouragement, and leadership development for volunteers.


• Foster a volunteer team culture where volunteers feel empowered to lead and disciple students.


• Partner with Connections department to help consistently identify and enlist new volunteers.  

Student Discipleship & Teaching

• Lead and oversee weekly student gatherings with biblically sound teaching.


• Facilitate small groups that encourage relational discipleship and spiritual formation.


• Encourage student participation in corporate worship, sacraments, and church life.


• Equip students to lead and serve with in Highland Students and the larger life of the church.


• Facilitate milestone markers including Confirmation and Senior Sunday

Relational Ministry & Outreach

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with students through presence and intentional engagement.


• Develop outreach strategies to connect with unchurched students in the community.


• Partner with local schools, community organizations, and parachurch ministries to expand the reach of HP Pres into our community.


• Maintain a robust “contact work” calendar with students who are both inside and outside of the church.

Parent & Congregational Integration

• Equip parents with resources and strategies to disciple their children.


• Communicate regularly with parents about ministry vision, events, and opportunities.


• Ensure student ministry is integrated into the larger church body rather than functioning as a silo.

Ministry Administration & Organization

• Develop and oversee a sustainable ministry calendar that includes teaching series, events, retreats, serving, and mission opportunities.


• Manage the student ministry budget in alignment with church stewardship principles.


• Maintain safe ministry practices, ensuring adherence to child protection policies.


• Work collaboratively with the Department Coordinator to ensure seamless operation of Highland Students Ministry

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide spiritual, strategic, and pastoral leadership to the Student Ministry team, including two full-time Directors (Middle School & High School).


• Equip and empower Directors to lead their respective ministries effectively while ensuring alignment with the overall vision of the church.


• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, staff development, and evaluation reviews to encourage professional and spiritual growth.


• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture where staff and volunteers are equipped and supported in their roles.


• Oversee the development of teaching curriculum, discipleship initiatives, and ministry events for both middle and high school students.


• Ensure seamless transitions between middle school, high school, and college ministry to maintain student engagement.


• Provide guidance and support in volunteer recruitment, training, and retention across both middle school and high school ministries.


• Provide guidance and training for summer interns who are assigned to Highland Students.
  

This partnership will help the Directors grow in their roles while supporting a thriving, impactful Highland Students ministry. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILL REQUIREMENTS

·        Spiritual & Theological: A deep love for Jesus, a clear calling to student ministry, and a commitment to ECO theology

·        Education: Seminary degree (or working toward one) preferred.

·        Experience: Preferably 3 years of experience as Student Ministry Director or Pastor who has a proven ability to lead a volunteer-driven ministry, and disciple students effectively in partnership with parents and other ministry areas of the church.

·        Skills: Leadership development, relational discipleship, effective teaching, organizational management, Microsoft office, financial management software, database management, relentless pursuit of students.  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ABILITIES

·        Frequent lifting under 30 lbs.

·        Frequent bending, stooping, lifting; sitting for extended periods

·        Ability to maintain composure under pressure

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

·        Loves Jesus, the people of HP Pres, the city of Dallas and the world

·        Affirms and supports ECO (our denomination) Essential Tenets 

·        Acts as an advocate of the culture and vision of HP Pres

·        Commits to and exhibits our Team Culture Values:

                Deeply abiding in Jesus

                We > Me

                Defiant joy in the trenches of ministry