ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES

POSITION PURPOSE

The Associate Pastor of Family Ministries supports the Senior Pastor in accomplishing the mission, vision, and values of Donelson First by providing hands-on pastoral and organizational leadership for ministry to children (birth–fifth grade), students (sixth–twelfth grade), and their families. This position is accountable for the effectiveness and day-to-day leadership of both the children’s and student ministries - not merely general oversight - and develops volunteers and leaders who can carry out ministry consistently. The Associate Pastor also assists the Senior Pastor with broader pastoral and churchwide ministry responsibilities as assigned. Through evangelism, biblical discipleship, meaningful relationships, and service, this role helps Donelson First reach people, raise disciples, and send leaders to live on mission for Christ.

SPIRITUAL CHARACTER AND MINISTRY ALIGNMENT

The Associate Pastor must demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, godly character, sound biblical judgment, a genuine love for children, teenagers, and families, and a positive, teachable, collaborative spirit. The Associate Pastor must be or become an active member of Donelson First; support its mission and leadership; and believe, teach, and minister in accordance with, and without reservation, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, consistent with church bylaws.

As a pastoral position, the candidate must meet the biblical qualifications for the office of pastor/elder/overseer (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9) and meet Donelson First’s requirements for pastoral appointment and ordination, consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and church bylaws.

LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

·  Report to the Senior Pastor and work collaboratively with designated executive leadership; communicate priorities, challenges, plans, and progress consistently.

·  Provide one clear, gospel-centered strategy for children’s ministry, student ministry, and family discipleship, with specific goals, owners, timelines, and regular evaluation.

·  Personally direct the ongoing operation of both the First Kids and student ministries while developing capable volunteer team leaders and delegating responsibility appropriately.

·  Build a healthy volunteer culture grounded in preparation, encouragement, clear expectations, accountability, and spiritual investment.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (BIRTH–FIFTH GRADE)

·  Plan, oversee, and ensure consistent execution of Sunday morning First Kids worship, preschool/elementary classes, and nursery care.

·  Lead and coordinate Wednesday evening children’s ministry, including Awana when offered, with prepared Bible teaching, age-appropriate activities, and reliable staffing.

·  Select, prepare, and distribute biblically faithful curriculum, lesson plans, teaching materials, and classroom supplies; ensure classrooms are ready before programs begin.

·  Recruit, screen, schedule, train, coach, and care for teachers and volunteers; establish backups and clear roles so ministry does not depend on one individual.

·  Coordinate children’s camps, seasonal outreach, holiday activities, grade promotions, and childcare needs for approved churchwide events.

STUDENT MINISTRY (SIXTH–TWELFTH GRADE)

·  Direct a consistent, biblically grounded student ministry with regular teaching, discipleship, fellowship, missions/service, and appropriate outreach.

·  Build relationships with middle and high school students and parents, with intentional connections to schools and the surrounding community.

·  Recruit, train, schedule, and support youth volunteers and small-group leaders; ensure oversight and accountability for all youth gatherings.

·  Plan and lead approved student activities, retreats, camps, and service opportunities; supervise logistics, budgets, communication, and safety arrangements.

·  Guide students in spiritual growth and help fifth-grade families make a thoughtful transition into student ministry and graduating seniors connect to adult church life.

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP, OUTREACH, AND CARE

·  Equip parents and caregivers as primary disciplers of their children through communication, practical resources, conversations, and periodic family-focused opportunities.

·  Develop welcoming and timely guest follow-up for first-time children, students, and parents; foster long-term relationships and connection to the congregation.

·  Establish age-appropriate discipleship pathways that support evangelism, professions of faith, preparation for baptism, church involvement, and ongoing spiritual growth; coordinate decisions with the Senior Pastor.

·  Maintain clear and dependable communication with families, volunteers, visitors, and church leadership, including approved First Kids and student ministry digital communications.

·  Support family needs and sensitive concerns with discretion and refer matters requiring additional pastoral or professional care to appropriate leadership.

CHILD AND STUDENT SAFETY

·  Implement, document, train, and consistently enforce church-approved safety policies for every program and off-site activity, including background screening, appropriate supervision, secure check-in/out, and custodial release.

·  Maintain appropriate volunteer training, first aid/CPR readiness, incident documentation, and procedures for reporting suspected abuse or safety concerns consistent with applicable law and church policy.

·  Ensure safe adult-to-child/student boundaries and obtain leadership approval in advance for travel, overnight activities, and other higher-risk events.

ADMINISTRATION AND CHURCHWIDE SUPPORT

·  Prepare and manage approved children’s, student, and family ministry budgets; maintain supplies, calendars, attendance and follow-up records, and required expense reporting.

·  Attend staff meetings, coordinate with other ministry leaders, identify facility and technology needs, and maintain clear planning and communication systems (including Planning Center where applicable).

·  Develop constructive community relationships, including local schools and outreach partners, that advance the church’s mission.

·  Assist the Senior Pastor with appropriate preaching, teaching, visitation, pastoral care, outreach, and other churchwide ministry responsibilities, in keeping with the position’s calling, gifts, and church policy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

·  Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating children’s and/or student ministry, with evidence of strong volunteer development, program execution, and parent engagement; experience in both age groups preferred.

·  A clear call to pastoral ministry; ordination or eligibility for ordination under Donelson First policy. College and/or seminary preparation preferred.

·  Strong biblical teaching, communication, organization, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and team-building skills; dependable follow-through and the ability to receive feedback.

·  Ability to manage concurrent ministries, work well with diverse families and volunteers, maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment under pressure.

·  Working familiarity with Planning Center, church management software, Mac, and Microsoft Office—or a willingness to learn.

·  Successful completion of church-required references, background screening, and child protection training.

INDICATORS OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

Children and students are taught Scripture in safe, welcoming, well-prepared environments; parents receive dependable communication and care; volunteers are recruited, trained, supported, and retained; both ministries have consistent weekly leadership and intentional discipleship; guests receive meaningful follow-up; budgets and procedures are followed; and families are becoming more connected to the life and mission of Donelson First.

This description outlines primary responsibilities and is not all-inclusive. Additional related duties may be assigned by church leadership consistent with the position and church bylaws.