Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries

Why This Role Matters Grace Fellowship Church believes the next generation matters deeply to the future of the church and the mission of Jesus. We are seeking a pastor who is passionate about investing relationally in students, young adults, and leaders who will shape the future of the church. This role is not simply about running programs-it is about building relationships, developing leaders, and helping the next generation grow into lifelong followers of Jesus. Grace Fellowship is a healthy and growing church where the next generation is already a vital part of our ministry. Our student ministry has become one of the most significant outreach bridges into our community, and our young adult ministry is just beginning to take shape. This full-time Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries will help shepherd these ministries into their next season of growth while equipping leaders and building systems that sustain discipleship for years to come. Position Overview The Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries will lead and develop ministries that serve the emerging generations of our church and community. This includes leadership and oversight of student ministry (Elevate), young adult ministry (Cultivate), and life groups, while also participating in the broader pastoral leadership of the church. This is a full-time position that reports directly to the Lead Pastor. Primary Responsibilities Student Ministry - Elevate (Approx. 20 hours/week) Provide vision, leadership, and pastoral oversight Plan and lead weekly student gatherings (along with our adult staff) Equip and shepherd volunteer leaders Develop and mentor student leaders Relationally invest in students and connect with parents Organize retreats, camps, and outreach events Young Adult Ministry - Cultivate (Approx. 5 hours/week) Provide leadership and vision for the young adult ministry Facilitate gatherings and discipleship opportunities Foster relationships and spiritual growth Encourage integration into the broader life of the church Life Groups Ministry (Approx. 5 hours/week) Provide leadership and oversight for life groups Recruit and train life group leaders Create curriculum for life groups in partnership with the lead pastor Support the health and multiplication of groups Pastoral Leadership (Approx. 10 hours/week) Participate in pastoral care and prayer Assist with teaching or preaching opportunities Participate in leadership meetings Support church-wide initiatives and outreach About Grace Fellowship Church Grace Fellowship Church was planted in 2018 with a vision to help people discover and follow Jesus and to participate in the multiplication of healthy churches. Since its beginning, Grace Fellowship has sought to cultivate a culture of gospel-centered discipleship, authentic community, and mission-focused leadership development. Today the church is a healthy and growing congregation with approximately 185 people in weekly worship attendance. A few years ago, the church purchased a 140-year-old historic church building located in the heart of a residential neighborhood. While our setting is historic, our ministry approach is firmly contemporary in style, creating an inviting environment for people exploring faith while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding community. Grace Fellowship Church is part of the Charis Fellowship, a network of churches committed to biblical authority, gospel-centered ministry, church planting, and global missions. As a church born out of church planting, we desire to see that same multiplication vision continue into the future by raising up leaders, strengthening churches, and participating in the planting of new congregations. At Grace Fellowship, we are committed to helping people know the story of Jesus, live it in their daily lives, and give it away to others. This reflects the Charis Fellowship s emphasis on biblical truth, biblical relationships, and biblical mission. We often summarize this calling in a simple phrase: know it, live it, and give it away-the story of Jesus Christ and His teachings shaping our lives and being shared with the world around us. Grace Fellowship is located in Brunswick, Maryland, a historic town nestled along the Appalachian Trail and the Potomac River. The area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility to major metropolitan centers. Our location provides the best of both worlds: a wooded and agricultural setting with quick access to major cities. We are approximately one hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, and within an hour of three international airports. Historic Brunswick and the surrounding region offer exceptional outdoor recreation including hiking, kayaking, biking, and fishing, with nearby skiing and winter recreation as well. The area provides an ideal environment for families and ministry leaders who appreciate both small-town community and proximity to urban opportunities. Ministry Profile Elevate Student Ministry currently engages 30-40 middle and high school students, with 10+ additional students preparing to transition from our children s ministry in the near future. The student ministry is supported by an adult leadership team of 6 volunteers, including one elder. Grace Fellowship Church is staffed by one full-time Lead Pastor and several part-time staff members. This role will serve as the second full-time team member. This position reports directly to the Lead Pastor. This role will begin with a non-voting seat on the Elder Board, with the intention of entering the elder development and evaluation process, with the potential for future installation as an elder. Grace Fellowship currently has 5 active life groups, with a clear opportunity and expectation to expand and multiply groups in the coming seasons. What Success Looks Like in the First 12-24 Months Relational leadership in Elevate student ministry, building trust with students and parents Developing student leaders and strengthening volunteer teams Establishing the Cultivate young adult ministry as a consistent and relational community Supporting healthy and growing life groups Building strong relationships across the church Contributing meaningfully to the pastoral leadership of Grace Fellowship Who This Role Is Ideal For This role is ideal for a leader who: Loves investing relationally in students and young adults Enjoys developing volunteer leaders and building teams Is energized by helping people grow spiritually Thrives in a collaborative pastoral team environment Is passionate about helping the next generation follow Jesus Qualifications Education and Training Grace Fellowship Church is a religious organization and hires based on theological alignment and ministry calling. Appropriate theological training required (Bachelors/Masters in biblical studies, youth ministry or similar area or equivalent experience) Must be licensed and ordained within the Charis Fellowship OR willing to begin the Charis Fellowship credentialing process within 12 months of hire Commitment to continued theological development Experience Experience serving in student ministry or church leadership Ability to recruit and lead volunteer teams Experience teaching Scripture effectively Theology and Calling A vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ A clear calling to pastoral ministry A high degree of theological alignment with the Charis Fellowship and commitment to the Charis Fellowship Common Identity Agreement with the mission and theology of Grace Fellowship Church Compensation Compensation for this role will be determined in alignment with market standards using data from ChurchSalary.com and will reflect the candidate s experience, qualifications, ministry background as well as the local cost of living. The salary range is $40k-$55k plus benefits. Target Timeline The target start date would be in September of 2026 or January of 2027. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit: Resume Brief statement of faith 3 professional references (preferably people you ve worked with in ministry) and 2 personal references (non-relatives) Short video introduction of yourself Links to teaching samples (sermon, student ministry teaching, or similar) Applications and inquiries may be sent to positions@gracefellowship.church Our Ministry Culture At Grace Fellowship, our ministry is shaped by a set of convictions that guide how we live, lead, and serve together. Gospel-Centered We believe people are transformed as they encounter the good news and love of Jesus revealed in Scripture-not through religious rules or traditions. The gospel is the foundation of everything we teach, practice, and pursue. We choose grace over legalism. Authentic Community We believe spiritual growth happens best in honest relationships. The gospel touches every part of life, so no topic is off-limits. We are committed to learning how to love God, love one another, and live on mission together. We choose relationships over programs. Mission-Minded We exist to help people make sense of Jesus and His story. We will do whatever we can to make the message of the gospel clear, accessible, and compelling to those who are seeking. We prioritize cultural engagement over church tradition in order to maximize our gospel impact. Equipping the Church We believe every follower of Jesus is called to ministry. Our role as leaders is to equip and mobilize people to use their gifts for the work of the kingdom (Ephesians 4). We measure success not by what the staff accomplishes but by how the church is mobilized. Focused Excellence We believe we can accomplish more for the gospel by doing fewer things with greater intentionality. We strive for effectiveness and excellence, focusing our time, creativity, and resources on ministries that make the greatest kingdom impact.