Director of Student Ministry
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Church at Clayton Crossings is searching for an ambitious, high-capacity leader to build and shepherd a thriving student ministry in one of North Carolina's most strategic locations. This isn't just a job—it's an investment in your future as a ministry leader and potential church planter.
We're a gospel-centered Southern Baptist church of 1,200 averaging Sunday attendance, located in Clayton, NC—the fastest-growing town in Johnston County, which is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. We're a church of young families with a contemporary worship culture, and we're experiencing the kind of growth that creates incredible opportunities for leaders who are ready to build something significant.
Our student ministry currently reaches approximately 80 middle and high school students on Wednesday nights, supported by a volunteer team of 15. But we believe we're only scratching the surface of what's possible. We need someone with the vision, energy, and relational intelligence to take this ministry to the next level.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're seeking a gifted communicator and pastoral leader who can connect with students, lead a team, and cast vision. You should be:
- Ambitious and Growth-Oriented – You're energized by building, growing, and leading in a fast-paced environment
- A Compelling Communicator – You can preach, teach, and inspire students toward authentic discipleship
- Emotionally Intelligent – You read rooms well, navigate relationships with wisdom, and lead with empathy
- Pastoral at Heart – You genuinely care about students and families, not just programming
- A Hard Worker – You bring a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
- Bought Into Our Mission – Making disciples and multiplying churches isn't just our tagline; it's how we measure success
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Lead & Preach
- Cast vision and develop strategy for all student ministry environments
- Preach regularly on Wednesday nights to middle and high school students
- Create discipleship pathways that move students from attendance to genuine faith to mission
Build & Develop
- Recruit, train, and shepherd a growing team of volunteer leaders
- Partner with First Priority to reach students in local schools
- Lead camps, retreats, and mission experiences
- Develop an internship program to identify and equip future ministry leaders
Organize & Execute
- Oversee curriculum selection and implementation for large and small group settings
- Manage check-in procedures and track engagement metrics
- Collaborate regularly with the Director of Discipleship on ministry strategy and effectiveness
- Work alongside an administrative assistant to ensure smooth operations
YOUR PATHWAY FORWARD
We're not just hiring someone to maintain a ministry—we're investing in a leader. Here's what makes this opportunity unique:
We're preparing you for what's next. Whether that's growing into a Family Ministries Pastor role or being sent out to plant a church in approximately 5 years, we're committed to your development as a leader. We're willing to invest in raw talent and high potential because we believe in raising up the next generation of church leaders.
This means you'll get:
- Hands-on leadership development in a healthy, growing church context
- Experience leading in a contemporary, innovative church culture
- Mentorship from seasoned pastors committed to your growth
- The opportunity to build something from a strong foundation in a highly strategic location
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required:
- A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and a vital, growing relationship with Him
- Bachelor's degree (Master of Divinity is a strong plus)
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats
- Strong relational skills and emotional intelligence
- Understanding of and alignment with Southern Baptist doctrine and values
- Commitment to The Church at Clayton Crossings' mission, vision, and values
Preferred:
- Experience serving in a church of approximately 1,000+ with a contemporary worship culture
- Track record of leadership in student ministry or related pastoral roles
- Passion for discipleship and multiplication
THE DETAILS
Position Type: Full-time, salaried
Reports To: Director of Discipleship
Benefits: Robust benefits package
Schedule: Present for both Sunday morning services, lead Wednesday night student services, office hours during the week. Fridays and Saturdays off.
Start Date: January 1, 2026
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience (range provided upon request)
Our Mission: To make disciples and multiply churches.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit the following through Gusto:
- Resume
- Cover letter addressing why you're the right fit for this role
- Preaching/teaching samples (video links strongly preferred)