MEET OOLTEWAH BAPTIST CHURCH
The vision of Ooltewah Baptist Church is to see lives changed by Jesus. The members who make up Ooltewah Baptist Church are a family of faith committed to living on mission together. To help us see the vision of lives changed by Jesus become a reality, we aim to walk a clear path of discipleship together. Our discipleship pathway provides each person a map to live on mission as we gather, grow, serve, and speak.
STUDENT MINISTRY AT OBC
At Ooltewah Baptist Church, our student ministry offers a vibrant and engaging environment where students in 6th through 12th grade can grow in their faith, connect with one another, and serve the community. We are committed to fostering a strong biblical foundation for our students, providing them with opportunities to dive into God’s Word, build lasting friendships, and develop their personal relationship with Christ.
Our weekly gatherings include Sunday morning GROWgroups and Wednesday night ‘Planted.’ GROWgroups are age-based small groups where students can study Scripture, pray for each other, and share about their week. It’s a time of connection and spiritual growth that helps students deepen their understanding of God’s Word and encourages them to live out their faith.
On Wednesday nights, our combined gathering, ‘Planted,’ is based on Psalm 1:1-3, reminding students of the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word so that they don’t wither but instead bear fruit and prosper. During these evenings, students come together to enjoy games, dive into Scripture, and break off into ‘BranchOut’ groups with adult leaders for more personal discussion and spiritual growth.
Beyond our regular meetings, students also participate in various activities such as “Serve Saturdays,” where they engage in community service, monthly fellowship events, summer camp, and a winter retreat. These experiences create lasting memories and help students cultivate a servant’s heart as they live out their faith in tangible ways.
Our student group is a tight-knit community, with students from diverse backgrounds. With an average attendance of 15-25 students, our group consists of homeschooled, public, and private school students. Our group provides a safe and welcoming space where students feel free to share their struggles, seek guidance, and grow in their faith.
At OBC, we are passionate about guiding students to dig into God’s Word and grow into faithful disciples, always making sure they feel loved, accepted, and supported on their journey with Christ.
ABOUT THE STUDENT PASTOR
As the Student Pastor, you will oversee the spiritual growth and development of middle school and high school students within our congregation. Primary duties will include leading weekly youth gatherings, organizing events and activities, mentoring students in their walk, and equipping them to live out their faith in their daily lives. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the Bible and commitment to Christ, a heart for youth ministry, strong leadership skills, and the ability to connect with students on a personal level
Provide overall pastoral care to students and their families while also facilitating spiritual growth by effectively communicating God’s Word in various channels
Mobilize students to begin using their spiritual gifts to serve the church, community, and mission field
Mentor youth in growing their relationship with Jesus Christ and personally engaging with the Bible
Provide age-appropriate Sunday morning and midweek student experiences that support the spiritual growth of middle and high school students
Partner with the Children’s Director to ensure a great transition from Elementary to Youth Group
Effective recruitment, development, training, and retention of volunteers
Engage and communicate effectively with volunteers and parents
Establish behavioral expectations and communicate those with leaders, parents, and students
Organize, lead, and attend camp, retreats, local service opportunities and mission experiences
Responsible for partnering with the senior pastor to evaluate the effectiveness of student ministry and making necessary adjustments when needed
Plan social events that foster connections among students and the OBC community and give opportunities to invite friends
Establish a presence at community events and school activities. Develop relationships with coaches and community leaders so OBC can serve families in the community
Provide pastoral care and responsibilities as needed, reporting directly to the Senior Pastor
Provide guidance and counseling to youth and parents as needed to ensure spiritual, emotional, social, and physical wellness
Supports and carries out the vision, values, and beliefs of OBC including the Article 4 Statement of Faith and Article 5 Church Covenant as listed in the OBC Membership Packet
Prepare an annual budget for youth ministry needs and administer the approved budget according to church policy
Work closely with other church staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers to support the overall mission and vision of the church
Continue personal growth and development using available resources and attending conferences upon prior supervisory approval
Responsible for teaching youth Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings
Responsible for keeping office hours Monday – Thursday
Bachelor’s degree
Seminary (preferred)
Working knowledge of Planning Center and Microsoft Office (preferred)
Experience leading students in teaching and discipling
Experience leading a ministry through a team of volunteers
Demonstrated success passionately teaching the truth of God’s Word in a way that is practical and relevant to youth and engages students’ hearts and minds
Has a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and has taken the step of believer’s baptism
Has been called to full time youth ministry
Displays a love for God and a passion for student ministry
Passionate about discipleship and fostering spiritual growth
Maintains a godly character and keeps the spirit of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
Strong personal faith and a lifestyle that reflects biblical principles
Married to a woman who also has a strong personal faith and a lifestyle that reflects biblical principles
Strong interpersonal, counseling, and relational skills
Collaborative team player.
Excellent organizational and administrative abilities
Strong leadership qualities and initiative
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain healthy relationships within the church community