Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministries

Church Overview

We are a Baptist church of approximately 140 people committed to making dynamic followers of Jesus in Erie, PA. Our church family includes a Christian school that serves many families from both the church and the surrounding community.

Our desire through this position is to strengthen discipleship, support families, develop volunteers, and create ministry systems that help people grow in Christ.

Position Summary

The full-time Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministries will oversee and develop the church’s discipleship ministries and family-oriented ministries while helping coordinate volunteers and ministry systems that serve the broader congregation.

This role focuses on:

• Adult discipleship
• Family ministry
• Youth and children's ministry oversight
• Volunteer leadership development
• Outreach to school families
• Coordination of ministry systems and events

This pastor will work closely with the Lead Pastor to strengthen the church’s discipleship culture while occasionally assisting with preaching and teaching.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Adult Discipleship

Oversee and strengthen the church’s adult discipleship ministries.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and supporting small groups
• Overseeing Bible studies and other discipleship ministries
• Developing pathways for spiritual growth within the church
• Identifying and training small group leaders and teachers

Goal:
Create a healthy culture where church members are regularly engaged in biblical teaching, spiritual growth, and meaningful fellowship.

2. Family Ministries

Provide leadership and oversight for ministries serving families in the church.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversight of children’s and teen ministries
• Encouraging parents in the spiritual discipleship of their children
• Recruiting, equipping, and supporting volunteers serving in these ministries
• Building relationships with families connected to the church’s Christian school and encouraging appropriate connections with the church

Goal:
Support parents and create environments where children and teens grow in their faith.

3. Volunteer Development & Ministry Coordination

Help develop and coordinate volunteers across multiple ministry areas.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting and equipping ministry volunteers
• Creating systems that help ministries run smoothly
• Helping leaders stay organized and supported

Goal:
Ensure ministries are well organized, sustainable, and supported by healthy volunteer leadership.

4. Christian School Teaching

Serve as a Bible teacher in the church’s Christian school.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching two Bible classes daily, five days per week during the school year
• Integrating biblical instruction with discipleship and spiritual development
• Coordinating with the school administrator regarding curriculum, scheduling, and student spiritual development

5. Occasional Responsibilities

Support the pastoral ministry of the church as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Preaching occasionally as requested by the Lead Pastor
• Assisting with pastoral care when appropriate

6. Reporting Structure

• The Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Family Ministries will report directly to the Lead Pastor and work closely with church leadership and ministry volunteers.

Qualifications

Spiritual Qualifications

• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ
• A growing personal walk with the Lord
• A life that reflects the biblical character and qualities described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
• A clear calling by God to pastoral ministry
• Agreement with Baptist theology and doctrine and the Regular Baptist Distinctives, the Distinctive Beliefs of Bethel Baptist Church, and the philosophy and vision of Bethel Baptist Church
• A heart for discipleship and shepherding people

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree from a ministry or Bible college required
• Seminary training preferred

Experience

Preferred experience includes:

• Church ministry leadership
• Teaching the Bible
• Volunteer coordination
• Discipleship, youth, and/or family ministry

Personal Characteristics

In addition to the character and qualities of a biblical elder, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Humility and teachability
• Strong relational skills
• A servant-hearted leadership style
• Love for families and young people
• Commitment to teamwork with the Lead Pastor and church leadership

Key Strengths

1. Organizational Leadership
   Ability to organize multiple ministries, schedules, volunteers, and events in a clear and sustainable way.
2. Volunteer Development
   Ability to recruit, encourage, train, and retain volunteers rather than trying to do everything personally.
3. Systems Thinking
   Ability to design ministry structures that help things run smoothly year after year.
4. Relational Intelligence
   Comfort building relationships with parents, teens, children, school families, and ministry leaders.
5. Communication
   Ability to clearly communicate expectations, plans, and vision to volunteers and ministry leaders.
6. Initiative
   Ability to identify needs and develop solutions without constant supervision.
7. Flexibility
   Ability to adapt when ministry plans change or unexpected needs arise.
8. Disciple-Making Mindset
   A passion not just for programs, but for helping people grow in Christ.

Preferred Age Range

While candidates will be considered based on qualifications and calling, the church anticipates that candidates in their 30s–40s may best fit the long-term needs and dynamics of the ministry.