NEXT GEN PASTOR
eastside christian church — Milford, ohio
The opportunity
Eastside Church is seeking a visionary, student-focused leader to take ownership of its Student Ministry and build a thriving, disciple-making culture. With a total of 30 students currently, this role offers the opportunity to revitalize middle and high school ministry, develop student leaders, and engage parents in partnership.
The leader will establish clear goals, systems, and volunteer pipelines, create an invitation-focused culture, and be actively present in students’ lives, from weekly gatherings to school and sports events. This is a hands-on role for a doer and visionary who can lead confidently while honoring the church’s conservative, Bible-centered values.
01
PASSIONATE
The right candidate is someone who
Loves middle and high school students and sees ministry as a long-term calling, not a stepping stone.
02
VISIONARY AND PROACTIVE
Able to take initiative, create systems, and lead without waiting for direction.
03
DISCIPLE MAKING
Has experience or a strong desire to mentor, coach, and develop student leaders.
04
CONFIDENT AND RELATIONAL
Builds relationships with students, parents, staff, and volunteers.
05
COACHABLE
Willing to learn, take feedback, and adapt quickly; open to guidance from leadership while applying it confidently in the ministry.
06
TEAM ORIENTED
Invests in relationships with staff, volunteers, and students; collaborates well and contributes to a healthy, supportive culture. No silo mentality.
about the church
Founded as Mulberry Church of Christ nearly 175 years ago, Eastside Church has a rich history of faithful ministry and a strong commitment to its community. In 1999, the church purchased a former movie theater and undertook a major renovation, creating a worship space that reflects both tradition and innovation. Today, the church averages 600 in weekly attendance and operates with a staff team of 10. Several ministries are thriving, including Kids, Men’s, Women’s, and Small Groups, while the Student Ministry is in a rebuilding season with around 30 students. Eastside is a Bible-centered, conservative, and mid-line church that values humility in theology, relational ministry, and intentional disciple-making. The staff team is tight-knit, supportive, and fun, emphasizing work-life balance and engagement in both ministry and the broader church community.
POSITION PROFILE
Position Details
NEXT GEN MINISTRY PASTOR
The primary objective of the Next Gen Ministry Pastor is to lead Eastside’s efforts to attract, develop and send out students and their families on mission by leading them into a growing relationship with Christ.
The secondary objective of the Next Gen Ministry Pastor is to lead Eastside’s efforts to attract and develop ministry for 18–25 year olds (Young Adults).
The successful accomplishment of these objectives will be attained by recruiting, training and equipping strong ministry teams of volunteer leaders and being committed to the Vision and Purposes of Eastside as established by the Lead Pastor.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Next Gen Ministry Pastor must develop and maintain excellent communication channels to the students and their families.
Additionally they are responsible to develop, lead, administrate, recruit, train, and manage volunteers serving in 6th through 12th grades in the following areas:
Implementation and pursuit of Eastside’s 4 Purposes in all that they do
Weekly Programming oversight
Weekly Life Groups oversight
Planning and implementing Special Events – Camps, Trips, CIY, Conferences, Retreats
Oversight of and/or development of curriculum/teaching material
Spiritual growth and leadership development with volunteers
Oversight of communication social media (ie. website, marketing, etc.)
Develop and maintain communication with volunteers
Stewardship and care of all student ministry equipment
Share in evangelism, and pastoral care as directed by the Associate Pastor
Participate and engage in major church-wide functions and encourage your teams of volunteer and student leaders to do the same
Assist other staff in times of special emphasis
In addition to responsibilities in leading students, the Next Gen Ministry Pastor will also be responsible for developing and implementing a plan for parent training and encouragement that leads parents into a biblical understanding to help them understand their role and responsibilities with their students.
The Next Gen Ministry Pastor will also provide coaching/pastoral counseling to both parents and students privately on specific issues in their family.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee the direction and efforts of the Young Adult ministry here at Eastside
Ensure that it is in line with our Purposes and Mission
Recruit, train, and develop a team of Young Adult leaders that will be the primary face of the ministry and it’s efforts
Work to transition graduating seniors into the Young Adult ministry
Champion the goals of the Young Adult ministry and help to connect new Young Adults to it
OVERALL
As a staff member at Eastside you are a part of our family... and we do not want to live in silos. Don’t operate in a vacuum. Invite the staff in, share the challenges, the prayer requests, the celebrations... Be a part of what’s happening in God’s Kingdom at Eastside.
Keep your joy. Ministry is a tough job but it is far more than just a job. The enemy will constantly be on the prowl, seeking ways to attack you... to discourage you. Ministry is dealing with people and people can be very difficult and the enemy is very successful at using men against one another. The best defense is staying in a close relationship with Jesus; being in God’s Word every day (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8); being in prayerful communication with Him at all times (Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6); living a life of generosity (1 Timothy 6:17-19); walking in the footsteps of Jesus (1 John 2:6)... and one that we forget all too often... “encouraging one another everyday as long as it is called today...” (Hebrews 3:13) and living a life in line with those of the 1st Century Church. (Acts 2:42-47)
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90:17
What’s it like to live in
milford, ohio
Eastside is located near Milford, just outside Cincinnati, Ohio, a place that feels like the best of both worlds. You get the energy and amenities of a city—great coffee shops, local breweries, live music, and cultural events—without the traffic, noise, or high cost of big-city living. If you’re into the outdoors, the area has amazing hiking, kayaking, and parks, perfect for weekend adventures or getting outside after work. The community is friendly, tight-knit, and laid-back, full of people who value real connections and living life with purpose. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends, a weekend exploring the Ohio River, or a supportive community to plug into, Milford and the surrounding Cincinnati area make it it easy to call it home.
Ready to ride the wave?
Fill out our candidate form and someone will be in touch within 24 hours.