LOCAL church
CUMMING, GA
STUDENT Pastor
The opportunity
This is more than just a student pastor role—it’s a chance to shape the next generation in a way that lasts far beyond the walls of the church. At Local, student ministry isn’t about maintaining a program; it’s about building something that has a lasting impact on students and even other churches in the area. This is a role for a builder, someone who thrives in a creative, high-energy environment where innovation is encouraged.
This isn’t a “coasting” role. Nothing is pre-packaged for you—you have to want it, create it, and pursue it. But for the right person, that’s the best part. You’ll be surrounded by a team that’s hungry to develop and push each other to be the best version of themselves. If you’re a strong communicator, a self-starter who takes initiative, and someone who knows how to galvanize a room, join the team at Local Church where they are hungry to reach students where they are, connect them deeply to the gospel, and launch them into lifelong faith.
LOCAL church
Local Church Forsyth is a thriving, gospel-centered church in Cumming, GA, with a passion for leading people to fully follow Jesus. This is a church that isn’t just about Sunday services—it’s about creating a movement that impacts lives well beyond the walls of the building. With a strong emphasis on authentic worship, biblical teaching, and deep community engagement, Local is a place where people are challenged, encouraged, and equipped to grow in their faith. The church is highly collaborative, values developing leaders, and is driven by a vision to build something that lasts. Whether it’s through their dynamic Next Gen ministries, their commitment to outreach with organizations like The Place of Forsyth and No Longer Bound, or their high-energy Sunday gatherings, Local Church Forsyth is making a real impact. This is a place where creativity is welcomed, bold leadership is encouraged, and the culture is hungry for growth. For a leader looking to step into an environment that is both innovative and deeply rooted in mission, Local offers an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Let’s chat workplace culture
At Local, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the way the team operates daily. You won’t be stuck in silos or just managing a program; you’ll be part of a team that bounces ideas off one another, sharpens each other, and pushes for excellence. The student pastor will report to TJ and will be responsible for leading the Middle School Pastor.
This is a high-feedback culture where growth is the goal. The right candidate won’t shy away from feedback but will embrace it as a tool to become the best version of themselves. Leaders here take initiative without waiting to be asked, communicate clearly, and lean into tension rather than avoiding it. If you’re someone who’s afraid of feedback or looking for a job where you can simply maintain what’s already built, this won’t be the right fit.
But if you’re driven, passionate about reaching lost students, and ready to build something meaningful alongside a team that’s all-in, you’ll thrive here.
POSITION PROFILE
Student Pastor
Local Church Forsyth
Status: Full-Time | Reports to: Next-Gen Pastor
Direct Reports: Middle School Director
Partners With: Next-Gen Team, Location Staff, Other Local Church Student Pastors
Mission of the Role:
To execute the vision and direction of Local Church Forsyth and Next-Gen Leadership while building and leading a life-giving student ministry that helps middle and high school students Follow Jesus, Find Their People, and Live on Mission. The Student Pastor leads with passion, disciples with intention, and creates weekly and seasonal experiences that shape the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide spiritual and directional leadership for Local Students (Grades 6–12).
Create weekly student gatherings that are fun, welcoming, and rooted in biblical teaching.
Build a strong volunteer culture: recruit, train, develop, care for, and celebrate student leaders and adult mentors.
Lead small group strategy that fosters authentic relationships and consistent discipleship.
Pastor students through key moments: salvation, baptism, leadership steps, hard seasons, and more.
Communicate consistently with parents to build trust, alignment, and partnership in their student’s spiritual journey.
Champion a safe, inclusive, and high-energy environment where every student feels seen, known, and loved.
Steward the student ministry budget with integrity and intentionality.
Plan and execute impactful events and trips, such as:
Camps, Retreats, Serve Days, Outreach events, and student involvement on Sundays.
Collaborate with:
Local Kids Team for smooth transitions from 5th to 6th grade.
Other Location Student Pastors to stay aligned in vision and culture.
The Next Gen team for shared strategy and support.
Create opportunities for students to lead—on Sundays, in small groups, and within their schools and communities.
Stay engaged in student culture and ministry trends to keep things relevant and effective.
Planted in the heart of the community to build relationships with schools and organizations to help reach more students.
Ideal Candidate:
Has a genuine love for Jesus and a heart to see students follow Him for a lifetime.
Naturally connects with teenagers and enjoys being in their world (yes, even the awkward, loud, or quiet ones).
Leads with both vision and humility—comfortable on a stage, impactful in a one-on-one.
Energized by building and developing high-capacity volunteer teams and leadership layers to better care for and equip people.
Emotionally intelligent and steady—able to navigate student dynamics, lead parents, and support volunteers with wisdom and care.
Organized and able to execute engaging services and meaningful follow-up with excellence.
Thrives in a team culture and committed to the vision and values of Local Church.
Ideal Mindset:
Think Long-Term: Student ministry is not just about big moments—it's about building faith that lasts well beyond graduation.
Relationally Driven: Discipleship flows from real connection—prioritize knowing students and empowering leaders who do the same.
Culturally Aware: Stay curious and engaged with student culture while staying grounded in biblical truth.
Team-Oriented: Ministry is better together—link arms with the location team, Next Gen leaders, and parents.
2025 Focus Initiatives:
Develop and launch a student leadership pipeline.
Strengthen midweek small group strategy.
Increase parent engagement through quarterly gatherings and consistent communication.
Vision and execution of Student Services
Elevate Sunday visibility and student serving opportunities across the church.
What’s it like to live in
CUMMING, GA
Cumming, GA, offers the best of both worlds—small-town charm with big-city access. Just a short drive from Atlanta, it provides the energy and opportunities of a growing community without the congestion of city life. It’s an ideal spot for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, with Lake Lanier and the North Georgia mountains nearby for hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventures. The area is full of great local coffee shops, breweries, and live music spots, making it easy to connect with people and build friendships. Housing is more affordable than in the city, giving you room to put down roots without sacrificing convenience. And with Cumming’s rapid growth, there’s an exciting sense of momentum—this is a place where you can build both a ministry and a life.