STUDENT PASTOR
THE GATHERING - FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
The opportunity
This is more than a typical student ministry role — it’s an opportunity to help shape the spiritual foundation of the next generation within a healthy, growing, gospel-centered church. Gathering Church is looking for a leader who doesn’t simply want to run programs, but who feels called to invest deeply in students, build strong discipleship culture, and help families follow Jesus together.
The Student Director will step into a ministry that already has strong momentum, a committed team of adult leaders, and a church body that genuinely values the next generation. With 50+ students actively involved and leadership that prioritizes biblical teaching and spiritual formation, this role offers the freedom and support to build something meaningful and lasting.
For the right leader, this is an opportunity to:
Preach and teach God’s Word in a church that values theological depth and expository teaching.
Build authentic relationships with students during some of the most formative years of their lives.
Raise up and equip volunteer leaders who are passionate about discipleship.
Create environments where students don’t just attend church, but develop a genuine, lifelong faith.
Partner closely with parents and church leadership in shaping the spiritual culture of the ministry.
Serve on a collaborative staff team that desires unity, health, and shared mission.
This role is ideal for someone who loves students, values biblical discipleship, thrives in team culture, and is excited about helping build a ministry that makes a lasting Kingdom impact.
The right candidate is someone who
01
developer of people
You are passionate about discipleship. You don’t just lead students — you raise up leaders, helping students and volunteers grow in confidence, ownership, and spiritual maturity. You love equipping others and building a ministry that multiplies beyond yourself.
02
gospel-centered teacher
You love teaching God’s Word in a way that is both biblically grounded and personally engaging. You believe students are capable of deep spiritual growth and are passionate about helping them build a faith that lasts beyond high school.
03
relational shepherd
You genuinely enjoy being around students and families. You care about knowing people personally, building trust, and walking with students through the real challenges and questions they face during some of the most formative years of their lives.
04
builder of culture
You know how to create environments where students feel welcomed, leaders feel valued, and parents feel partnered with. You care deeply about ministry health, team unity, and building a culture that reflects the heart of Jesus.
05
team-first leader
You thrive in collaboration and value being part of something bigger than yourself. You work well with church leadership, communicate clearly, and bring humility, flexibility, and a servant-hearted attitude to the team.
06
spiritually mature leader
You lead from a place of personal depth with Jesus. Your character matches your calling, and you desire to model authenticity, wisdom, and spiritual consistency both on stage and behind the scenes.
about the church
Located along Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast, Gathering Church is a thriving, gospel-centered community passionate about helping people know and follow Jesus. With a mission to “gather together to worship Jesus, make reproducing disciples, and care for the flock of God that is amongst us,” the church has cultivated a culture deeply rooted in biblical truth, authentic community, and spiritual growth.
Gathering Church currently welcomes around 600 people each Sunday across three services and is marked by a strong commitment to expository teaching, theological clarity, and intentional discipleship. The church values both depth and warmth — creating an environment where people are challenged by God’s Word while genuinely cared for as part of the church family.
As the church continues to grow, there is a clear passion for investing in the next generation and equipping students to build lasting, gospel-centered faith. Gathering Church is seeking leaders who are excited to help shape a healthy discipleship culture, partner with families, and raise up students who love Jesus and influence others for His Kingdom.
POSITION PROFILE
The Role
The Student Director is a full-time leadership position responsible for the spiritual oversight, strategic direction, and daily operations of the student ministry. This individual will serve as the primary shepherd for our students and a key collaborator within our staff and elder team.
Core Responsibilities
Ministry Leadership: Lead weekly Wednesday evening gatherings, incorporating time for social interaction, worship, large-group teaching, small-group sessions, and prayer.
Teaching & Discipleship: Deliver gospel-centered, expository teaching that challenges students and builds a biblical foundation for their lives.
Team Oversight: Recruit, train, and lead the 14 adult leaders, ensuring they are equipped to disciple students effectively.
Major Events: Coordinate and lead key annual events, including summer camps, winter retreats, and regular small-group outings.
Parental Engagement: Intentionally partner with parents to support the spiritual development of their children.
Administrative Management: Oversee service logistics, scheduling, and technical needs.
Pastoral Care: Serve as an active member and caretaker of the overall church flock, working in harmony with the elder team.
Who We Are Looking For
Spiritual Maturity: A born-again, growing Christian who meets the biblical standards outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Theological Alignment: A gospel-centered leader who can affirm Gathering Church’s beliefs and distinctives in good conscience.
Experience: 3–5 years of staff youth ministry experience (or equivalent).
Skill Set: A vision for expository teaching and proficiency in ministry technology such as Planning Center and ProPresenter.
Character: A mature leader capable of guiding both students and their families while working collaboratively with a staff and elder team.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 per year (commensurate with education and experience).
Position Type: Full-time.
Benefits: Includes health and retirement benefits. Also includes paid time off and sick leave.
What’s it like to live in
fort walton beach
Florida’s Emerald Coast offers a unique blend of laid-back coastal living and growing community life. Known for its white-sand beaches and emerald-blue water, the area provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure — from boating and fishing to beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and year-round sunshine. At the same time, the region continues to attract young families, professionals, and growing churches, creating a vibrant and relational atmosphere that feels both energizing and grounded.
While the beaches are a major draw, everyday life here is what makes people stay. You’ll find great local restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor hangouts, and a strong sense of community without the overwhelming pace and congestion of a major city. Whether it’s catching a sunset after work, spending weekends on the water, or building meaningful friendships within a growing church community, the Emerald Coast offers a lifestyle that feels both full and sustainable.
Ready to ride the wave?
Fill out our candidate form and someone will be in touch within 24 hours.