white oak church
cincinnati, oh
STUDENT PASTOR
The opportunity
White Oak Christian Church is seeking a passionate and visionary Student Pastor to lead the 6th–12th grade ministry at its original, Colerain campus, while simultaneously shaping the vision and strategy for student ministry across its growing network of campuses.
This role is more than just programming. It's a high impact opportunity to shepherd students, lead the high capacity and loyal team of adult volunteers, partner with parents to see transformation ripple through families and schools, and establish unity from campus to campus.
We are praying for someone who highly relational and relatable to a diverse group of students, able to build teams, and bring energy, authenticity, and pastoral care to a multi-generational church family.
This is a high freedom, high accountability position. But, you won’t see anyone at White Oak working in silos. This position is for someone who thrives in collaborative environments and is ready to be apart of the tight knit family that exists at White Oak Church.
We’re looking for a leader who is eager to spot opportunities and driven to build the systems, strategies, and vision needed to take the Student Ministry to the next level. The right candidate will thrive in an environment that offers the freedom to dream and innovate, paired with the support to turn those dreams into reality.
If you’ve got a heart for students, a mind for strategy, and a calling to disciple the next generation, this is your opportunity to shape a growing ministry and make a lasting impact.
white oak church
White Oak Christian Church is a dynamic, multi-site church rooted in the Restoration Movement with a mission to connect people to full life in Jesus. With over 200 years of history in the Cincinnati area, White Oak is committed to living out faith with authenticity, passion, and a deep dependence on God’s Word.
The church is currently led by Lead Pastor, Nathan Hinkle who values collaboration, humility, and vision alignment across campuses. The Colerain campus is led by Kevin Smith where this role will be based.
White Oak cares deeply about spiritual formation, community outreach, and helping people take real steps in their walk with Jesus. You won’t find a stagnant church here. The church is growing, dreaming, and moving forward with purpose.
Let’s chat workplace culture
At White Oak, we believe ministry is best lived in community. Our staff culture is one of fun, authenticity, and spiritual depth. You’ll find a team that works hard, laughs often, and truly cares for one another beyond job titles. Staff members describe the environment as family—not just transactional work.
We operate with structured weekly rhythms (office hours are 8:30–4:30), but also value flexibility and work-life balance. Tuesdays are protected for team collaboration, and we prioritize personal spiritual formation alongside professional development.
Leaders here are expected to take initiative and will not be micromanaged. You’ll be supported by a leadership team who truly cares about you, empowers you to bring your gifts to the table, and provides you opportunities to grow and develop in those giftings.
POSITION PROFILE
Job Summary:
The Student Pastor develops and leads a healthy and fully functional volunteer team that plans and executes an engaging, relational, and effective ministry for 6th- 12th graders that facilitates the Student Ministry Formation Outcomes through age-appropriate strategies to help students experience full life in Jesus, discover one’s identity in Jesus, be equipped to love, and be deployed on mission. This individual works in collaboration with the Executive Team to develop and cast vision for student ministry, oversee student ministry team members, apply assessment and accountability, and build collaboration, efficiency, and culturally relevant alignment across all White Oak campuses.
PRIMARY DUTIES STUDENT PASTOR
• Develop and lead a team of volunteers that serves as advisors, champions, coaches, teachers, recruiters, and spiritual mentors for student ministry.
• Serve as the primary communicator for student ministry programs.
• Serve as the chief recruiter, trainer, and encourager of student ministry volunteers at the Colrain campus.
• Plan and execute all student ministry marketing, social media, and promotion.
• Develop and execute strategies that equip parents and guardians to be effective spiritual leaders in the home.
• Ensure that all White Oak policies and procedures (i.e., financial, facility, safety, etc.) are followed in the planning, execution, and assessment of student ministry activities.
• Plan and execute excellent, culturally relevant, and age-appropriate weekly programs at the Colrain campus that align with and contribute to the White Oak mission, vision, and values, and that facilitate the Student Ministry Formation Outcomes.
• Plan and execute the student ministry Anchors identified by the Executive Team.
• Fulfill pastoral roles such as counseling, hospital and pastoral visitation, mentoring, wedding/funeral officiation, baptisms, teaching/preaching, etc.
• Support campus-wide events through presence and participation.
• Contribute to the development and management of the student ministry budget.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Centralized Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to cast vision, set goals, measure effectiveness, and ensure that student ministry strategies, programs, and resources contribute to the Student Ministry Formation Outcomes and align with White Oak’s mission, vision, and values.
• Provide ministry-specific supervision and mentoring to Student Pastors in collaboration with Campus Pastors.
• Build collaboration and alignment, where appropriate, across all student ministry team members and programming.
• Pursue continued training in the areas of student ministry, leadership, and multisite management.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
SPIRITUAL EXPECTATIONS
• Possess and model a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as reflected by one’s faith, confession, repentance, immersion, personal testimony, ongoing formation, and fruit.
• Believe and commit to honor White Oak’s doctrine statements in all personal and professional contexts. See More
• Model ongoing personal spiritual formation and a dedication to the disciplines that facilitate that growth.
• Invest in the replication of one’s personal and spiritual growth in others.
• Seek, encourage, mentor, and send the next generation of vocational ministers.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and rhythm that affords time for self, family, and service.
• Approach your White Oak role as a ministry, not as a traditional secular job
• Submit to the spiritual accountability of the White Oak elders.
• Practice healthy relational boundaries
• Model God-honoring stewardship of one’s time, talents, and treasures.
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in ministry or related field (master’s degree in ministry, leadership, or related field preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrable success in Student Ministry (experience in a multi-site church preferred).
• Preferred 3 years of supervision experience.
What’s it like to live in
CINCINNATI, OH
Cincinnati is an underrated gem and the perfect launchpad for your next ministry chapter. As a city, it blends Midwestern warmth with big city vibrancy. Whether you love a good coffee shop, pro sports (go Reds!), an amazing foodie scene, or music festivals, you’ll find a lifestyle that fits your personality and pace.
The Colerain area offers affordable living and easy access to diverse neighborhoods, great schools, and rich local culture. You'll enjoy everything from riverside parks and historic neighborhoods to food trucks and farmers' markets. Plus, with its central location, you’re never far from a weekend getaway—Louisville, Nashville, Chicago, and the Smoky Mountains are all within reach.
For a leader ready to build meaningful roots, make new connections, and thrive both spiritually and socially, Cincinnati offers the best of both worlds: the space to grow and the community to belong.
