Student Ministries Director

The Cornerstone Student Ministries (CSM) Director is a full time staff member who provides pastoral leadership and oversight for middle and high school students (grades 6–12), helping them encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and live Spirit-empowered lives. This position exists to develop a disciple-making youth ministry that aligns with the mission and values of Cornerstone. The CSM Director partners with families, volunteers, and the broader church to equip the next generation to become lifelong followers of Jesus.

Vision & Ministry Leadership

• Lead a Spirit-directed, biblically grounded, and culturally relevant ministry to students.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive youth ministry strategy focused on discipleship, evangelism, worship, and leadership development.

• Foster a healthy team culture among adult and student leaders that reflects the values of the church.

• Serve as a visible and contributing member of the church staff, participating in staff meetings, planning, and collaboration.

Teaching & Discipleship

• Preach gospel-centered, age-appropriate messages that are biblically sound and relevant to students’ lives.

• Develop discipleship pathways through small groups, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities.

• Model and teach spiritual disciplines and life-on-life discipleship.

Events, Camps, & Outreach

• Plan and execute retreats, mission trips, social events, and camps that create catalytic moments for spiritual growth.

• Develop partnerships with schools, sports teams, and community organizations for outreach and relational ministry.

• Equip students to share their faith and serve in both church and community settings.

Pastoral Care & Presence

• Provide pastoral support, prayer, and spiritual direction to students and their families.

• Be actively present in students’ lives by attending games, performances, and milestones.

• Engage parents as partners in the discipleship process.

• Respond to crisis situations and offer biblical counseling (or referrals) within appropriate

boundaries.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, and empower adult leaders and student leaders who model Christlike character and mission.

• Build a strong, equipped team that shares ownership of the youth ministry.

• Provide consistent encouragement, resources, and accountability to volunteers.

Administration & Oversight

• Manage youth ministry calendar, budget, communication, and event logistics.

• Ensure youth ministry environments are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.

• Maintain up-to-date compliance with church policies and child protection procedures.

• Use digital tools to communicate effectively with students and families.

What success looks like in this role:

1. Students are encountering Christ and growing in faith. Students regularly engage in worship, biblical teaching, and discipleship relationships that lead to visible spiritual growth and life transformation.

2. The youth ministry reflects Cornerstone’s mission and values. Programs, communication, and culture align with the broader church’s DNA; Spirit-led, relational, and missionally outward. The youth ministry feels like “Cornerstone for students.”

3. A strong team of leaders is equipped and thriving. Adult and student leaders serve with clarity, ownership, and joy. Ministry does not depend on the CSM Director alone but thrives through a multiplying team culture.

4. Parents are confident and connected. Parents feel informed, supported, and grateful for how the youth ministry partners with them in discipling their students.

5. The ministry is reaching new students. Youth are inviting friends, and new students are being welcomed and integrated into the life of the group. The ministry is known as a safe, fun, and faith-building place in the community.

6. Systems and rhythms are sustainable. Events, communication, and volunteer processes run smoothly. The CSM Director manages time, resources, and people with excellence; ensuring a healthy balance between ministry momentum and personal/family well-being.

7. Cross-functional team engagement is strong. The CSM Director actively contributes as a member of the broader Cornerstone team—collaborating across ministries, supporting fellow leaders, and investing in the overall health and mission of the church wherever and whenever possible.

A team member who has:

• Agreement and alignment with the Cornerstone Statement of Faith

• A vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear calling to youth ministry.

• Proven effectiveness in student ministry leadership in a local church setting.

• Strong communicator—both in teaching and in interpersonal relationships.

• Skilled in vision casting, team building, and strategic planning.

• Able to manage multiple projects with clarity and creativity.