Associate Minister for Congregational Life and Discipleship 

Position:  Associate Minister for Congregational Life and Discipleship 

Location: First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland 

      3630 Fairmount Blvd. 

      Shaker Heights, OH 44118 

Reports To: Senior Pastor 

Hours:     Full-Time 

Job Summary 

The Associate Minister for Congregational Life and Discipleship will play a key role in enhancing the spiritual life, fellowship, and discipleship culture of the congregation. This individual will lead and coordinate efforts to deepen members’ faith and engagement through small groups, spiritual formation programs, and other initiatives. Working closely with the Senior Pastor, this role will serve as a central point of connection between various ministry teams, ensuring cohesive and impactful programming. The Associate Minister will also provide pastoral care and leadership, contributing to the overall spiritual growth and vibrancy of the church community. 

Primary Responsibilities 

1. Congregational Life Leadership 

  • Oversee the development and execution of programs that enhance spiritual life, fellowship, and community building within the congregation, ensuring all initiatives contribute to a unified church calendar and overall mission. 
  • Collaborate with ministry teams to organize and coordinate church-wide events, aligning activities to foster a thriving and interconnected congregational life. 
  • Develop initiatives that encourage and empower members to engage in small groups, discipleship programs, and spiritual formation activities, promoting meaningful relationships and engagement within the church. 

2. Discipleship & Spiritual Formation 

  • Lead efforts to cultivate a culture of discipleship, equipping congregants to grow in their faith through Bible studies, mentorship programs, and spiritual education, ensuring integration with the broader life of the church. 
  • Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to lay leaders involved in small group leadership, empowering them to lead and nurture effectively while maintaining cohesion with the church’s overall vision. 
  • Collaborate with the Senior Pastor to design and implement strategies for discipleship that engage all age groups, promoting spiritual depth and alignment with the church’s collective mission. 

3. Coordination & Ministry Support 

  • Work closely with the Senior Pastor to bring vision and creative ministry ideas to life, coordinating efforts to ensure seamless execution and alignment with the overall church calendar and mission. 
  • Act as a central point of connection between ministry teams, fostering cohesion and effective communication for all church activities and events. 
  • Compile, communicate, and oversee logistical details for church programs and initiatives, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with the church’s goals, including worship-related activities. 

4. Pastoral Care & Leadership 

  • Provide compassionate pastoral care to members of the congregation through counseling, visitation, and spiritual guidance, offering support during pivotal life moments while ensuring such efforts align with the church’s overall care strategy. 
  • Assist with preaching, teaching, and leading worship services as needed, contributing to the spiritual leadership of the church and enhancing the life of the congregation. 
  • Foster a collaborative environment with staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders to create a unified and mission-driven church community. 

5. Worship Coordination 

  • Work closely with the Senior Pastor to bring together the various moving parts of worship, ensuring alignment and cohesion across the life of the church and in line with the church calendar. 
  • Serve as the point of contact for coordinating worship components, including music, liturgy, and special elements, facilitating communication and collaboration with relevant leaders. 
  • Compile and communicate all necessary details to the Communications Coordinator for the creation of the weekly bulletins and other worship-related materials, ensuring all elements are clearly and effectively conveyed. 
  • Support the seamless integration of worship planning with other ministry activities and events, contributing to a consistent and unified worship experience for the congregation. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Education: Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree preferred. 
  • Experience: Demonstrated experience in congregational leadership, discipleship, and pastoral care, preferably in a church setting. 
  • Skills & Abilities: 
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate and execute complex programs and initiatives. 
  • Proven ability to mentor and support lay leaders, fostering spiritual growth and development. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building and maintaining meaningful relationships across diverse groups. 
  • A warm, welcoming demeanor with the ability to balance relational ministry with administrative and logistical responsibilities. 
  • A deep commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the church. 

Classification: Full-Time 

Work Type: In-person 

Contact/application information:  To apply, send your expression of interest/resume, cover letter to  personnel@firstbaptistcleveland.org.  No phone calls, please. 

Posting will remain open until filled. 

Director of Youth and Community Engagement 

Position:  Director of Youth and Community Engagement 

Location: First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland 

      3630 Fairmount Blvd. 

      Shaker Heights, OH 44118 

Report To: Senior Pastor & Director of Operations 

Hours:     25 – 30 hours per week 

Job Summary 

The Director of Youth and Community Engagement leads the church’s youth ministry with a focus on actively engaging youth, attracting new participants, and developing dynamic programs that empower youth to be leaders in their faith journey. This role is also responsible for fostering meaningful connections with community members who engage with the church, creating a welcoming environment that encourages continued interaction and connection.  

Key Responsibilities 

1. Youth Faith Formation & Outreach 

  • Lead and actively develop engaging youth ministries, including Bible studies, events, retreats, and discipleship opportunities that empower youth to grow in their faith and become leaders in their own right. 
  • Cultivate relationships with youth and their families, creating a vibrant, welcoming environment that attracts new participants and integrates them into the life of the church. 
  • Develop dynamic outreach strategies that engage youth in both the church and the community, offering opportunities for service, leadership, and spiritual growth that resonate with their interests and needs. 
  • Build a dynamic youth ministry that actively engages youth in leadership and service, empowering them to take ownership of their faith journeys and contribute meaningfully to the church and community. 
  • Serve as a bridge between the church’s mission and the next generation, ensuring youth programming is innovative, inclusive, and central to the church’s future growth. 

2. Community Engagement & Facility Coordination 

  • Serve as the primary contact for community members and organizations interested in using church facilities, managing rental requests, scheduling, and event logistics with a focus on creating welcoming, meaningful interactions that encourage lasting connections. 
  • Actively engage with community groups, organizations, and individuals to explore opportunities for collaboration, including partnering on service projects, events, or community initiatives that align with the church’s mission. 
  • Develop and implement strategies to make the church a sought-after hub for community engagement, building strong relationships that enhance the church’s visibility and impact within the broader community. 
  • Oversee the coordination and seamless logistics of facility use for external events, ensuring alignment with the church’s goals of hospitality, connection, and effective service. 
  • Collaborate with ministry leaders and staff to create and promote opportunities that encourage community members to return and engage further, fostering a welcoming environment and strengthening the church’s role as a center of connection and spiritual growth. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Education & Experience: Experience in youth ministry, community engagement, or related fields. Prior administrative and leadership experience preferred. 
  • Skills & Abilities: 
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a focus on hospitality and building positive relationships. 
  • Excellent communication and relational skills, capable of engaging with diverse groups, including youth, families, and community members. 
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead dynamic youth programs that attract and empower young people. 
  • Proficiency in administrative and scheduling tools, with experience in facility coordination and community outreach. 
  • A commitment to the mission and vision of the church, with a passion for connecting with both youth and the broader community. 

Classification: Hourly, Part-time 

Work Type: In-person 

Contact/application information:  To apply, send your expression of interest/resume, cover letter to  personnel@firstbaptistcleveland.org.  No phone calls, please. 

Posting will remain open until filled.