Pastor of Children and Youth Ministries - First Baptist Church of Galax

SBC

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 190-200

Meet First Baptist Church of Galax

First Baptist Church of Galax, Virginia, is a Christ-centered, community-focused congregation dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus both locally and globally. With a rich history rooted in evangelism and mission work, the church emphasizes building strong relationships, growing in faith, and living out the gospel in everyday life. Their passion for service reflects a deep commitment to discipleship and spiritual growth, encouraging members to be active participants in their faith journey.

First Baptist Galax fosters a welcoming environment where worship, fellowship, and spiritual formation are central to its mission. The church seeks to be a beacon of hope in the Galax community, offering a space where individuals and families can connect with God and one another. Through prayerful guidance and a strong sense of purpose, the congregation continues to pursue God’s vision for reaching people with the message of Christ’s love and grace.

About the Pastor of Children and Youth Ministries

The Pastor of Children and Youth Ministries will provide vision, energy, oversight, and direction to the Children and Youth Ministries of First Baptist Church. The Children & Youth Ministries will work with and disciple families to Christ, creating disciples of the next generation. They will promote First Baptist Church’s vision of reaching people for Christ and building relationships with the lost within our community. In addition, they will share our vision and their faith within the church body, our leaders, and volunteers.

The Pastor of Children and Youth Ministries' responsibilities include:

As Staff Minster

• Serve as a member of the pastoral staff team.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Participate in regular weekly visitation and outreach opportunities.
• Perform general pastoral ministry to the students, their families, & community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

As Family Pastor

While we feel that the following responsibilities will help you achieve success as FaithMissionary, the Family Pastor will have the flexibility to use their creativity to develop newministries and methods to reach and disciple students and their parents.

• Pray with and for students and their families.
• Seek to lead students and their families to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through evangelism, discipleship, worship, prayer, ministry, and fellowship.
• Equip students and adult volunteers to become multiplying disciples of Christ.
• Lead the enlistment, training, and support of student leaders, parents, and volunteers.
• Work with youth/children’s teams in the promotion, planning, and implementation of activities, coordinating curriculum and events.
• Prepare and administer student budgets and designated accounts according to church policies.
• Maintain communication between various family ministries and parents.
• Oversee/lead ongoing weekly student activities, including Sunday School and Sunday evening activities.
• Provide, lead, and administer opportunities for special experiences such as camps, retreats, mission trips, outings, fellowships, and ministry projects.
• Provide and lead vacation bible school each year.
• Engage students outside of church by finding ways to spend time with them, such as, attending extracurricular activities (band concerts, quiz bowl, sports events, etc.) on a weekly basis.
• Set annual student ministry goals.
• Participate in personal training opportunities.
• Oversee background check procedures and child protection policy procedures in accordance with church policy.
• Be available to counsel and pray with children, youth, and their parents.
• Maintain a strategy for reaching and encouraging children, youth, and families into the life of the church.

Accountability

• The Children and Youth Ministries Pastor is part of the staff and accountable to the Senior Pastor and the Personnel Team.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Pastor of Children and Youth Ministries:

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Children, youth, and/or family ministry experience (2-5 years preferred).
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, and a willingness to work towards a master’s degree.
• Ability to connect relationally with parents and children.
• Ability and willingness to live in the Galax/Carroll/Grayson area and develop community relationships locally in accordance with our church vision.
• A passion to create an environment for spiritual growth in children, youth, and their families.
• Strong leadership, organizational, administrative, and motivational skills.
• Strong abilities and experience in equipping leaders and working with teams.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategy.
• A willingness and ability to pioneer new things and inspire others to new initiatives.
• Good teaching ability and communication skills.
• Counseling skills.
• Open to other suggestions and utilizes them when suitable.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills.

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• A growing personal relationship with the Lord.
• Seek to constantly develop a personal heart for God and teachable spirit.
• Has had a definite call to ministry, specifically, Children and Youth Ministry.
• A person of prayer.
• Strong relationship skills.
• A healthy balance of work and rest in their life.
• Ability to work closely with other Ministry Staff and Ministry Leaders.
• A person of integrity who has a good reputation with those inside and outside of the church.
• In agreement with the doctrine and beliefs of the Missionary Church (mcusa.org/position-papers, mcusa.org/constitution).
• Self-motivated person that is dependable and can work independently when necessary.

What it's like to live in Galax, Virginia

Living in Galax, Virginia, offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, with easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and the nearby New River. The quiet pace of life and low traffic make it an appealing place for people who appreciate a slower, more relaxed rhythm. With its rolling hills and friendly atmosphere, Galax is the kind of place where neighbors wave, and front porch conversations are still a common part of daily life.

The community in Galax is close-knit and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family values and personal connections. The town has a modest downtown area with local shops, cafes, and essential services, giving it a classic hometown feel without the busyness of a larger city. Schools, churches, and civic organizations play an important role in bringing people together, and there's a strong sense of pride in maintaining the character and traditions of the area. For those looking for a quieter place to call home, Galax offers a comforting blend of simplicity and connection.