Pastor of Children and Young Families Emmanuel Baptist Church

The Opportunity Emmanuel Baptist Church is a biblically grounded, multi-generational Southern Baptist church with a rich history of faithful preaching and church planting in the Kansas City area. We believe God has positioned our church for a new season of reaching and discipling young families—and we are seeking a high-capacity leader to build and lead a thriving, disciple-making ministry to children and their parents. This is not simply a role to maintain existing programs. This is an opportunity to shape the future of the next generation at Emmanuel. About the Role The Pastor of Children and Young Families will serve as one of the pastor-elders of Emmanuel, sharing in the spiritual leadership and shepherding of the church alongside the pastoral team, while giving primary vision, leadership, and strategy to the discipleship of children (birth-6th grade) and their families. This role reports to the Executive Pastor and works closely with the staff team. What You’ll Lead

VISION & STRATEGY

Develop and implement a clear, compelling vision for children and young families that aligns with the mission of Emmanuel. Build systems that move families from first-time guests to engaged to growing disciples. Evaluate and strengthen existing ministry environments to maximize effectiveness and alignment.

DISCIPLESHIP ENVIRONMENTS

Lead engaging, biblically rich Sunday and midweek environments for children. Ensure all teaching and curriculum are theologically sound and developmentally effective. Equip parents to disciple their children in the home.

VOLUNTEER & LEADER DEVELOPMENT

Build and sustain a healthy, growing volunteer culture. Recruit, train, and develop leaders—not just fill roles. Create systems that make serving clear, meaningful, and sustainable.

OUTREACH & ASSIMILATION

Design and execute strategies to reach unchurched families in the community. Ensure clear, effective follow-up and next steps for new families. Lead key outreach initiatives (e.g., VBS, seasonal events, family-focused gatherings).

SHEPHERDING & COMMUNITY

Build relationships with young families and serve as a pastoral presence in their lives. Foster meaningful community among families through groups and connection points. Help integrate children and families into the broader life of the church. Serve as a visible and trusted pastoral presence in the broader life of the church, not only within the children and families ministry. What Success Looks Like A growing and engaged volunteer leadership team. Increasing number of young families connecting into groups and church life. Clear and effective assimilation pathway for new families. Measurable impact in reaching new families in the community. Who You Are We are seeking not simply a ministry leader, but a pastor who will serve as part of our pastoral team, helping shepherd and lead Emmanuel as a whole.

A PASTOR & LEADER

You carry the heart of a shepherd, not just a ministry builder. You think in systems, not just programs. You take ownership and move things forward. You can build, organize, and improve ministry environments.

A DISCIPLE-MAKER

You are passionate about helping children and families follow Jesus. You value both theological depth and practical application.

A TEAM BUILDER

You recruit and develop people naturally. You create cultures people want to be part of.

A MISSIONAL THINKER

You are energized by reaching people not yet connected to the church. You think beyond the walls, not just within them. Qualifications Meets the biblical qualifications of an elder (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) and is able to serve in a pastoral leadership role within the church. Strong biblical and theological foundation. 5+ years of ministry experience preferred (children, next-gen, or other pastoral leadership). Proven ability to lead teams and build systems. Strong communication and relational skills. About Emmanuel Baptist Church Denomination: Southern Baptist Convention Location: Overland Park, KS (Kansas City metro) Biblical Preaching Authentic Community Great Commission Focus We are a church that values both deep theological conviction and active mission, locally and globally. About Overland Park, KS Overland Park is one of the best places to live in the United States, known for: Safe, family-friendly communities Strong economy Access to the Kansas City metro (culture, sports, food) Next Steps If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please submit: Resume Cover letter (including your sense of calling to this role) Teaching sample if available (video link preferred) Send materials to: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary