Minister/Director of Youth and Young Adults - First Baptist Church Dalton, GA

Job Description

Job Description

About the Church

First Baptist Church of Dalton (FBCD) is a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship congregation founded in 1847 and located in downtown Dalton, Georgia. Known affectionately as the "M&M Church" for its strong reputation in music and missions, the congregation is described by its members as welcoming, caring, and traditional. FBCD operates with a robust annual budget of $2 million and serves an average weekly traditional worship attendance of 250 individuals. The church's core mission is to glorify God through sincere worship, intentional missions, biblical teaching, and persistent prayer, actively sharing God's love with all.

About the Ministry

The youth ministry at FBCD serves 44 students in grades 6–12 on its rolls, with a healthy average weekly participation of 30 students across Sunday School, traditional worship, and mid-week programming. Regular activities include Sunday evening youth groups featuring youth choir, games, small group Bible studies, and dinners, alongside a similar Wednesday night format. The ministry is supported by ten weekly volunteers and boasts a dedicated facility located underneath the fellowship hall, which features a large gathering area, game room, kitchen, and breakout classrooms. While the youth program offers marquee annual milestones like summer camps, retreats, and mission trips, the position has been expanded to strategically re-establish relationships with nearby Dalton State college students and young adults.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a relationally gifted and structurally organized leader possessing deep spiritual vitality, who can effectively recruit, train, and shepherd both youth and adult volunteers. Furthermore, they must comfortably thrive within a theological "purple church" environment by maintaining a balanced, bipartisan public presence while prioritizing healthy boundaries and sustainable rhythms of self-care.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement weekly programming, Bible studies, and worship experiences designed to attract youth to Christ and promote lifelong spiritual growth.

• Recruit, vet, train, and spiritually shepherd the adult volunteer team and small group leaders needed to sustain relational youth ministry.

• Design and execute a ministry strategy specifically tailored to connect with, disciple, and shepherd area college students and young adults navigating early career or life transitions.

• Develop healthy relationships with parents and guardians, providing regular, clear communication, and equiping them with resources to assist in their growth as Christian parents.

• Develop and manage the annual budget for both youth and young adult ministries, ensuring strategic allocation of resources, fiscal integrity, and accurate tracking for all events.

Qualifications

• A visible, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a clear, verifiable calling to student and young adult ministry.

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Theology, Youth Ministry, Christian Education) or equivalent ministry leadership experience is preferred.

• Proven ability to connect with, recruit, and lead teenagers, young adults, parents, and adult volunteers.

• Strong organizational abilities, financial/budgetary oversight competence, and proactive communication skills.

• Ability to thrive in a "big-tent," CBF-affiliated Baptist church profile, maintaining an apolitical public presence on divisive political or social matters.

About the Community

Known worldwide as the "Carpet Capital of the World," Dalton, Georgia, is a thriving city nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering a unique blend of historical heritage and modern local charm. Located just 30 miles south of Chattanooga and within driving distance of Atlanta, residents enjoy easy access to major metropolitan amenities while living in a tight-knit community. The area boasts excellent outdoor recreation, such as hiking at Haig Mill Lake Park and extensive sports complexes like Edwards Park, alongside a revitalized downtown filled with unique boutiques and popular local restaurants. With its rich history, a low cost of living, and a steady economy driven by global manufacturing, Dalton offers an exceptionally vibrant and well-balanced environment to call home.