Director of Middle School Ministry

Director of Middle School Ministry (5th through 8th Grades)

Direct Supervisor of: Associate Directors of Middle School

Department: Highland Kids + Students + Families

Tier: Director Tier

Classifications: Full Time, Exempt

Work Schedule: Sunday - Thursday

Reports to: Pastor to Students and Families

Our vision: leading all generations to find and follow Jesus for the flourishing of our city and beyond

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Highland Kids + Students + Families Department seeks to advance and support the vision through proclaiming the Gospel, equipping and resourcing families for life and godliness, and discipling the next generation of believers to be Christ followers.

The Middle School Ministry plays a vital role in leading and discipling students in grades 5-8 through relational ministry, engaging programming, and intentional partnerships with parents and volunteers. This role focuses on volunteer development, relational discipleship, weekly programming, retreats, mission trips, and collaboration with the Student Ministry team to create a thriving ministry environment that meets the unique needs of 5th through 8th grade students.

The Director of Middle School Ministry reports to the Pastor to Students and Families, working closely to align vision, strategy, and ministry goals. Additionally, this role collaborates with the Director of High School Ministry to ensure a cohesive and effective student ministry across all age groups.

DESIRED RESULTS/IMPACT OF THIS POSITION

• A Thriving Volunteer Team – Volunteers feel equipped, supported, and empowered to disciple middle school students effectively.
• Deepened Student Discipleship – Middle school students develop a personal faith foundation and engage in meaningful relationships with God and others.
• Engaging and Age-Appropriate Programming – Weekly gatherings capture the energy of middle schoolers while fostering spiritual growth.
• A Strong and Impactful Confirmation Program – Students gain a firm understanding of their faith, leading to meaningful commitments to Christ.
• Transformational Retreats & Mission Trips – Events help students encounter God, build friendships, and grow in their faith and faith practice.
• Strong Parent Partnerships – Parents feel supported and engaged as key influencers in their students' spiritual journey.
• Unified Ministry Team – Collaboration within the Student Ministry staff fosters alignment, creativity, and shared vision.

By achieving these desired results, the Director of Middle School Ministry will contribute to the overall mission of the church, fostering the spiritual growth of students and supporting the church's vision to engage families and make disciples.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Teamwork

• Oversee and lead two associate directors of middle school as they pursue discipling relationships with students
• Recruit, train, and equip volunteers to serve as small group leaders, mentors, and event leaders.
• Foster a strong culture of relational discipleship among volunteers, ensuring middle school students feel known, loved, and supported.
• Provide ongoing encouragement, training, and development opportunities for volunteers.

Relational Discipleship

• Build meaningful relationships with middle school students, creating a safe and welcoming environment for faith development.
• Develop small group environments that encourage authentic discussions and age-appropriate discipleship.
• Identify and mentor student leaders, equipping them for spiritual growth and service.
• Conduct regular "contact" work with middle school students in our community.

Weekly Programming

• Plan, develop, and lead engaging weekly gatherings designed for middle school students.
• Create fun, interactive, and Christ-centered experiences that encourage spiritual growth.
• Collaborate with the Director of High School and the Pastor of Students and Families to develop relevant teaching content, worship experiences, events and activities suited for middle schoolers.

Confirmation Program

• Oversee and implement a Confirmation program that helps middle school students deepen their understanding of faith and commitment to Christ.
• Develop and teach curriculum that aligns with the church's theology, guiding students through essential Christian beliefs.
• Recruit and train mentors to walk alongside students throughout the Confirmation process.
• Facilitate meaningful discussions, activities, and experiences that encourage students to take ownership of their faith.
• Plan and execute a Confirmation retreat or milestone event to celebrate students' faith journey.
• Partner with parents to equip them in supporting their student's Confirmation experience.

Retreats & Mission Trips

• Plan and execute annual middle school retreats, camps, and mission trips that foster spiritual development.
• Organize logistics, recruit volunteers, and provide leadership for these events.
• Ensure that all retreats and trips align with the church's mission and vision.
• Collaborate with the Director of High School in planning and executing student ministry-wide trips when applicable.

Parent Partnership

• Partner with parents to equip and resource them as disciple makers of their middle schoolers.
• Communicate regularly with parents through meetings, resources, and regular updates.
• Provide opportunities for parents to engage with the middle school ministry and its events.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work closely with the Director of High School and the Pastor to Students and Families to ensure alignment in vision, strategy, and programming.
• Partner with the Director of High School and the Pastor to Students and Families to develop long-term ministry goals and initiatives for student discipleship.
• Contribute to overall ministry planning, creative brainstorming, and problem-solving.
• Support broader church initiatives and foster connections between middle school ministry and the larger church community.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Education: A bachelor's degree in education, theology, child development, or related field is preferred but not required.
• Experience: Preferred 3 years of experience in Student Ministry or related field
• Skills: Microsoft office, financial management software, database management.
• Passion for middle school ministry and a calling to invest in the lives of students.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relational skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, and develop volunteers effectively.
• Team-oriented with a heart for collaboration and unity.
• Experience leading student leadership development programs (preferred but not required).

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ABILITIES

• Frequent lifting under 30 lbs.
• Frequent bending, stooping, lifting; sitting for extended periods
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

• Loves Jesus, the people of HP Pres, the city of Dallas and the world
• Affirms and supports ECO (our denomination) Essential Tenets
• Acts as an advocate of the culture and vision of HP Pres
• Commits to and exhibits our Team Culture Values:
  • Deeply abiding in Jesus
  • We > Me
  • Defiant joy in the trenches of ministry