Long-form Job Description
Associate Pastor with an emphasis on Children & Youth Ministry
Tirzah Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
York, South Carolina
Who We Are
Tirzah ARP Church is a Christ-centered, multi-generational congregation seeking to love God, love one another, and faithfully serve our community and beyond. Rooted in the Reformed tradition of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, we are committed to Biblical preaching, reverent and meaningful worship, intentional discipleship, and Christ-centered relationships across generations.
We believe children and youth are not merely the “future” of the church, but a vital part of the church today. With this conviction, we are prayerfully seeking an Associate Pastor who has a genuine heart for young people and their families, and a desire to walk alongside them as they grow in faith, maturity, and life together in Christ.
The Role
The Associate Pastor for Children and Youth Ministry will serve as a shepherd, teacher, mentor, and leader to our children, youth, and their families, with a primary emphasis on ministries for children (birth–5th grade) and youth (6th–12th grade). Working closely with the Senior Pastor, Session, staff, parents, and volunteers, this pastor will help lead and nurture a welcoming, Gospel-centered environment rooted in Scripture and authentic Christian community, where children and students are known, loved, taught, and encouraged to follow Jesus.
Tirzah ARP Church values reverent, traditional worship and intentional Christian education. Our weekly rhythm includes a Sunday School hour followed by morning worship, as well as a Wednesday evening Bible study that includes a dedicated youth group gathering.
This is a full-time pastoral position and an integral part of Tirzah ARP Church’s ministry team.
Primary Areas of Ministry:
Children & Youth Discipleship
- Provide leadership and oversight for all children’s (birth–5th grade) and youth (6th–12th grade) ministries.
- Create engaging, Biblically faithful opportunities for children and students to learn God’s Word, ask questions, and grow in their faith.
- Plan and lead regular gatherings, classes, small groups, special events, retreats, and mission opportunities.
Relationships & Pastoral Care
- Build meaningful relationships with children, youth, and their families, walking with them through joys, challenges, and seasons of growth.
- Partner with parents and caregivers, encouraging and equipping them as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes.
- Provide pastoral care, prayer, and spiritual guidance as needs arise.
Volunteer Leadership
- Recruit, train, encourage, and support volunteers who serve in children’s and youth ministries.
- Foster a culture of joy, teamwork, safety, and faithfulness among ministry leaders and volunteers.
- Ensure that all programs follow Tirzah ARP Church’s child protection and safety policies.
Life of the Church
- Participate in worship services, church events, staff meetings, and the broader life of the congregation.
- Preach occasionally and assist in other pastoral duties as gifted and needed.
- Collaborate with the Senior Pastor and Session in prayerful planning and ministry direction.
Outreach & Connection
- Help children and youth connect their faith to everyday life, service, and mission.
- Look for opportunities to engage families and young people beyond the church walls, building relationships within the local community.
Who We’re Looking For
Calling & Character
- A follower of Jesus Christ with a clear sense of calling to pastoral ministry and a particular love for children and youth.
- A person of integrity, humility, warmth, and approachability who enjoys being with young people and families.
- A team-oriented leader who values collaboration and shared ministry.
Theological & Denominational Alignment
- Agreement with the theology, doctrine, and polity of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
- Ordained or ordainable in the ARP Church, or willing to pursue ordination within the denomination.
Education & Experience
- M.Div. or equivalent theological education preferred; relevant ministry experience considered.
- Experience working with children and/or youth in a church or ministry setting.
- Ability to teach Scripture clearly and faithfully in age-appropriate ways.
Compensation
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience, education, and church resources, following Tirzah ARP Church policies.
How to Apply
Candidates are invited to submit:
* A resume
* A cover letter sharing your sense of calling and heart for children and youth ministry
* A brief statement of faith
* References (professional and pastoral)
Please send application materials to:
Scott Good: Chairman, Tirzah ARP, Pastor Nominating Committee
803-372-8163
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Condensed Version for Job Board:
Associate Pastor with an emphasis in Children & Youth Ministry
Tirzah Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
York, South Carolina | Full-Time Position
Tirzah ARP Church is a Christ-centered, multi-generational congregation seeking an Associate Pastor with a heart for children, youth, and families. We believe young people are an essential part of the church today, and we are prayerfully seeking a pastor who will joyfully shepherd, teach, and walk alongside them as they grow in faith.
Located between York, Rock Hill, and Clover in the Charlotte metro area, Tirzah ARP Church sits in a rapidly growing community with tremendous opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel and welcome new families into the life of the church.
About the Role
The Associate Pastor, with a primary emphasis on Children and Youth Ministry, will lead and nurture ministries for children (birth–5th grade) and youth (6th–12th grade). This pastor will partner closely with parents, volunteers, and church leadership to cultivate a welcoming, Gospel-centered environment rooted in Scripture and authentic Christian community.
Tirzah ARP Church values reverent, traditional worship and intentional Christian education. Our weekly rhythm includes a Sunday School hour followed by morning worship, as well as a Wednesday evening Bible study that includes a dedicated youth group gathering.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee children’s and youth ministries, including teaching, discipleship, and special events
- Build meaningful relationships with children, youth, and their families
- Recruit, train, and encourage volunteers
- Provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance to students and families
- Participate in worship, staff life, and the broader ministry of the church, including occasional preaching
- Support outreach and connection with families in the local community
- Teach the Bible in a way that connects faithfully with the world our children and youth are living in, helping them understand and share the Gospel within today’s cultural context.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and graciously across age groups and ministry teams to ensure alignment for events, camps, and programs. This role includes overseeing ministry-related communication through social media, the church website, and other communication platforms as appropriate.
- Mentor and train volunteers for the successful implementation of church program
- Develop youth to volunteer and lead when appropriate
Qualifications
- A clear calling to pastoral ministry with a passion for children and youth
- Agreement with the theology and polity of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
- Ordained or “ordainable” in the ARP Church (or willing to pursue ordination)
- Seminary training (M.Div. preferred) or equivalent ministry experience
- Relational, collaborative, and team-oriented leadership style
- A person who exemplifies a Christ-centered life both within the church and in the broader community, and who meets the biblical qualifications for an elder.
Compensation
Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, statement of faith, and references to:
Scott Good: Chairman, Tirzah ARP, Pastor Nominating Committee
803-372-8163
