The Student Ministries Director provides leadership, vision, and oversight for student ministry, helping students find and follow Jesus. This role is responsible for developing engaging environments, equipping leaders, partnering with families, and integrating students into the life of the church. The Director ensures that all student ministry activities align with the mission and values of the church and foster spiritual growth and community.
Key Responsibilities:
Ministry Leadership & Vision:
- Develop and implement a clear vision and strategy for student ministry aligned with the church’s mission
- Create welcoming, engaging environments where students can belong, believe, and grow
- Foster spiritual growth through teaching, discipleship, worship, service, and mentorship
Program Development & Execution:
- Plan and lead weekly student gatherings, small groups, and discipleship pathways
- Coordinate special events such as retreats, camps, mission trips, and outreach opportunities
- Ensure a safe, organized, and well-led ministry environment
- Evaluate ministry eff ectiveness and adjust programming as needed
Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Leadership:
- Identify, recruit, and train adult volunteer leaders
- Provide coaching, encouragement, and accountability for volunteers
- Ensure all volunteers complete required background checks and child safety protocols
- Develop leadership pathways for volunteers and student leaders
Family Partnership & Communication:
- Partner with parents and guardians as primary spiritual influencers in students’ lives
- Maintain consistent communication with families through appropriate channels
- Provide resources and encouragement for discipleship within the home
Integration into Church Life:
- Encourage student participation in worship services, teams, and church-wide events
- Collaborate with children’s ministry and other staff for smooth transitions and unifi ed strategy
- Participate in church services, programs, and events as needed
Administration & Stewardship:
- Manage ministry budget, calendar, registrations, and scheduling
- Maintain attendance records and communication systems
- Ensure compliance with church policies, safety standards, and operational procedures
Requirements
- Relational Shepherd: Someone who is able to connect and pastor relationally to students, parents and volunteers.
- Up Front Communicator: Someone who is able to engage a crowd, run a game and communicate vision.
- Teachable Self-Starter: Someone who has the tenacity and energy to start new ministries and programs, but with the humility of being a learner.
- Fun: Someone who likes to laugh and have fun in the midst of ministry and work.
- Recruiter: Someone who is able to actively recruit volunteers and leaders from inside and outside the church.
Why We Love This Opportunity
I love this opportunity because Harbor Christian Center is in a momentum building stage as a church. This person is going to get to learn, grow and do ministry under some incredibly strong leaders. They will be developed and be given opportunities to grow in ministry that many leaders never get. In addition Gig Harbor is one of the most beautiful places in the country with incredible opportunities for all events and activities within a short drive.
About Harbor Christian Center
In 2025, HCC celebrated our 30th year in ministry. Over the course of those 30 years, we have always met in a community space. We have often been described as lean, nimble and able to respond to community needs. We are and always have been very supportive of local non-profits both financially and with a strong, consistent volunteer base. It has been our goal to increase collaboration and reduce duplication in service and in ministry with other local faith communities. The life of our church is focused around anticipation…with a full new slate of leaders.
About Gig Harbor
Life in Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula offers a blend of PNW beauty and a relaxed, natural feel. Gig Harbor gives an upscale waterfront feel without being stuffy. The Key Peninsula is a more quiet, rural lifestyle with forests, parks and public beaches. Families here are out doing the most, from kayaking, paddleboarding or boating. The Peninsula School District is well respected, and features programs in STEM, sports, and the arts. The local non-profit service organizations, including the FISH Food Bank, Food 4 All, Community in Schools have deep connections and support from the community.
Our coffee culture is unmatched, fueled by independent, welcoming spots. The area’s proximity to major cities means you get this relaxed retreat without being completely isolated. Gig Harbor is a quick 15-to-20-minute drive to downtown Tacoma, or 45-60 minutes from Seattle.
