Help Shape the Faith of the Next Generation
Creekside Christian Church in Elk Grove, California, is seeking a relational, spiritually mature, and mission-focused Student Ministries Pastor to lead a vibrant ministry for students in grades 7–12 and their families. This is an opportunity to invest deeply in young people, equip parents and volunteers, and help revitalize a significant student ministry within a growing, community-minded church.
For more than a century, Creekside has been introducing people to Jesus and serving the Elk Grove region. Today, the church welcomes more than 2,000 adults and children each weekend and is seeing meaningful spiritual momentum through professions of faith, baptisms, LifeGroups, volunteer engagement, and community outreach.
Creekside’s mission is clear: to bring glory to God by turning all people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Its Discipleship Pathway helps people Connect, Grow, Serve, and Reach: a framework that also guides the church’s ministry to students and families.
A Ministry Ready for Renewed Vision
The next Student Ministries Pastor will be invited to lead more than a calendar of events. Creekside is looking for a shepherd and ministry builder who can cultivate a welcoming, nurturing, and joyful environment where students encounter Jesus, form meaningful relationships, and grow as disciples.
The pastor will lead the Student Ministry Team, strengthen staff and volunteers, teach God’s Word, oversee Sunday gatherings, LifeGroups, camps and special events, and develop clear communication with students and families. A central priority will be equipping parents as the primary faith-formers in their homes and more fully integrating students into the life and mission of the wider church. The ministry also has opportunities to expand its presence on local school campuses through partnerships and activities such as FCA, YoungLife, Christian clubs, coaching, and other relational avenues.
The incoming leader will oversee a team that includes a junior pastor, two coordinators, and administrative support, along with an annual Student Ministries budget of approximately $300,000. Creekside’s aspiration is to develop a healthy, thriving ministry capable of engaging 200–300 students while remaining grounded in personal discipleship, strong families, authentic community, and fun.
The Leader Creekside Is Seeking
The ideal candidate will possess a deep devotion to Jesus, a love for the local church, and a genuine calling to serve students and their families. Creekside is looking for someone who is relational, personable, approachable, and authentic; spiritually mature and grounded in the fruit of the Spirit; collaborative, humble, and comfortable leading within a team; able to develop staff members and mobilize volunteer leaders; passionate about biblical teaching and intentional discipleship; committed to partnering with and equipping parents; creative, organized, and capable of leading a complex ministry; and a positive and Christ-centered role model for young people.
More than a dynamic platform presence, Creekside needs a leader who will know students, walk alongside families, build trust, and create a culture in which young people are loved, challenged, equipped, and released to follow Jesus.
Life and Ministry in Elk Grove
Elk Grove is a diverse, family-friendly community near Sacramento with more than 60,000 students in its school district. The region offers abundant parks, walking and cycling paths, recreational facilities, respected schools, nearby universities, and convenient access to destinations such as Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and Yosemite.
The position is full-time and includes a base salary of $60,000–$75,000, a pastoral housing allowance, health coverage, dental and vision insurance, retirement planning, paid time off, relocation assistance, family leave, professional development support, and other benefits. A bachelor’s degree is required.
Could God be inviting you, or someone you know, to help shape the next chapter of Student Ministries at Creekside Christian Church?
P.S. If this job isn't exactly what you're looking for, feel free to check the job board of open positions.
