Job Title: Student Ministry Co-Pastor

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona 

Church Size: 1000-1500

Why This Is a Great Opportunity:

McDowell Mountain Community Church is seeking a Student Ministry Co-Pastor to play a key role in leading and executing a growing, healthy student ministry. This is a highly relational and hands-on role designed for a leader who thrives in both discipleship and execution. Are you someone who can build strong relationships, develop leaders, and help create environments where students encounter Jesus and take meaningful next steps in their faith? 

This role offers the opportunity to influence both middle school and high school ministries while owning key areas such as middle school programming, volunteer coordination, communication, and event execution.

For a leader who is passionate about students, energized by team collaboration, and willing to do both the visible and behind-the-scenes work of ministry, this is a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About McDowell Church

Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, McDowell is a welcoming, relational church that prioritizes biblical teaching, authentic community, and practical discipleship. They are passionate about helping people encounter Jesus, be transformed by His Spirit, and live out their faith in everyday life.

The church places a strong emphasis on investing in the next generation, building strong relationships, and reaching its city with the love of Jesus. Their staff culture reflects that mission, marked by humility, collaboration, alignment, and a shared commitment to creating life-giving ministry environments that make a lasting impact.

McDowell is a non-denominational church that is affiliated with the Church of God of Anderson, IN (jesusisthesubject.org).

Key Responsibilities:

• Student Discipleship & Relationships: Alongside the McDowell Students Pastor, build intentional, ongoing relationships with middle and high school boys through consistent presence both inside and outside church settings, including our afterschool ministry at Trailhead Coffee.
• Family & Community Communication: Co-lead proactive communication with parents, students, and volunteers through email, text, and social media — together cultivating trust, clarity, and a strong sense of community across the whole ministry.
• Brand & Digital Presence: Partner in overseeing the McDowell Students digital presence, including the website, social media, event promotion, calendars, and graphics, ensuring content reflects a shared ministry vision and voice.
• Volunteer Development: Collaboratively recruit, develop, and shepherd middle school volunteers — together fostering ownership, consistency, and growth within the volunteer team.
• Event & Camp Leadership: Co-lead the planning, coordination, and execution of MS Camp, HS Camp, Winter Camp, mission trips, and special events, bringing shared ownership to every stage of the process.
• Weekly Programming: Collaboratively own the planning and execution of Sunday morning and all middle school programming, together bringing creativity and spiritual intentionality to every gathering.
• Teaching & Spiritual Formation: Co-shepherd students through weekly large group teaching and small group leadership, with a shared heart for long-term discipleship.
• Operational Excellence: Partner in ensuring ministry programs run smoothly by overseeing supplies, food, and logistical needs — creating an environment where leaders and students can focus on what matters most.
• Ministry Leadership: Shepherd interns and residents through weekly meetings and leadership trainings.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on student ministry experience with at least 50 active students
• A degree in Biblical Studies, Youth Ministry, or a related field is required
• Ministry experience in building and leading teams
• Strong communication skills with students, parents, and leaders
• Leadership and administrative experience with the ability to manage budgets, schedules, and systems
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and social media platforms–willing to learn new programs as needed

Character Traits:

• A humble servant leader who takes direction and works well with teams. 
• Passionate about students and their potential to impact the world for Jesus
• Someone with a pastoral heart who is dedicated to shepherding people and cultivating deep relationships
• Someone who's relationally savvy with a high EQ and able to connect with both students and the adult leaders who serve them
• A clear and engaging communicator who teaches truth through God’s Word in ways students can connect with
• A proven team builder who recruits, develops, and empowers volunteer leaders
• A strategic thinker with solid administrative and project management skills

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $70,000-75,000 depending on education and experience. Plus employer-sponsored insurance and benefits. 

About the Community:

Scottsdale is a growing, influential city in the Phoenix metro area filled with young families, professionals, and people exploring faith. With its strong sense of community and steady growth, it provides a strategic opportunity for ministry, especially to invest in the next generation and build meaningful relationships both inside and outside the church.