Student Pastor (Youth Pastor)

Mercy Road Church - Northeast

Fortville, Indiana, United States

Denominations: Non-Denominational

Church Size: 751 to 1000

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay Type: Salary

Employee Workplace: On-site

Job Description:

Church: MERCY ROAD NORTHEAST

Job title: Student Pastor

Job Location: Fortville, IN

Why this is a great opportunity: Mercy Road Church is an innovative church planting church in central Indiana that has 4 locations and has helped plant 34 churches in the past 8 years. The Fishers/Fortville area is expanding rapidly, with new neighborhoods and young families arriving every day, making it a strategic and exciting place to lead student ministry. This Student Pastor position gives you the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing church (planted in September 2020) that is trying new approaches to reach the community for Jesus in a suburban context where hundreds of young families are moving into new homes every year. You will gain experience serving on a healthy church staff and learning from high level leaders who want to invest in your development.

Position Overview: 

The Student Pastor will lead all aspects of the 6th–12th grade ministry at Mercy Road Northeast. This includes being the primary teacher, discipler, and point leader for students, while also developing and empowering a volunteer leadership team to build relationships and lead students toward a passionate relationship with Jesus. The Sunday night student gathering is a consistent part of the weekly rhythm and includes student-led worship, small groups, and intentional community. The Student Pastor will work closely with the Family Ministry Pastor, who is transitioning out of the role after helping build a solid foundation that’s now ready for new vision and expanded reach.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for creating a safe and engaging environment for students (6th grade-12th grade) on Sunday Nights that help them grow UP in their relationship with God, IN through authentic relationships with each other, and OUT as missionaries in their world. 
• Responsibilities include developing sermon series and small group resources, leading discipleship efforts, and regularly communicating with parents and students through email, text, and social media. 
• This person will also recruit and develop adult leaders, invest in their spiritual growth, and empower them to lead with consistency and care.
• Empowering students to serve on Sunday mornings and serve the community outside the walls of the church. 
• Developing student leaders and empowering students to impact the world through their unique Spiritual DNA. 
• Planning and overseeing Mercy Students participating in annual trips and camps to give them unique experiences to encounter God, new friends, and be poured into by their leaders. 

Job Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience leading students in a ministry setting and a strong ability to connect with both middle school and high school students. 
• They will be a gifted communicator, a natural team builder, and someone who thrives in a relational, fast-paced ministry environment. 
• A deep and growing relationship with Jesus is essential, along with high character, emotional maturity, and a heart for the local church. 
• An undergraduate degree is preferred.

Benefits and Pay:

• Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and education 
• Medical Insurance Reimbursement provided through QHSERA plan 
• Paid vacation, holiday, and bereavement time off 
• 403(b) retirement plan with contributions from Mercy Road Church 
• Staff care counseling benefit 
• 6 weeks paid maternity leave or 3 weeks paid paternity leave
• Monthly Gym reimbursement 

About the Community: 

Fishers and Fortville are among the fastest-growing areas in Indiana, located just northeast of downtown Indianapolis. With excellent schools, affordable housing, and miles of trails and parks, this community has consistently been named one of the best places to live in America. This is an amazing place to call home, raise a family, and reach the lost for Christ. 

About the Church: 

Mercy Road Northeast exists to see people far from God discipled into a passionate relationship with Jesus. The church values passionate worship, intentional mission, spiritual apprenticeship, and strategic generosity. The staff culture is built on health, fun, and authenticity. Team members are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God and their families, honor Sabbath rhythms, and work collaboratively with humility and excellence. Mercy Road Northeast is part of the Mercy Road family of churches and the Multiply Indiana church-planting network. 

What We’re Looking For:

The next Student Pastor will be a relational leader who loves people, has a passion for discipleship, and thrives in a culture of collaboration. We’re looking for someone who can build relationships quickly, communicate with clarity, and develop leaders who multiply impact. This is not a behind-the-desk kind of job—we need someone who lives on mission, builds trust, and creates environments where students encounter Jesus and grow together.

Success in the first year will look like strong relationships with families and volunteers, effective systems of communication with parents and leaders, and a clear increase in student engagement and leadership development.

**Please direct all inquiries about this job to LeadStaffing who is managing the search for this position for Mercy Road Northeast