Meet Fifth Avenue Baptist Church

Fifth Avenue Baptist Church is a welcoming congregation focused on fostering spiritual growth and community connection. The church offers a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, with ministries designed to support individuals and families at every stage of life. Through meaningful worship services, a spirit of outreach, and ministries for spiritual growth, Fifth Avenue Baptist Church is dedicated to sharing God’s love and making a positive impact in the St. Petersburg area.

About the Family Pastor

The Family Pastor will lead a unified, multi-aged ministry (e.g. Nursery, children through young adults) focused on evangelism, discipleship, spiritual formation, and life application. This role requires innovative, missionary creativity, relational investment, creative programming, and partnering with families, volunteers, and pastoral staff. The Family Pastor will build bridges between generations, helping students and younger people see their place in the broader church body and encouraging intergenerational discipleship.

The Family Pastor's responsibilities include:

Strategy & Vision

• Develop and cast a compelling vision and long-term strategy for next-generation ministries that aligns with the overall mission and values of the church.
• Periodically evaluate and adjust programs to ensure they are spiritually deep, culturally relevant, and sustainable.
• Collaborate with pastoral staff to integrate Next Gen ministries into the church’s overall direction, worship, community engagement, and mission plans.

Leadership & Ministry Oversight

• Oversee all Next Gen ministry areas (children, youth, young adults), including program planning, curriculum, events, and transitions between age groups.
• Lead in recruiting, equipping, and discipling a team of volunteer leaders, small group leaders, mentors, and paid staff (if applicable).

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

• Design and implement discipleship pathways (Bible studies, small groups, retreats, classes) that foster spiritual growth and depth.
• Meet regularly with students and younger members for one-on-one mentorship, pastoral care, and encouragement.
• Partner with parents and families to equip them in their role of spiritual formation at home.

Outreach, Engagement & Connection

• Lead outreach initiatives targeted to children, teenagers, and young adults (campus ministries, community events, service opportunities).
• Build relationships in local schools, youth organizations, and community networks to create gospel opportunities.
• Oversee events (camps, retreats, mission trips, conferences, special nights) that catalyze faith, community, and life change.

Integration & Church Community

• Ensure Next Gen ministries are integrated into weekend worship, church-wide events, baptism classes, membership training, etc.
• Serve alongside pastoral and staff teams in planning, prayer, and execution of church initiatives.
• Be visible in the congregation and participate as a church family member.

Administration & Budgeting

• Prepare and manage the Next Gen ministry budget, including event costs, materials, facilities, and resources.
• Oversee logistical coordination for programming: scheduling, venues, resources, safety policies, transportation, permissions, etc.
• Track attendance, engagement metrics, and spiritual milestones and regularly report to leadership.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Family Pastor:

Education and Experience

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry, Theology, Christian Education, Youth Ministry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3 years of applicable experience. Preferred: experience working with children and students.

Qualifications & Attributes

Essential

• A vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a calling to invest in the next generation.
• Proven experience in Christian ministry, especially in youth, children, or young adult ministry contexts.
• Strong relational and mentoring skills — ability to connect with young people and guide them spiritually.
• Capable in recruiting, developing, and leading volunteer teams.
• Creative, flexible, and willing to experiment with new ideas in ministry.
• Good administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel (for retreats, camps, mission trips).

Preferred

• Experience in multi-generational ministry or overseeing multiple age-group ministries.
• Experience in evangelism, outreach, or campus ministry.
• Preaching or teaching experience.
• Knowledge of child/youth protection and safety standards and best practices.

Culture & Expectations

• Be a spiritual leader and model in prayer, personal growth, character, and faithfulness.
• Embrace collaboration, humility, and healthy teamwork with staff, volunteers, and congregants.
• Be proactive in communication, problem-solving, and vision execution.
• Value innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
• Be anchored by biblical convictions and maintain integrity in all relationships and decisions.

What it's like to live in Saint Petersburg, FL

Living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, means enjoying sunny weather almost year-round, with beautiful beaches just minutes away and a vibrant downtown packed with art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and lively street festivals. Residents appreciate the laid-back coastal lifestyle, where palm trees line the streets and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf are a daily treat. From kayaking along the calm bay waters to exploring local farmers' markets or catching a Rays baseball game, there’s always something to do outdoors. The community i