Non-denominational

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 210

Meet Midway Locust Grove Church

Midway Locust Grove is a thriving, non-denominational church setting on the outskirts of Columbia, MO, in a community called Midway, made up of a mix of homes in subdivisions and farming/large acreage homes, offering a peaceful & more relaxed setting with Columbia only four miles away. The church blends a rich heritage with a forward-looking vision that is rooted in the Wesleyan theological tradition. The church was founded in 1817—four years before Missouri achieved statehood—and remains committed to honoring its historic legacy while engaging today's culture with relevance and purpose. 

Under the leadership of Pastor Ben Lee, Midway Locust Grove has experienced a significant season of revitalization and growth. The church is known for its strong sense of community, dynamic preaching, and vibrant ministry environment. A flourishing children's ministry, led by a talented team of leaders, continues to attract and serve a growing number of young families.

Relationships are at the heart of Midway's culture. Meaningful connections are fostered both within the church and throughout the surrounding community, with active men's and women's ministries providing natural pathways for fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual growth.

Looking ahead, Midway Locust Grove is uniquely positioned to reach a rapidly expanding region. As the Columbia area continues to grow and development spreads into nearby towns and communities, the church is excited about the opportunities ahead to impact more lives with the hope of Christ while building on a foundation that has endured for more than two centuries.

About the Associate Pastor for Youth and Connections

The Associate Pastor of Youth and Connections will serve as a key "Swiss Army knife" member of the pastoral team, providing leadership in two primary areas: Student Ministry (50%), Connections (50%). 

The Associate Pastor for Youth and Connections' responsibilities include:

• Student Ministry: Lead Midway Students (grades 6-12), coordinate programming, budgets, events, and retreats. Recruit and equip adult volunteers, build relationships with students inside and outside of church, and intentionally partner with parents to equip them as primary disciple-makers.
• Connections Ministry: Create clear pathways to move guests from first-time visitors to fully engaged members. Oversee hospitality, guest follow-up, launch Life Groups, and support Small Groups.
• Pastoral Leadership & Teaching: Provide spiritual guidance, preach/teach regularly in rotation, offer pastoral care, and actively participate in the collaborative staff culture.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Associate Pastor for Youth and Connections:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master of Divinity (or current enrollment) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of five years of vocational ministry experience required, preferably with a strong background in student ministry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Theological Alignment: A conservative, traditional Wesleyan/Arminian theological foundation, with a high view of Scripture.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong ability to teach Scripture faithfully, cast vision, recruit and train volunteers, and speak publicly.
• Relational & Authentic: A deeply relational "shepherd" who can connect with youth, parents, and older generations alike. The staff values transparency, hard work, and a sense of humor.
• Organized & Driven: A self-starter with strong administrative competencies, who can execute events, run discipleship systems, and jump in to help the broader team in a collaborative environment.

What it's like to live in Columbia, Missouri

Columbia, Missouri, is an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family, offering the warmth and connectedness of a small town with the amenities and opportunities of a larger city. Home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou), along with major employers such as Veterans United and a robust healthcare sector, Columbia enjoys a strong and stable economy while serving as a regional center for education, innovation, and culture.

The community is known for its vibrant food scene, local festivals, thriving arts community, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents enjoy miles of trails, nearby hunting and fishing, beautiful parks, and a lifestyle that encourages both adventure and connection. Columbia’s energetic downtown district, situated near the university, features a variety of restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and gathering places that showcase the charm and hospitality of Midwestern life.

Families are drawn to Columbia for its safe neighborhoods, highly regarded schools, and strong sense of community. Centrally located between St. Louis and Kansas City—just two hours from each—Columbia offers convenient access to major metropolitan areas while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With continued growth and a high quality of life, Columbia remains one of Missouri’s most desirable places to call home.