NON-DENOMINATIONAL

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 190

Meet Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades

Founded in 1948, Calvary Church has a 76-year history of ministry in the sought-after coastal community of Pacific Palisades. The current congregation of approximately 130 adults comprises two primary groups: an established, older generation that has long been the backbone of the church, and a growing, energetic contingent of young families in their 30s and 40s. Just nine months into his tenure, a new Lead Pastor is providing fresh vision and energy, leading the church into a new season of revitalization and growth.

About the Student Pastor

The Director of Student Ministries is a role of immense strategic importance at Calvary Church. This individual will not be a program maintainer but a ministry architect, tasked with designing and building a comprehensive, discipleship-focused ministry for the next generation. This position is a direct contributor to the church's primary goals for growth and revitalization.

Officially, the Director will lead all ministries to children, students, and families. This includes developing the systems, structures, and volunteer teams necessary for spiritual formation, while also providing direct leadership for middle school chapels at Calvary Christian School (CCS). This role is the central hub for shaping the next generation and partnering with parents in their discipleship calling.

The ideal candidate is a relational and outgoing leader with a shepherd's heart who is simultaneously a driven, hard-working "go-getter." Calvary places a high value on a proactive mindset, a resilient disposition, and a strong internal work ethic. This person thrives on building, moving quickly, and pursuing excellence. In short, we are seeking a leader who is resilient, driven, and brings a competitive fire.

The Student Pastor's responsibilities include:

Key Strategic Objectives

• Build the Foundation: Recruit, train, and disciple a robust team of adult volunteers to create safe, fun, and spiritually vibrant environments for middle and high school students.
• Develop the Pipeline: Design and implement a cohesive discipleship strategy that effectively engages students from 6th grade through 12th grade, integrating them into the life of the church.
• Partner with Parents: Create systems and environments to equip parents for in-home discipleship, serving as the key bridge between families and the church.
• Leverage the School: Actively partner with Calvary Christian School (CCS) to plan and execute middle school chapel services, building relationships with the 460 students on campus daily.
• Contribute to the Whole: Serve as a key leader on the pastoral team, contributing to Sunday service planning and occasionally preaching to the intergenerational congregation.

What you bring

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

Skills and Experience

• Ministry Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of ministry leadership experience, ideally in student or family ministry. This is likely their second student ministry role.
• Proven Builder: Demonstrated experience building ministries, systems, and teams from the ground up, not just maintaining existing programs.
• Educational Background: An undergraduate Bible or Seminary degree (or equivalent theological training) is strongly preferred.
• Gifted Communicator: A strong teacher and preacher, comfortable and effective in communicating with both students and adults in various settings.
• Leadership Developer: A proven track record of recruiting, developing, and empowering both volunteer and staff members.
• Cultural Fit: Experience and comfort ministering within an affluent community, with an ability to connect with students and parents. Experience on the West Coast or in the Los Angeles area is highly advantageous.

What it's like to live in Pacific Palisades, CA

Pacific Palisades beckons with a picture-perfect California lifestyle. Imagine starting your day with a jog along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the scent of salt air invigorating your senses. With sunshine gracing most days and mild temperatures year-round, Pacific Palisades offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike or bike through the scenic trails of the Santa Monica Mountains, or spend afternoons swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Parks are plentiful, providing green spaces to relax or gather with friends for picnics and frisbee. The vibe here leans towards laid-back and affluent, with a strong sense of community. Local restaurants boast farm-to-table delights, and trendy cafes offer the perfect spot to catch up wit