Baptist - SBC

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 900

Meet First Baptist Church of Okeechobee

First Baptist Church of Okeechobee is a growing, vibrant and community-centered church that is centered around these three core principles: Worship God. Love others. Make disciples. They are known in their town for keeping the main thing the main thing. They are committed to biblical teaching, inspiring worship, and a family-like, close-knit atmosphere throughout their church. Relationships are key in this south-central Florida gem of a town, and are nurtured through groups and ministries for all ages. At FBC Okeechobee you’ll find a diverse group of people who are ready to welcome those who are homegrown and those who have recently relocated to the area.  

The staff at FBC Okeechobee have incredibly loyal, long-tenured ministries, as the church celebrates supporting and serving their leaders. The church is experiencing an influx of young families and is highly supportive of family and student ministries, actively providing the resources needed for these areas to flourish. FBC Okeechobee also is blessed with a PreK-12 Private Christian School, Solid Rock Christian Academy, serving the educational needs of families in the area. 

About the Student Pastor

The Student Pastor’s main responsibility is to lead and disciple middle and high school students (grades 6–12) and their families. The Student Pastor will serve under the direction of the Senior Pastor and in collaboration with the church staff to fulfill our mission of Worship God, Make Disciples, and Serve Others. The ideal candidate is a biblically grounded, gospel-centered leader who loves students, parents, and volunteers, and who is committed to equipping the next generation to know Christ and live for Him.

The Student Pastor's responsibilities include:

• Lead and pastor the church’s student ministry (grades 6–12), including weekly Bible study, discipleship gatherings, small groups, and large-group events tailored to the spiritual needs of students in our church and community.
• Proactively reach unchurched students in Okeechobee and surrounding areas with the gospel, inviting them into the life of the church and helping them grow as followers of Jesus.
• Recruit, train, equip, and shepherd a team of adult volunteers and leaders who will faithfully minister to students.
• In collaboration with the Senior Pastor and church leadership, develop and manage an annual student ministry budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Design, evaluate, and oversee age-appropriate curriculum, programs, events, retreats, camps, mission trips, and fundraisers that align with Scripture and the church’s doctrinal statement.
• Partner with the Family Pastor to equip parents in discipling their students and addressing the spiritual and relational needs of families.
• Provide biblical counseling, mentoring, and pastoral care to students and families as needed, including crisis intervention and referral when appropriate.
• Participate in general pastoral duties (e.g., weddings, funerals, hospital visitation, member care) as needed.
• Develop and communicate a clear, long-term vision for student ministry that supports and advances the overall vision of FBC Okeechobee.
• Regularly communicate with church leadership and the congregation about student ministry developments, needs, and victories.
• Foster ministry opportunities for students within the broader church family (e.g., serving in children’s ministry, worship team, outreach events, etc.).
• Engage appropriately in local schools and community events to build relationships and demonstrate Christ’s love.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, retreats, and church-wide events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

What you bring

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

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry, biblical studies, Christian education, or a related field (seminary or Bible college training strongly preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in student ministry (or equivalent pastoral/leadership experience working with youth).
• A clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ, evidence of a growing personal relationship with Him, and a calling to student ministry.
• A lifestyle that meets the biblical qualifications for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 2 Timothy 2:1–7).
• Agreement with and commitment to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Theological Foundation: The candidate must be theologically sound and align completely with the church's conservative, SBC-aligned beliefs. He must hold a traditional view of marriage, abstain from alcohol, and prioritize biblical literacy.
• Preaching and Teaching: He must be highly skilled at explaining biblical history and communicating theology in an engaging, relatable way to teenagers.
• Self-Starter: The candidate must be driven, hardworking, and capable of managing his responsibilities without micromanagement. 
• Relational & Fun-Loving: He must be energetic, and comfortable building relationships within the congregation and with those outside of the church family.
• Cultural Fit: The ideal candidate must appreciate and embrace Southern, small-town life and outdoor culture. The ability to relate well to students, parents, volunteers, and church staff.
• Teammate: He should be a leader with “low fences” who takes the initiative to invest in the entirety of the church, with a heart to serve. Also, the ability to lead and manage teams, train volunteers and those in the congregation. 
• Servant Leader: He must exude a heart of service that reflects how Jesus modeled leadership, looking to serve his teammates and volunteer teams as well as those in the congregation. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the excellent communication, organizational, and administrative skills.

What it's like to live in Okeechobee, Florida

Nestled along the shores of the second-largest freshwater lake in the United States, Okeechobee offers the warmth and charm of a close-knit small-town community. Renowned as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, residents enjoy exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, and year-round recreation. The area is home to a diverse blend of agricultural heritage, thriving local businesses, and growing young families attracted by its affordability and strong sense of community.

While Okeechobee provides all the conveniences needed for everyday life, its location also offers easy access to some of Florida’s best destinations. Residents are just 40 minutes from the Atlantic coast and approximately an hour from world-class shopping, professional sports, and iconic attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando. Known for its welcoming spirit and deep community roots, Okeechobee is an ideal place for individuals and families seeking both a high quality of life and a place to call home for years to come.