The Discipleship Pastor helps people take clear Next Steps in following Jesus—belief, baptism, membership, serving, and ongoing spiritual growth—by building simple pathways, training leaders, and shepherding groups and classes that form mature disciples. Working closely with the Director of Connections, this role owns the assimilation and deeper discipleship journey once guests become known to the church.

Key Responsibilities

New Member Assimilation

• Own the assimilation process from “Known” to “Invested,” ensuring new people are integrated into the church community and connected with appropriate groups, classes, and serving opportunities

• Partner with the Director of Connections, who handles initial guest contact and follow-up; receive warm handoffs and guide people into deeper engagement

• Coordinate and teach membership classes (The Journey) and ensure clear next steps for every person

Spiritual Gifts Discovery & Serving Placement

• Help members identify their spiritual gifts, callings, and interests through assessments, conversations, and teaching

• Connect people to ministry opportunities that match their gifting and availability

• Work with ministry leaders to ensure serving teams are staffed, and volunteers are well-placed

Men’s & Women’s Ministry Oversight

• Provide oversight and support for men’s and women’s ministries, ensuring they align with the church’s discipleship vision

• Recruit, equip, and coach lay leaders who direct these ministries day-to-day

• Help unify existing efforts under a cohesive structure with clear rhythm and purpose

Outreach & Evangelism Coordination

• Train and equip members to share their faith and engage their neighbors, coworkers, and community with the gospel

• Coordinate periodic community outreach events in partnership with other ministry areas

Bible Studies & Teaching Development

• Develop and support adult Bible studies, classes, and teaching environments

• Recruit, train, and support Bible study leaders; provide resources and coaching

• Select and evaluate curriculum materials for groups and classes, ensuring doctrinal faithfulness and practical clarity

Community & Group Development

• Strengthen group/community structures that foster care, prayer, and relational

connection

• Identify gaps in group life and develop strategies for healthy multiplication and

engagement

• Work with Children, Student, and Adult ministries to ensure a cohesive discipleship plan across age groups

Budget Management

• Oversee the development, management, and execution of the Discipleship Ministry budget

Biblical Counseling

• Provide biblical counseling and pastoral care to individuals and couples as needed

• Refer complex cases to appropriate professional Christian counselors when necessary

Weddings & Funerals

• Conduct weddings and funerals as requested and as schedule allows, in coordination with the Lead Pastor

Preaching & Teaching

• Preach periodically (as scheduled) and support teaching across discipleship

environments

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ministry, biblical studies, theology, or related field required

• Seminary training preferred

• Passion for disciple-making and proven ability to develop leaders

• Strong grasp of Scripture and ability to communicate it clearly

• Relational leadership skills and a shepherd’s heart

• Organized, collaborative, and dependable in follow-through

• Strong ability to work with people of various temperaments, gifts, and church

backgrounds

Spiritual & Character Expectations

• Model a life shaped by the gospel—humility, integrity, purity, and love—in both ministry and personal conduct

• Maintain a growing walk with Christ, commitment to the local church, and a servant-hearted posture toward the congregation and team

• Reflect Christ in words and actions; live a life of holiness and self-control that

strengthens trust and credibility in leadership

• Demonstrate unity with pastors, elders, staff, and ministry leaders; protect the church’s culture through encouragement, discretion, and healthy conflict resolution

Additional Expectations for Paid Pastoral Staff

• Maintain God-ordained priorities: Jesus first, family second, ministry third

• Protect unity: Abstain from divisiveness (gossip, rumors, slander, lying, false

accusations) and pursue biblical reconciliation (Matthew 18:15–20)

• Discernment: Use wisdom in entertainment choices and in social media/online outlets; avoid needless arguments, extreme agendas, or tasteless content• Doctrinal alignment: Remain in agreement with The Summit’s doctrinal statement and by-laws; support the vision and values of the church

• Screening & agreements: Submit to required background checks and sign required agreements (including confidentiality)

Employment & Handbook Commitments

• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of church information and sign/comply with the confidentiality agreement

• Handbook acknowledgments: Review the Employee Handbook and return required acknowledgment forms as directed

• At-will employment: Employment is “at will” and the handbook does not create a contract; policies may be amended by the church

• Technology & communication: Use church technology and email responsibly, ethically, and with discretion; represent Christ and The Summit well online and in public