WHO ARE WE?
Grabill Missionary Church (GMC) is a multi-generational community that deeply values the authority of Scripture in guiding our lives and spiritual practices. We are committed to serving the Grabill area and eagerly participate in God’s work of renewal across our region.
GMC is committed to Gospel initiatives both locally and globally and dedicated to mobilizing the church, whether across the street or around the world. We partner with numerous missionaries and organizations to spread the Gospel and address tangible needs.
Established 123 years ago, we have roots in the Missionary Church tradition. Over time, GMC has embraced growth and change. Our church welcomes an average of 600 attendees on Sundays, with 100 students participating in our Wednesday night gatherings during the school year.
LEADERSHIP
Kevin Brown, Lead Pastor
After almost a decade in full-time ministry and eight years serving at GMC, Kevin has transitioned through roles including Student Pastor, Family Pastor, and Executive Pastor, ultimately becoming the Lead Pastor. Kevin deeply treasures the Scriptures and appreciates reading them through the lens of a meta narrative, which coincides well with his profound passion for discipleship and nurturing relationships. He is happily married to Jana, who dedicates her time to staying home with their two children, Brey (2 years old) and Lena (1 year old). During his downtime, Kevin enjoys a good cup of coffee while cheering on Notre Dame and the Green Bay Packers. GMC holds a special place in Kevin’s heart, as it is the church where he grew up.
GRABILL STUDENT MINISTRY (GSM)
GSM is not just a ministry; it’s a family where students are encouraged to grow spiritually, making lasting connections in their journey with Christ. A vibrant and growing student ministry, GSM averages about 100 students in attendance. We are dedicated to helping students look more like Jesus by learning to love people like Jesus taught. Our ministry is witnessing exciting numerical growth as more students engage each week and new families join our community.
At GSM, we are blessed with an incredible team of small group leaders who are deeply invested in the lives of our students. These leaders play a crucial role in our ministry, guiding students through their spiritual journey and helping them connect, serve, and delve deeper into the Scriptures. We emphasize the importance of small groups where students can build meaningful relationships and explore their faith in an intimate setting.
Our Student Pastor and committed volunteers are expected to be actively involved in the community and in the lives of our students, ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment. Partnership with parents is a key aspect of our approach, empowering families to nurture their children’s spiritual growth.
In addition to regular gatherings, GSM offers enriching opportunities for spiritual growth through camps and mission trips. These experiences enable students to serve others, deepen their faith, and develop a broader perspective of the world. We prioritize the authority of God’s Word, encouraging students to live out its practices daily with the support of our church community.
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
LEADER
Driven and ready to guide GSM to the next level, the new Student Pastor at GMC must be a strong leader and possess good discernment and conviction in decision-making regarding leading students, volunteers, and the ministry. GSM’s amazing volunteers and leaders seek insightful leadership and direction and are ready to embrace a new leader with a compelling vision.
TEAM BUILDER
GSM benefits from a dedicated group of fantastic volunteers leading throughout the ministry. With recent numerical and spiritual growth and ample opportunities, GMC needs a strong team builder to lead current volunteers, while recruiting to expand the team further. The Student Pastor must be able to cast a compelling vision and empower volunteers to lead at a high level, maintaining a 30,000-foot view of the entire ministry while supporting all areas as needed.
DYNAMIC (effective, skilled) COMMUNICATOR
The new Student Pastor will be able to effectively communicate with students and teach the Bible in engaging ways. They will also take responsibility for developing a teaching team and empowering other communicators within the ministry. Although not expected to be a seasoned preacher, the Student Pastor must have the gift of teaching and be coachable to grow that gift with support along the way.
RELATIONAL CONNECTOR
GMC is eager to welcome someone who connects with students inside and outside the walls of the church building. The new Student Pastor will build relational bridges with students, small group leaders, and parents. By focusing on discipleship, they will lead volunteers to foster meaningful connections and deepen students’ relationships with Christ through small groups, mission trips, and community involvement.
PROACTIVE, FOCUSED, RESILIENT
Staff at GMC embrace a “roll up your sleeves and make it happen” mindset. While the team collaborates to reach and serve families, each ministry leader is responsible for advancing their specific area of ministry. This new leader must excel at casting vision; prioritizing clear communication among families, leaders, and students; and demonstrating resilience when obstacles or setbacks arise. Taking ownership of the ministry, they will be responsible for nurturing students’ spiritual growth, supporting leaders, and engaging with parents.
STUDENT PASTOR POSITION PROFILE
STATUS: Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Executive Team
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Student Pastor at GMC is tasked with providing servant leadership, care, and direction to our dynamic student community. This role involves close engagement with volunteers, students, and their families within our congregation and the broader community. The ultimate goal is to guide and nurture young individuals into becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who love Jesus and others.
POSITION COMPETENCIES:
- Demonstrated born-again relationship with Jesus Christ, showcased by a life of obedience to biblical teachings.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree that includes Biblical Studies (required).
- Proven ability to understand and relate to junior and senior high students and their families, forming lasting relationships.
- Preferred experience in youth ministry (3 to 5 years or more).
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Highly organized with the ability to plan, recruit, delegate, evaluate, and follow through on details.
- Commitment to endorsing and supporting GMC’s Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and Vision.
- A dedicated team player who will integrate GSM into the overall life of Grabill Missionary Church.
- Ambition for excellence in all aspects of GSM.
- Flexible work schedule, including availability to lead ministry events such as retreats.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Focus on Youth – 65%
- Develop, communicate, and implement a youth ministry philosophy aligning with and supporting GMC’s mission.
- Plan and lead weekly gatherings and special events, including ministry trips, retreats, outreach activities, and short-term mission opportunities.
- Teach God’s Word passionately in small and large groups, inviting the Holy Spirit to inspire and transform students.
- Foster Christ-centered relationships that ensure all students feel welcomed and included in GSM.
- Encourage and connect teens to discipleship and mentoring opportunities.
- Engage with teens in their lives, including attending school events and home visits.
- Offer pastoral care, mentoring, and support to teens and their families.
- Communicate ministry schedules, goals, and expectations clearly with leaders, parents, and teens.
- Gather feedback from parents, leaders, and teens to refine the ministry.
- Propose and manage an annual budget.
- Collaborate with the GMC Kids’ and Young Adult’s Pastor to foster seamless integration from GMC Kids to GSM and GSM to Young Adults.
Focus on Adults – 25%
- Recruit, oversee, and lead ministry teams for youth ministry planning and facilitation.
- Regularly meet with youth leaders for training, evaluation, fellowship, and prayer.
- Establish one-on-one meetings with leaders for prayer and mutual edification.
- Identify and train adult small group leaders.
- Develop supportive relationships with parents, offering training and encouragement in spiritual leadership within the home.
Focus on Other Pastoral Responsibilities – 10%
- Join the GMC staff for daily morning prayer and encouragement time.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings.
- Fulfill additional pastoral duties as assigned by the Lead Pastor or Executive Team.
This comprehensive role seeks a passionate, driven leader eager to impact the lives of students and their families for Jesus Christ in GMC’s rich and nurturing environment.
CONTACT
After delving into the above information, are you ready to take the next step?
If you feel Grabill Missionary Church is the right match for you, we invite you to reach out to us. Contact Pastor Kevin at kevin@grabillmc.org or click below to begin the application process. We look forward to hearing from you!