NextGen Pastor

NextGen Pastor (Full-Time, 40-45 hrs/week)
Syracuse Vineyard Church – State Fair Site

You Were Made for This.
We believe God moves through people—ordinary people empowered by His Spirit. We’re looking for a Pastor of NextGen who’s passionate about forming lifelong disciples of Jesus among kids, students, and families. You’ll serve as the pastoral leader of NextGen ministry across all Vineyard sites—Auburn, State Fair, Syracuse, and Español—with primary operational leadership at our growing State Fair Site.

You’ll coach and support staff, equip volunteers, partner with parents, and shape a culture where the next generation is known, loved, and can partner with Jesus.

This is more than a job. It’s a calling to be part of a team that’s passionate, joy-filled, and “all in” on mission together.

What You’ll Do.

• Lead NextGen Ministry Vision
  Cast vision and build a NextGen ministry that aligns with our mission and reflects Vineyard values: Spirit-led, authentic, welcoming, and “naturally, supernatural”. Ensure integration across Kids, Youth, and Family Ministries. Coordinate Kids and Youth Budgets to match ministry strategy and objectives.
• Oversee Kids and Youth Leaders and Volunteers
  Provide coaching, direction, and spiritual support to volunteer Children’s Ministry Leaders and Youth Leaders across sites. Ensure teams are well-resourced and aligned. Identify, Recruit, Train, Deploy, and Monitor a diverse group of volunteers and leaders. Champion a healthy team culture of Fun, All-in-on-mission, Always Equipping, Servant-Led, Emotionally Healthy characterized by Respectful Communication. Oversee systems for background checks, safety and security procedures, training and care of volunteers.
• Coordinate and Oversee Weekend Experiences
  Ensure excellent weekend environments for children and youth—safe, engaging, and discipleship-focused. Lead curriculum planning (we currently utilize Orange Curriculum across our ministry environments), volunteer scheduling, supplies, and site-specific execution.
• Lead Weekly Youth Group at the State Fair Site
  Plan and lead dynamic weekly youth gatherings that are relational, spiritually formative, and fun. Provide biblical teaching, worship experiences, small groups, and creative elements that help middle and high school students grow in their faith. Identify, recruit, train, deploy, and monitor a team of youth leaders to co-lead, disciple students, and create a “come as you are…” culture.
• Support and Shepherd Families, Pastoral Support
  Offer pastoral care to families. Provide tools, courses, and events to support faith at home. Oversee key milestones (child dedications, baptisms, parenting workshops). Occasionally preach (2x/year or more, depending on gifting).
• Develop Discipleship and Formation Pathways
  Collaborate with pastoral staff to integrate kids and youth into the broader discipleship track. Create pathways for faith formation and spiritual maturity from birth to high school graduation.
• Plan and Lead Events
  Lead or support retreats, camps, mission trips, serve days, and special events that create meaningful spiritual experiences for kids, students, and families.
• Champion Multi-Site Alignment
  Coordinate with site pastors to support NextGen ministry across all campuses (Auburn, Syracuse, Español). Provide resources and leadership to ensure consistent quality and vision.
• Manage Systems and Communication
  Utilize Planning Center, Orange Curriculum resources, clear communication tools, and weekly rhythms to keep families informed and teams well-coordinated. Stay organized and proactive in ministry administration.
• Stay Spiritually and Emotionally Healthy
  Lead from a place of rest, health, and abiding in Jesus. Model integrity, Sabbath rhythms, emotional maturity, and community life.

What You Bring.

• A growing relationship with Jesus and love for His Church (especially the Vineyard movement), rooted in spiritual practices and regular time with Jesus.
• Experience in both Children’s and/or Youth Ministry leadership, ideally in a multi-site or 200+ person church context.
• Proven skill in equipping volunteers, communicating clearly, and building ministry systems.
• A heart for multi-generational, multi-cultural ministry.
• Familiarity with current discipleship strategies and developmental needs of kids and teens.
• A heart for differently-abled kids and students, both mentally and physically. Willingness to explore accessible programs and spaces for all people.
• Strong administrative, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Alignment with Vineyard theology and values—or openness to learning and embracing them.

Who You Are.

You don’t have to be perfect, but here’s what we hope describes you:

• Fun – You laugh easily and create a culture of joy.
• Always Equipping – You empower others, not just do the job.
• All-In on Mission – You say “yes” to the big picture, not just your part.
• Spirit-Dependent – You’re led by God’s voice and presence.
• Servant Leader – You show up, go first, and lead by example.
• Respectful Communicator – You listen well and speak with honor and clarity.
• Emotionally Healthy – You’re growing in self-awareness, honesty, and wholeness.

Details & Compensation.

• Schedule: Full-time (40-45 hours/week), Sunday mornings into Early Sunday afternoon required, some evening availability (especially for youth group)
• Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications, no less than $54,000 annually.
• Location: State Fair Site (with travel/support to Auburn, Syracuse, and Español sites as needed)
• Benefits: Healthcare/Dental/Vision (choice of Gold or Silver w/HSA plans) paid at 90%+ of premiums; optional 403(b) enrollment, contributions after 4 years of service; 3 weeks paid time off plus holidays and week between Christmas/New Years; opportunities to attend conferences and trainings.
• Reports to: Executive Pastor

How to Apply.
The Vineyard Church is a diverse and growing church. We welcome candidates with passion, humility, and vision—whether or not you meet every listed qualification.
Please email your resume and a cover letter sharing why you’re excited about this role to Ben Taylor, Executive Pastor, at .