First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland – Shaker Heights, Ohio

First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland is a multicultural and intergenerational American Baptist congregation committed to helping people encounter Christ, grow in faith, and impact the world through passionate discipleship and transformative social action.

As our congregation continues to grow and expand its ministry, we are seeking an Associate Minister for Community Engagement and Next Generation Ministries to help strengthen our connection with the wider community while cultivating meaningful ministry among youth, young adults, young families, and emerging generations.

Position Summary

The Associate Minister for Community Engagement and Next Generation Ministries will provide pastoral leadership for the church’s outward-facing ministries and its investment in future generations. This individual will help build relationships beyond the church walls, strengthen community partnerships, and create pathways for younger generations to engage fully in the life and mission of the church.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative pastor who is energized by community engagement, passionate about helping emerging generations flourish, and committed to connecting faith with meaningful action in the world.

Primary Responsibilities

Community Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that advance the church’s mission and impact.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives, service opportunities, and community partnerships.
• Help increase the church’s visibility and presence throughout Greater Cleveland.
• Support efforts that connect worship, discipleship, and community engagement.

Next Generation Ministries

• Provide leadership and vision for ministries involving youth, young adults, and young families.
• Recruit, equip, and support volunteers serving younger generations.
• Develop opportunities for faith formation, service, leadership development, and community building among youth and young adults.
• Help emerging generations become active participants in the life and leadership of the church.
• Strengthen pathways that connect younger generations to the broader congregation.

Mission and Service

• Coordinate opportunities for members to engage in service, outreach, and mission.
• Help individuals discover and utilize their gifts in ministry and community engagement.
• Support church-wide initiatives that embody the congregation’s commitment to transformative social action.
• Encourage meaningful engagement with the needs and opportunities of the surrounding community.

Pastoral Leadership

• Share in the pastoral leadership of the congregation.
• Participate in worship leadership, preaching, teaching, weddings, funerals, and other pastoral responsibilities as assigned.
• Build relationships with individuals and families connected to next generation ministries.
• Collaborate closely with staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated sense of call to Christian ministry.
• Bachelor’s degree required; theological education or equivalent ministry preparation preferred.
• Experience serving in congregational ministry, community-based ministry, nonprofit leadership, youth ministry, campus ministry, or related settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, pastoral, and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse communities and multicultural contexts.
• Commitment to collaborative ministry and team-based leadership.
• Alignment with the mission and values of First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland.
• Ordination or progress toward ordination welcomed but not required.

Desired Characteristics

• Deep Christian faith and spiritual maturity.
• Passion for community engagement and mission.
• Ability to connect with youth, young adults, and families.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your sense of call, ministry experience, and interest in this position to:
Careers@FirstBaptistCleveland.org

First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and welcomes candidates from a variety of ministry backgrounds who can enthusiastically support the mission and ministry of the congregation.

Responsibilities may evolve over time in response to congregational needs, staff configuration, and the gifts of the individual called to serve