FAQ's

1. What kind of position is this?

This is a full-time pastoral position — not a volunteer role or a part-time gig. The Youth Pastor at FBC Clearwater is a real pastor with real responsibilities and real support from the church.

2. What are the primary responsibilities of this role?

The Youth Pastor will be the primary shepherd for middle school and high school students at FBC Clearwater. That means teaching the Bible with conviction, knowing students by name, discipling them personally, walking alongside their parents, leading activities that build community, and serving as a full member of the pastoral team under the Senior Pastor. This is a role for someone who wants to do real ministry — not manage a program.

3. What age group will this ministry focus on?

Middle school and high school students are the heart of this role. These are some of the most formative years in a person’s life, and we believe they deserve a pastor who takes that seriously.

4. Is this mainly a hands-on youth ministry role?

Absolutely. We’re not looking for someone to sit behind a desk and plan events. We want a pastor who shows up — at games, in homes, in one-on-one discipleship conversations, and behind the pulpit. If you love students and love God’s Word, this role was built for you.

5. What kind of candidate are you seeking?

We’re looking for a man of God who is ready to invest his life in the next generation. Specifically, we’re seeking someone who demonstrates:

• spiritual maturity
• a clear call to pastoral or youth ministry
• doctrinal alignment with our church
• relational warmth
• a heart for students and their families

Above all, we want someone who is biblically grounded, genuinely teachable, and hungry to serve in the local church — not just as a stepping stone, but as a true calling.

6. What educational background is required?

We value theological training and want our Youth Pastor to be well-equipped to handle God’s Word. Applicants should hold either:

• a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Bible college, or
• a Seminary degree

7. Is a Master’s degree required?

No, and we don’t want that to be a barrier for the right candidate. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited Bible college is sufficient, and we actively support continued education (see the next question).

8. Is there support for further theological education?

Yes — and this is one of the things we’re most excited to offer. If you hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited Bible college, we’ll include $500 per month in scholarship support toward a Master’s degree through an SBC online seminary. We want to invest in your growth, not just your output.

9. What if the candidate already has a seminary degree?

If you already hold a seminary degree, that $500 per month is added directly to your salary. Either way, the total value of the package remains the same — we just want to meet you where you are.

10. What compensation and benefits are included?

We’ve worked hard to put together a package that reflects how seriously we take this role. Compensation varies by education level, and housing is a major part of what makes this opportunity exceptional.

For candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Bible college, compensation includes:

• $2,500 per month salary
• $500 per month scholarship support toward a Master’s degree through an SBC online seminary
• a church-provided two-bedroom house with utilities included, valued at approximately $20,000 per year

For candidates who already hold a seminary degree, compensation includes:

• $3,000 per month salary
• a church-provided two-bedroom house with utilities included, valued at approximately $20,000 per year

11. Is housing provided?

Yes — a church-provided two-bedroom house with all utilities included. This alone is valued at approximately $20,000 per year and makes a real difference to a minister's and his family's financial stability.

12. Who does this position report to?

The Youth Pastor reports directly to the Senior Pastor. This means direct access, real mentorship, and the chance to serve as part of a genuine pastoral team — not in isolation.

13. What doctrinal statement does the church hold to?

First Baptist Church of Clearwater holds to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (BF&M 2000). We believe doctrine matters — not as a barrier, but because what we believe shapes how we live, how we preach, and how we disciple. We're looking for a candidate who shares that conviction.

14. Must the candidate become a member of the church?

Yes. We believe a pastor should be planted in the church he serves, not just employed by it. Membership here isn’t a formality — it’s a sign of genuine commitment to this congregation.

15. What spiritual and pastoral qualities are important for this role?

The candidate should demonstrate:

• a clear testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ
• evidence of a call to ministry
• agreement with the church’s doctrinal convictions
• a life marked by Christian character, humility, and spiritual maturity
• love for students, families, and the local church

16. Will this role involve more than teaching a weekly youth class?

Not even close. Teaching is just the beginning. The Youth Pastor will build deep relationships with students, disciple them one-on-one, walk alongside their parents, lead activities that build real community, and help students feel at home in the full life of the church — not just the youth room.

17. Will the Youth Pastor help with church life beyond youth ministry?

Yes. The Youth Pastor is a pastor — not just a youth worker. He’ll serve alongside the Senior Pastor and contribute to the broader ministry of the church. If you’re looking for a role where you grow as a minister, not just a program leader, this is it.

18. Will there be a background check?

Yes. We take the safety of our students and families seriously, so a background check is a standard part of the process for any candidate who advances. We appreciate your understanding.

19. What does the interview process look like?

The process will typically include:

• application review
• initial contact
• Zoom interview
• additional screening and committee evaluation
• An in-person visit for selected finalists

20. Is this position suitable for someone just out of Bible college or seminary?

Yes — in fact, this may be an ideal first call for the right man. If you’re fresh out of Bible college or seminary, have a clear sense of calling to students, and want to grow in a healthy local church under a Senior Pastor who will invest in you, we’d love to hear from you. Experience matters less to us than character, calling, and teachability.

21. What is First Baptist Church of Clearwater like?

We’re a church that believes the local church is God’s plan for the world — and we take that seriously. FBC Clearwater is committed to:

• biblical preaching
• sound doctrine
• Christian discipleship
• the health of the local church
• helping students and families grow in faithfulness to Christ

We’re not just filling a slot — we’re looking for a pastor who loves what we love and wants to build something lasting here.

22. What is Clearwater like?

Clearwater is a tight-knit Kansas community where people know their neighbors and families put down roots. It has the warmth and pace of small-town life, but Wichita is just minutes away — giving you access to city resources, restaurants, shopping, and more whenever you need them. For a minister and his family, it’s a genuinely great place to live.

23. Will applicants be able to review interview questions?

Yes. We want this process to be as transparent as possible. Candidates who advance will receive interview questions and other preparation materials ahead of time. We’re not trying to catch anyone off guard — we want you to put your best foot forward.

24. How do I apply?

Ready to take the next step? Apply directly through the link on this page. It only takes a few minutes, and we personally review every application.

25. Who should I contact if I have questions?

We’re happy to answer any questions you have before you apply. Don’t hesitate to reach out:

fbcpastor@sktc.net