Associate Pastor of Youth and Children Full Time

Unity Baptist Church – Vandalia, Illinois

Associate Pastor of Youth and Children

Overview

Unity Baptist Church is seeking a qualified and called individual to serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Children. This role focuses on the evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual growth of children, youth, and their families, working under the supervision of the Senior Pastor and in partnership with church leadership.

Unity Baptist Church Details and Mission 

Unity Baptist Church is a church with an average attendance of 85 on Sunday morning, 35 children and youth on Wednesday night, and 40 people on Sunday Night. The church has a solid financial picture and is poised to welcome and work alongside a new associate pastor who will strive to serve the Lord and His church. Unity has a good leadership team of 9 encouraging deacons and many dedicated children and youth volunteers. Our senior pastor, Clay Hilton has been in the ministry for 30 years and has planted and pastored churches in Arkansas, Texas and Alberta, Canada and has been with Unity Baptist Church since February of 2026. Unity Baptist Church is a part of a solid local association and a very active state convention. 

Historic Vandalia is located in South Central Illinois and is 70 minutes from St. Louis, 3.5 hours from Louisville, 3.5 hours from Chicago, 4.25 hours from Nashville, and 4.75 hours from Kansas City. Vandalia has a great school system and vibrant Christian school. The town has many parks, a few shopping centers and restaurants, and is an affordable to live in friendly farming community. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Ministry & Discipleship

Proclaim the Gospel and lead youth and children in outreach
Meet weekly with the Pastor for prayer, Bible study, and planning
Provide biblical counseling to children, youth, and families
Encourage growth in prayer and spiritual disciplines
2. Teaching

Lead or coordinate Sunday School for children and youth
Lead midweek (Wednesday) Bible studies
Develop or select biblically sound curriculum
Teach the full counsel of God in alignment with church doctrine
Help students identify and use their spiritual gifts
3. Relationship Building

Build personal relationships with children, youth, and families
Maintain regular communication (visits, calls, messages, etc.)
Engage with students in their daily lives (school, activities, etc.)
Pray regularly for students and their families
4. Program Leadership

Plan at least one children’s/youth activity quarterly
Organize and help lead Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Coordinate youth camps and/or mission trips annually
Lead monthly Youth Council meetings
Evaluate ministry effectiveness and implement improvements
Expectations

Attend all regular church services and scheduled events
Attend youth and children’s ministry activities
Be an active, faithful member of Unity Baptist Church
Carry out the work of an evangelist
Qualifications

Meet biblical qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
Affirm and teach in accordance with the BFM 2000
Pass a background check
Strong teaching, leadership, and interpersonal skills
Bible college or seminary training preferred
Compensation

Salary: $50,000–$60,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)
Vacation and ministry training opportunities provided
Submission Requirements

Cover letter and Resume with 3 references 
Sample teaching (video or lesson notes)
Submit materials to: [email protected]