Associate Pastor of Youth, Children and Worship Full Time

Unity Baptist Church – Vandalia, Illinois Associate Pastor of Youth, Children, and Worship

Overview: Unity Baptist Church is seeking a qualified and called individual to serve as Associate Pastor of Youth, Children, and Worship. This role combines responsibilities in student ministry, children’s discipleship, and music leadership, working under the supervision of the Senior Pastor and alongside church leadership. The purpose of this position is to evangelize, disciple, and lead the congregation in worship, while fostering spiritual growth among children, youth, and the broader church body.

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 a friendly, affordable farming and correctional facility community of 7000 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 public school system and a vibrant Christian school. Vandalia has many parks, a few shopping centers and restaurants, a hospital, ample fishing and hunting opportunities, numerous close by cities and towns, and a community college.

Primary Responsibilities
1. Teaching & Discipleship Lead or coordinate Sunday School for children and youth Lead midweek (Wednesday) Bible studies Develop or select biblically sound curriculum Equip students to identify and use their spiritual gifts
2. Relationship Building Build personal relationships with children, youth, and families Maintain regular communication (visits, calls, messages, etc.) Pray consistently for students and their families Encourage spiritual growth beyond church programs
3. Program Leadership Plan quarterly youth/children events Organize Vacation Bible School (VBS) Coordinate youth camps and/or mission trips annually Lead monthly Youth Council meetings
4. Worship & Music Ministry Plan and lead music for all regular worship services Coordinate instrumentalists and vocalists Maintain a blended worship style Lead weekly rehearsals with musicians Organize special music groups and seasonal events
5. Administration Develop and manage ministry plans and goals annually Track attendance, engagement, and spiritual growth Prepare and administer the music ministry budget Maintain music resources, library, and equipment Recruit and train volunteers for youth and music ministries

Expectations:
Attend all regular services, youth events, and church activities
Be an active member of Unity Baptist Church
Serve as a servant leader and team player
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 ability in both teaching and music leadership
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 (will be contacted later in selection process)
Resume
Sample teaching (video or lesson notes)
Sample of music leadership or worship leading

Submit materials to: [email protected]