Welcome to Austin Oaks Church
HISTORY & CURRENT
Our story began in 1892, when a small group of Swedish families united to make a difference in their community through faith. With just 33 members, they believed God was working through them to do “far more abundantly than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
In 1925, we moved to Colorado and 17th Street, changing our name to First Evangelical Free Church and shifting to English services to reach more people.
By 1990, with only a few aging members left, the church faced a pivotal moment: close its doors or embrace change. Trusting God for more, we welcomed Pastor Rob Harrell, whose leadership helped us grow and thrive. By 2002, we out grew our space, moved to a new home, and became Austin Oaks Church.
In 2017, we welcomed Pastor Brandon Zieske as our new Lead Pastor, continuing our mission to spread the gospel and make disciples in Austin, Texas.
We’re passionate about seeing our city transformed and the next generation captivated by Jesus.
MISSION & VALUES
MISSION:
Help others to meet, know, and follow Jesus.
VISION:
We want to be a movement that sees Austin, Texas saturated with the gospel by developing disciplers so that the emerging generations will be captivated by Jesus.
VALUES:
- We are compelled to love others
- We are all in
- We are captivated by Jesus
- We invest in people
- We pray fervently
- We give generously
- We pursue uncommon unity
For more information about Austin oaks please visit their about page - CLICK HERE
LEADERSHIP
Brandon Zieske - Lead Pastor
Brandon Zieske has been the Lead Pastor of Austin Oaks Church since 2017. Before joining the church in Austin, he served as Senior Pastor at Pleasant Valley Church in Winona, Minnesota, and was actively involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
He holds a degree from Winona State University and earned his theological education at Bethel Seminary.
Brandon is married to Carissa and has two daughters (Cora and Adalyn) and one son (Brayden). Under his leadership, Austin Oaks Church focuses on its mission to saturate Austin with the gospel by developing disciples and inspiring emerging generations to be captivated by Jesus.
BJ Forguson - Executive Pastor
BJ Forguson has been the Executive Pastor of Austin Oaks Church since 2020. He previously served on the youth ministry team at Austin Oaks from 2004-2014. Prior to returning to AOC, BJ served as the Leadership Development Director at Austin Stone Community Church for 6 years.
BJ is a graduate of Rice University where he was a 4-year letterman in football. He has also received a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary.
BJ is married to Louisa and has three sons (Colton, Barrett, and Ryker). BJ is passionate about helping Austin Oaks Church fall deeper in love with Jesus and helping others meet, know, and follow Him.
KIDS MINISTRY APPROACH
AOKids
Austin Oaks Kids is the vibrant children’s ministry of Austin Oaks Church, welcoming over 110 kids each weekend. The ministry is designed to help kids discover and develop a relationship with Jesus, connect with their peers, and grow alongside caring leaders. Through engaging worship, Bible teaching, small groups, and fun activities, children are invited into an exciting journey of faith.
The program is divided into three age-targeted groups: Nursery/PreK, Elementary, and 4th/5th Grade, each with spaces designed to meet the unique needs of these age groups. The Kid’s Director provides oversight for all programming from birth through 5th grade, ensuring a safe, fun, and meaningful experience for every child.
SNAPSHOT:
- Sundays - 110-120 kids
- Wednesdays - 20 kids - Club 45 only
- Volunteers - 160
Kids Ministry Staff:
- Kids director
- Assistant Kids Director
- Hospitality
- Administrative assistant
Curriculum - Austin Oaks uses the Orange Curriculum. Most of the teaching is delivered live by their talented volunteer team, with some support from video resources for worship and story time.
Check-in and Database - Church Community Builder (CCB)
SUNDAYS
PRESCHOOL (Birth - Kindergarten)
The Austin Oaks Kids team is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and fun environment where children can discover and explore key biblical truths from God’s Word. Their staff and volunteers ensure a secure check-in/check-out process, exciting activities, and thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to each age group.
They aim to make Austin Oaks Kids a place where children are excited to return each week, building a foundation of faith in a setting that parents can trust and kids will love! This is so much more than childcare or babysitting, this is ministry.
ELEMENTARY (1st - 3rd Grades)
At Austin Oaks Kids, they strive to make Sunday the best time of the week for every child! Through engaging large and small group settings, children have a blast learning about Jesus while connecting with friends and leaders.
They believe that what happens at home is even more important than what happens at church. That’s why they partner with parents to help guide their children on their spiritual journey. To support families, they provide simple, weekly take-home resources that build on the lessons taught on Sunday mornings, making it easy to continue faith conversations throughout the week.
CLUB 45 (4th - 5th Grades)
The 4th and 5th-grade students have a dedicated space designed just for them. Each Sunday begins in their room, where they check in with their leaders, greet friends, and prepare for an exciting day ahead.
Afterward, they join the larger group of elementary kids for worship and the main teaching. Following the lesson, they often head upstairs to the gym for group games before returning to their room for small group time. These small groups provide an opportunity for deeper discussions, connection, and prayer.
WEDNESDAYS - Club45
Club 45 is a vibrant group for 4th and 5th graders, designed to help students build friendships with each other, their leaders, and, most importantly, Jesus. Led by a passionate team of committed leaders, including the enthusiastic Mr. Ted, Club 45 meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. The evening kicks off with Hang Out Time from 7:00 to 7:30, featuring games like foosball, billiards, and ping pong. From 7:30 to 8:00, the Large Group gathers for exciting group games, worship, and a brief lesson or video teaching. The night wraps up with Small Group time from 8:00 to 8:30, including a Bible lesson activity, discussion, prayer, and Check-Out.
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
MULTICULTURAL
Austin Oaks has a thriving Spanish ministry. Leading a kids ministry that involves both the English and Spanish congregations is both a tremendous opportunity and a unique challenge. Language barriers can create hurdles, especially for children and parents who do not speak English fluently. The new leader must possess cultural sensitivity and a heart for diversity, creating a space where all families feel welcomed and connected. They should work to bridge language gaps through creative programming, resources, and intentional relationships. This role calls for someone who understands how to celebrate cultural diversity while fostering unity, ensuring that every child and family feels seen, valued, and included in the ministry’s mission.
MULTIGENERATIONAL
Austin Oaks is uniquely positioned as a church where every generation has a voice and a place. From young families to retirees, the congregation is beautifully balanced, creating a rich tapestry of wisdom, energy, and perspective. The new leader will need to excel at engaging with people of all ages, adapting their communication and leadership style to connect with everyone—from the youngest child to the most seasoned elder. They will need to design programs that gives opportunities for kids, youth, and seniors the opportunity to serve and grow together.
FRESH WIND
The ministry is at a pivotal moment, ready to embrace fresh vision, strategy, and heart. While the team has worked hard to keep things running smoothly, they are eager for a leader to provide clear direction and inspiring leadership. This leader must bring innovative ideas and a contagious enthusiasm to breathe new life into the ministry. Their role will include casting a vision that unites the team, developing strategies that align with the church’s mission, and fostering a renewed sense of purpose among volunteers. Central to this effort is helping volunteers see their work as ministry—not just child care. With the right guidance, this team can create a transformative impact on the lives of kids and families.
STRENGTHING THE TEAM
The elementary ministry team (upstairs) is a well-oiled machine, filled with dedicated, trained, and experienced volunteers. In contrast, the preschool ministry team (downstairs) is newer and still finding its footing. The new leader will need to provide tailored support to each group, affirming and encouraging the established elementary team while offering intentional training and development for the preschool team. This role requires someone skilled in team building and leadership development, with a keen ability to identify and empower the unique strengths of each volunteer.
START WITH THE END IN MIND
To design a ministry that reaches families and is prepared for growth, this leader must begin with the future in mind. They need to envision what a thriving ministry looks like years down the road and work backward to create a strategic plan that leads to that goal. This involves designing programs and structures that are scalable, sustainable, and family-focused. The leader must also prioritize innovation and adaptability, ensuring the ministry evolves alongside the needs of the community. By building on the church’s existing strengths and integrating fresh ideas, this leader will lay a foundation for a ministry that not only serves families today but continues to grow and flourish in the years to come.
LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
Located in South Austin, Austin Oaks Church sits in one of the city’s most vibrant and diverse areas. Austin is consistently ranked as one of the top cities for lifestyle, culture, and business, and the South Austin community reflects this energy with its unique blend of Texas charm, creative arts, thriving local businesses, and access to Austin’s renowned title as the live music capital of the world.
South Austin is not only a cultural hotspot but also an excellent place to raise a family. The area offers a welcoming community, an abundance of parks and green spaces, and proximity to top-rated schools. While Austin’s cost of living has increased in recent years, South Austin neighborhoods like Sunset Valley and Manchaca provide more accessible options for families looking to settle down and connect with the city’s vibrant life. Austin Oaks Church is proud to be part of this thriving community, serving as a hub for faith, connection, and growth.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Children's Ministry Pastor/Director
Reports To: BJ Forguson - Executive Pastor
Kids Pastor
Job Summary
The Pastor/Director of Children's Ministry (AOKids) oversees all programs for children from birth through 5th grade, prioritizing proclaiming the gospel, promoting spiritual growth, and providing parental support. The role is responsible for creating engaging environments that foster genuine relationships with Christ.
Guiding Scriptures for Ministry
Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 28:19-20, and Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Primary Responsibilities:
- Cultivate an environment where every child can meet, know, and follow Jesus.
- Develop and oversee all AOKids programs and activities to ensure alignment with ministry goals.
- Facilitate connections between children, families, and volunteers to foster community and discipleship.
- Supervise AOKids staff, providing training and support for effective ministry.
- Recruit, screen, and train volunteers to serve in various capacities within AOKids.
- Ensure the safety and security of all children in all environments.
- Equip parents with resources and support for spiritual leadership in the home.
- Collaborate with other ministries to provide holistic support for families.
- Strategically engage new children and families in the life of Austin Oasks Church
- Provide pastoral care and support to children and families as needed.
- Organize and execute ministry events to build community and reach out to young families.
- Manage the Children's Ministry budget effectively.
Organizational Relationships
- Maintain accountability through regular reporting and meetings with supervisor.
- Foster positive and supportive relationships with staff, lat leaders, parents, and children.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to address suggestions and concerns.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate:
- Demonstrates a passionate commitment to Jesus Christ and the mission of Austin Oaks Church.
- Holds a degree in church ministry, children's/youth ministry, education, or a related field (preferred)
- Brings a minimum of 3 years of experience in Children's Ministry or a related field (preferred)
- Possess strong leadership skills and a love for working with children and families.
- Exhibits a positive attitude, willingness to collaborate, and teachable spirit.
- Demonstrates effective multi-tasking and organizational ability
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and speak for extended periods.
- Capability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
CONTACT
Ready to take the next step?
To find out additional information about Keystone Fellowship and its Austin Oaks, please visit https://www.austinoakschurch.org to discover their core beliefs, vision and values and to learn about many other ministries of the church.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and church culture could be a good fit for you, please contact Ryan Latham via any of the options below.
Ryan Latham //[email protected]