PRESENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL PASTOR
At
AUSTIN RIDGE BIBLE CHURCH
AUSTIN, TX
HISTORY & CURRENT
Situated along the winding roads of the Texas Hill Country of Austin sits a church on the side of a rocky ridge just outside the city. Austin Ridge Bible Church started with a handful of people as Westlake Bible Church. In 2004, Brad Thomas became the Lead Pastor of the then congregation of 300. With a heart and vision to reach the city, Austin Ridge has blossomed into a church with four campuses and nearly 7,000 people in attendance each week.
Austin Ridge is a community that’s authentic, alive, and committed to telling an ancient story to break through even the most hardened of hearts. By using bold teaching and various art mediums and technology, Austin Ridge creates experiences rooted in scripture that are both culturally relevant and deeply personal. Austin Ridge is a mix of modern methods of church ministry, paired with timeless theological and biblical teaching that speaks truth into a culture that desperately needs the hope and love found in Jesus.
Austin Ridge is a church for all people. This Bible-grounded church is committed to leading people towards a life focused on the finished work of Jesus, the hope of the Gospel as declared in God's Word, and the way this truth transforms us into followers of Jesus. The goal at Austin Ridge is to create environments where people can encounter God. When attending Austin Ridge on a weekend, one will be inspired by the dynamic and genuine worship, encouraged by the message, welcomed by the amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is present and available to all! The environment is casual and they simply want people to come as they are.
MISSION
"Pursue people at all costs, so they can KNOW Jesus, GROW in Him, and SERVE him daily.”
At the Ridge, we are committed to being a church that reflects the passion of God. God loved us so much that he pursued us, and gave His own Son so that our sins could be forgiven and that we could know Him. God gave us the Bible, so we can grow in our knowledge of who He is and know how we are to follow Him. Jesus was a servant who calls us to also serve people and make a spiritual difference in the world. In light of these truths, our mission as a church is to "Pursue people at all costs, so they can KNOW Jesus, GROW in Him, and SERVE him daily.”
WE’RE COMMITTED TO THESE CORE VALUES
The core values of Austin Ridge serve as a description of what they believe the Bible calls us to be and to do as followers of Jesus. The people of Austin Ridge are committed to living out these values day by day.
Christ-Centered
We enter into relationship with God by accepting and acknowledging who Jesus is, which sheds light on who we are. We are sinners. Jesus is the Savior. We are creatures. Jesus is the creator. We are lost. Jesus is the finder and leader. As a result, we move from a self-centered life, to a Christ-centered life.
Led by God's Word
God uses his Word to transform lives through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we live under its authority and counsel.
In Authentic Relationships
Christians love one another. We serve one another. We are at peace with one another. We honor one another. We bear one another's burdens. We forgive one another.
Prayer Dependent
Jesus calls those who seek the kingdom of God to pursue God in prayer. Prayer is the means for intimacy with God and the vehicle for direction and provision from God.
Living Generously
We believe that following Jesus compels people to give generously of themselves-their time, energy, and resources-for the sake of the kingdom of God.
Outward-Focused
Those who follow Jesus should be actively involved in helping others know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Since we ourselves have experienced God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus, we seek to take that message outside the walls of our church to those who need Him.
Multipliers
The call of a Christ-follower culminates in multiplying who we are in Christ. Therefore, the aim of being a Christ-follower is to help others grow into “lifelong learners and followers of Christ” and then enable others to do the same.
To learn more about the core beliefs of Austin Ridge CLICK HERE
STUDENT MINISTRY APPROACH
SNAPSHOT:
# of Students - 240 Middle School
# of Leaders -
Bee Cave Student Ministry Staff:
ENGAGING
The goal for Austin Ridge Student Ministries is to create a place where students can encounter Jesus and grow and serve Him. Both the middle school and high school groups seek to be the most welcoming place a student can land. Leaders and students alike seek to be real with one another and provide a welcoming environment for any student who comes through the doors.
LARGE GROUP - GO
The Ridge Student Ministries utilize large-group experiences to help break down relational barriers, engage students with the Gospel, equip believers to grow in their faith, and invite all into a worship experience with the Lord.
Both Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) offer large group gatherings on Wednesday nights. Middle School takes place from 6:30-8 and High School from 7-8:30.
SMALLER ENVIRONMENTS - GROW
There is a lot of activity and engagement on a typical Sunday but it isn't just about the activity. It's about the quiet moments with leaders pouring into the students in smaller settings that stand out to the families at the Ridge. It's these times of growing deeper with each other in one-on-one settings, small group breakouts, service projects and other leadership opportunities that students pointed out as some of their favorite aspects of the ministry.
These small group environment as the cornerstone of the ministry. Middle School take place on Sunday mornings (9am) and High School at 11am.
CAMPS, RETREATS, EVENTS...
Throughout the year Austin Ridge Students have the opportunity to participate in outreach events, camps and retreats. Mountain Camp, city-wide weekend retreats, evening coffee houses, and dodgeball tournaments are just a few of the events Austin Ridge students experience. As well as local trips there are opportunities for students to go on local and foreign mission trips. Some of these events involve the other two campuses of Austin Ridge Bible Church, whereas others are specific to the Bee Cave Campus.
LEADERSHIP
The Austin Ridge system of governance is led by a group of Elders who serve as the spiritual leaders of the church. The Lead Pastor, Brad Thomas, serves as the primary voice and communicator or Austin Ridge, as well as the visionary who provides direction for the church. The Executive Pastor, Dave Brandolini, leads the staff and ministries to fulfill the mission and vision of the church.
BRAD THOMAS - Lead Pastor
Brad was born and raised in South Carolina. He attended Clemson University where he graduated with a degree in economics. He received his THM from Dallas Theological Seminary. He married Courtney, a Texas girl, and they have two children: Lydia and Luke. They enjoy watching movies, traveling, and spending time together. The reality of raising a child with special needs gives Brad a compassionate understanding of others' circumstances. He has a great sense of humor, loves his Clemson Tigers, and enjoys sharing stories from his youth and family. As Lead Pastor, he focuses on teaching God's Word, setting the spiritual pace, and discerning God's vision and will for Austin Ridge. Brad has been the Lead Pastor of Austin Ridge since 2004.
DAVE BRANDOLINI - Executive Pastor
Originally from New Jersey, Dave and his wife, Karen, are glad to be living in Austin and serving the Lord at the Ridge. In his role as Executive Pastor, Dave works alongside the lead pastor, Brad, to develop and implement the Ridge's purpose, vision, and strategy in all of the ministries at the Ridge. Dave became a Christ Follower as a freshman in college and has served in previous churches as a Student Ministries Pastor and Executive Pastor. Dave has served as Executive Pastor at Ridge since 2010.
To meet, and learn more about, the team at Austin Ridge, click HERE.
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
INFLUENCE
The new Pastor will be responsible for leading the junior high school ministry. There is vast opportunity to impact and develop leaders and systems to make a lasting legacy of ministry and impact thousands of families at Austin Ridge. There is also opportunity to impact Austin through the local connections with schools and the reach of all of the Ridge Campuses. The central structure is collaborative in nature and with Bee Cave the largest campus, it serves as the pacesetter for the ministry.
TEAM PLAYER
It is vital this new Pastor be a collaborator and a developer-leader who is investing in the other team members to help them reach their greatest potential. The leader in this role must have the ability to develop a team approach to ministry and create an atmosphere of challenge and support for all of the Student Ministry teams.
VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT
It is imperative that the new leader designs a ministry structure that is scalable to grow with the church. Though there is a solid foundation in volunteers, they have expressed a desire for more training and development. It is also crucial for the team to grow, so that the ministry continues to scale appropriately. The new Pastor will need to lead the others on the team to create systems for development that equips and releases volunteers into leadership.
CONFIDENT AND COACHABLE
The ideal candidate will combine confidence and knowledge with a genuine openness to learning and personal growth. The student ministry at Ridge knows who they are and how they do ministry. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, yet there is plenty of room to bring their unique expression and ways of improving as they grow the ministry. By actively seeking feedback and embracing opportunities for improvement, this leader will foster a culture of continuous learning and resilience, ensuring the ministry remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of its community.
STRONG FOUNDATION
The new leader should come in and build off of an already solid foundation, but also know there are some great opportunities to enhance relationships, bring new energy and develop the volunteer and student leadership even more.
LOCATION & DEMOGRAPHICS
Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and one of the most desirable places to live. With its mix of Texas charm and artsy vibe, Austin is one of the most unique cities in America. Austin Ridge is located northwest of the city in the Austin Hill Country.
Austin is the capital of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State. With a population of nearly 1 million people, it's the 11th most populous city in the United States; the fourth most populous city in Texas. Austin’s mild climate allows you to enjoy outdoor activities virtually year round. Austin has 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 71 degrees in November.
To find out more about Austin and the area surrounding the church, you can visit https://www.movoto.com/demographics/tx/78733/and http://www.city-data.com/city/Austin-Texas.html.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Middle School Pastor is passionate about seeing middle school students come to know Jesus, grow in Him, and serve Him. He will directly oversee the middle school ministry, be proactive at relationally pursuing students, leaders, and parents, will set overall vision for middle school ministry, recruit and equip leaders, and grow the middle school ministries.
JOB TITLE: JUNIOR HIGH PASTOR (Regular Full Time, Exempt)
QUALIFICATIONS
· Mature, growing disciple with a consistent devotional life
· Meets the spiritual qualifications found in I Timothy, Titus, and I Peter
· Exhibits a missional lifestyle and mindset
· Possesses an undergraduate degree
· Experience and enthusiasm for making disciples and ministering to students and their families
· Passionate about evangelism
· Ability to work on a team towards specific goals in a mutually edifying and supportive manner
· Ability to work on multiple tasks, be flexible, and work with little supervision
· Capable and influencing team leader with strong interpersonal skills
· Familiar with current trends related to teens, parents, and families
· Understands effective approaches to student ministry
· Self-motivated, strategic thinker with strong communication skills
· Commitment to and agreement with the statement of faith of Austin Ridge Bible Church
· It is expected that this person is now or will become an active member of Austin Ridge Bible Church
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Create a balanced ministry through developing a variety of environments for students to come to know Jesus, grow in Him, and serve Him
· Develop and implement strategies, budgets, and goals for growing the ministry
· Expand the middle school ministry through recruiting and equipping new leaders
· Maintain good relationships with volunteer leaders, and provide continual motivation, feedback, and training
· Create content for weekly large and small group meetings, and communicate with leaders on how to incorporate it into their groups
· Develop relationships with parents through regular communication, parent meetings, and individual conversations
· Participate in other ministry duties as determined by the Lead & Executive Pastors
RELATIONSHIPS
· Under the overall guidance of the board of elders and the Lead Pastor
· Reports directly to the Student Pastor
· Part of the Austin Ridge Bible Church Ministry Team
CONTACT
To find out more, please visit https://www.austinridge.org/beecave/ to review core beliefs, vision and values and the 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 e-mail your information and current resume to [email protected].