Snapshot Denomination: Baptist Weekly Attendance:  500-600 Location: Hurricane, WV The Role: Pastor of Student Ministries Total Compensation Package: 65-75k Annually The Mission of First Baptist Church of Hurricane (FBCOH) is to bring people to Jesus Christ, develop them to Christ-like maturity, and equip them for ministry and their life mission to the glory of God. It is our desire to LOVE CHRIST through our worship, LEARN CHRIST through His Word, and LIVE CHRIST through our service in spreading His love through the gospel. Located on Main Street in a thriving city (between Charleston and Huntington, WV, right off Interstate-64), we are experiencing exciting growth within our church family and community. The continued expansion of industries, schools, and neighborhoods in and around Putnam County have generated a sense of excitement and possibility! It has also presented us with opportunities to share Jesus with the many new faces God is bringing to our faith family. This is an exciting season for our church and community!

Many things are attracting people to our area. Putnam County schools are always among the top performers in the state and nation. With award-winning arts and sports programs, our area schools are a strong draw. There is also a vibrant and welcoming home-schooling community, multiple Christian schools and preschools, that supports member families and offers quality experiences. Hurricane has recreation opportunities for every age and level of fitness … all within about 3 miles from FBCOH. Valley Park & Waves of Fun is Hurricane’s largest park and outdoor waterpark. Valley Park features walking trails, multipurpose athletic fields and courts, shelters, a dog park, two ponds, and the Waves of Fun Waterpark. It also has a community center with educational opportunities for children and farmer markets for the community. Hurricane City Park features picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields and areas for baseball, basketball, softball, walking and jogging. The Hurricane Sprayground, is also located in City Park. The Hurricane Reservoir is located directly beside the park where fishing is available from the handicapped-accessible fishing pier. The walking/jogging trail runs along the perimeter of the park and offers scenic views of the City’s Reservoir and loops through the different playground areas. City Park features advanced playground equipment for kids of all ages. The mostly newly developed recreation area and neighbor to FBCOH is Hurricane Bridge Park! The 43-acre park features football and baseball fields, playgrounds, pickleball courts, disc golf, and fitness opportunities. Meeks Mountain Trails. Meeks Mountain is a 30+ mile trail system project that began in 2018 with a mission to build and sustain a network of trails for the health and well-being of the people and create additional opportunities for economic growth. To date, a team of over 450 volunteers has logged nearly 21,000+ hours clearing trails for hikers, bikers, runners, walkers, and trail enthusiasts. Individuals of all ages have dedicated time, money, and physical labor to make this community trail accessible for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts are using these trails to hike, run, and mountain bike with friends and families and they're traveling in from all over our region to experience this growing network of trails. Although Putnam County is innovative and advancing, we are also a community with wholesome values. We have a city government whose leadership is committed to the safety and quality of life for every citizen. In just the last several years we have been blessed with two multi-million-dollar parks (Valley Park and Hurricane Bridge Park) complete with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, pickleball courts, disc golf, and other outdoor recreation. This is a great place to live, worship, and play!

Students face many unique challenges in today’s culture. They are expected to embrace moral positions that directly violate the teachings of Scripture. Those who don’t go along are often ostracized, while those who “go along to get along” are left with a sense of guilt and regret. More than ever, students need leaders who will speak truth into their lives from the context of the Bible. We admit, and do not apologize that FBC’s LIFT Student Ministry is FUN! That’s part of it. But we believe you can still have FUN while learning the fundamentals of our faith. Because of that, we are seeking a leader who is committed to both the social and spiritual sides of student ministry. Someone who makes it a joy to learn more about Jesus because it is real for them. We are praying for a Student Pastor who takes the gospel very seriously, while not taking themselves too seriously. Hurricane, WV has a small-town feel, that makes it easy to build connections outside the church walls. The local school systems and city government understand that it truly takes everyone working together to be a healthy community. Many of our church members and attendees are in leadership in our community. We want to build on these blessing and expand the reach of the gospel. During this transition, student attendance and enthusiasm has continued to be strong. That is largely due to the faithful and long-tenured adult leadership team. Our new Student pastor will be blessed with a group of humble servant leaders who will support and encourage him in his calling. Here’s what a recent graduate said about LIFT. “At Lift Youth Ministries, students are equipped with the appropriate tools to go out into their adult lives and live for Christ, all while loving others and being successful in whatever ‘next steps’ they may embark on. We play together, we learn together, we cry together, and we grow together. What a pleasure it is to be a part of that process.” -Sarah If God leads you to serve Him at FBC, here is a look at some of the Pastor of Student Ministries responsibilities...

The Student Pastor provides leadership, pastoral care, and ministry oversight for students in 6-12th grade and their families. Expectations and Qualifications Faith: Maturing follower of Jesus Christ, actively pursuing spiritual growth, who has submitted to believer’s baptism by immersion and affirms our Constitution, Bylaws, and Articles of Faith. Gifted teacher who communicates God’s Word in an engaging manner. Possesses an outgoing personality, genuine love for students and their families, and the ability to inspire them in their walk with Jesus. Reputation for being a person of godliness who is Biblically-grounded. Affirms a complementarian view of Biblical manhood and womanhood. Qualifications: Exemplifies Christ-like character and leadership. Experienced in ministry and proven in leading a student ministry. Educationally trained in ministry and Biblical studies with a minimum of a Bible degree from a conservative Bible College or Seminary. Must be in relatively good health, able to function independently, having flexibility and personal integrity. Compassionate in recognizing and meeting the needs of others, innovative, action oriented, committed to results. Gifted in the faithful expositional communication of Scripture in spoken and written forms Able to carry out duties in a professional manner with a strong ethical code. Is a self-starter who takes initiative, with the ability to identify and solve problems. Exhibits wisdom in discerning issues and sensitive situations, maintaining confidentiality and discretion. Must be able to manage multiple, competing priorities, while coping with emotional and mental stresses of the position. Must be equipped to navigate issues with students and their families. Must be able to respond in a Christ-honoring way when under pressure, while remaining mission focused and organized. Has or can acquire a Commercial Driver’s License for the purpose of operating the church bus.

For more information or to apply for the Pastor of Student Ministries Position email search@fbcoh.com.