Teaching and Discipleship Pastor

Fellowship of evangelical churches

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 2,200

Meet City Church

City Church is a dynamic, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational community located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a welcoming atmosphere, the church offers a place for individuals from all walks of life to come together, regardless of where they are on their faith journey. The church’s mission is to embrace the lost, elevate Jesus, equip the church, and engage the world. They are passionate about fostering a diverse congregation committed to serving the city and beyond. City Church offers powerful worship, relevant Bible teaching, and a thriving kids’ ministry, ensuring that everyone, from infants to adults, finds a place to grow in their faith.

About the Teaching and Discipleship Pastor

City Church is a multi-ethnic, multi-economic, multi-generational church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, seeking to hire a full-time Teaching and Discipleship Pastor to our growing staff. This role preaches up to 25% of the year and oversees the Discipleship Ministries of City Church under the direction and leadership of the Executive Pastor. This will require a firm grasp of the beliefs, values, and strategy of City Church and the ability to align staff and key leadership teams with its mission, vision, and values. The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor will lead guests to a genuine sense of belonging, involvement, and spiritual growth at City Church by meeting people where they are and leading them to next steps. The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor will facilitate the relational connection and spiritual growth of adults through weekend services, groups, volunteer teams, and the men’s and women’s ministries. A bachelor’s degree with a major in Ministry or Biblical Studies; or a bachelor’s degree with additional seminary is required.

The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor’s responsibilities include:

1. Modeling Biblical Priorities

Responsible for upholding Biblical priorities and core values of City Church. The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor should represent a growing personal relationship with Christ. The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor models a strong relationship with his or her spouse (if married) and children (if applicable). The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor strives to fulfill his or her purpose in life and ministry while demonstrating integrity in words, relationships, and actions. 

These objectives are accomplished by:

• Committing to a daily quiet-time with God.
• Participating in a City Church small group on a regular basis.
• Setting appropriate boundaries to protect character and integrity.
• Adhering to and encompassing the qualities and characteristics required of City Church employees, as defined by the Staff Handbook.

2. Teaching Ministry

• Serve as a regular teacher during Sunday services (up to 25%), ensuring biblically sound, Christ-centered, and relevant preaching. Must have a proven ability to teach and communicate God’s Word effectively to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the Lead Pastor and other staff to plan sermon series and teaching schedules.
• Develop and teach courses, workshops, or seminars that deepen theological understanding and Christian living.
• Support the pastoral team in providing pastoral care, including hospital visits, weddings, funerals and brief crisis counseling.

3. Oversight and Execution of Small Groups 

• Designs practical onramps and systems to help move from people from visiting to belonging and growing by: 
• Helping connect guests and regular attenders to groups.
• Setting the vision and annual goals for groups.
• Recruiting and developing group leaders.
• Regularly meet with group leaders to help assist/align their respective groups with the overall vision of City Church.
• Providing biblical content, resources, and training materials for groups.
• Overseeing information and tracking of small group participants and leaders. 
• Planning and implementing semi-annual group leader training.

4. Leadership of Volunteer Teams for the Adult Ministries

• Success in this role will be best accomplished by prioritizing an investment in ministry leaders who, in turn, influence others. The Teaching and Discipleship Pastor is responsible for creating an environment that attracts, develops, and empowers the leaders in men and women’s ministries by: 
• Communicating a clear vision and defined ministry wins for volunteer teams. 
• Building systems and structures that lead people from being spectators to leaders.
• Providing ongoing recruitment for volunteer staff.
• Championing the leadership development strategy. 
• Providing intentional opportunities to show appreciation to volunteers.
• Developing, submitting, and managing budget forecasts and expenses.

5. Championing the Discipleship Pathway

• Championing the discipleship pathway that engages with people at all ages of life and all stages of faith so that there is an easy on-ramp and clear next steps for each person to get connected and grow in their faith journey.
• Establishing multiple opportunities to encourage spiritual growth.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Teaching and Discipleship Pastor:

Education and experience

• 8+ years of ministry experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Seminary degree preferred

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• All-In Commitment: Embraces City Church culture fully and treats ministry as a full-time calling, not a side hustle.
• Servant Leadership & Team Player: Leads by example, fosters collaboration, and invests in staff relationships.
• Humble & Coachable: Open to feedback, always growing, and willing to learn.
• Initiative-Driven & Leadership-Focused: Takes ownership, cultivates leaders, and drives the church’s vision forward.
• Strong Communicator & Relationship Builder: Engages and inspires through preaching, and builds meaningful, long-term relationships with the congregation.
• High Character & Self-Awareness: Demonstrates integrity and authenticity in leadership.
• Focused on the Team’s Success: Prioritizes the growth and success of City Church over personal recognition, and actively contributes to the church’s mission and vision.

What it’s like to live in Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne, Indiana, provides a unique mix of small-town appeal and modern conveniences. The city boasts a variety of attractions and places to explore, from the charming downtown area filled with local shops and restaurants to the expansive outdoor spaces like the beautiful Fox Island County Park , Promenade Park, and the popular Fort Wayne Trails, perfect for biking or walking. Families often visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, one of the top-ranked zoos in the country, or spend time at the Science Central interactive museum. Art lovers can check out the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or enjoy live performances at the Embassy Theatre. The city is also home to numerous festivals throughout the year, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. Fort Wayne’s weather offers a mix of cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. With a growing arts scene, recreational spaces, and a rich sense of community, Fort Wayne provides plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.