High School Ministry Groups Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church – South Barrington, Illinois

Join Us in Shaping the Next Generation at Willow Creek

Willow Creek Community Church is a non-denominational, multi-site, egalitarian church serving Chicagoland with one mission: helping people take next steps to love God, love people, and change the world.

We believe high school students aren’t just the future of the church—they are the church. Our goal is to create communities where they are known, loved, challenged, and encouraged to grow in faith and leadership.

If that excites you, we’d love to invite you into this work.

We’re hiring a High School Ministry (HSM) Groups Pastor at our South Barrington campus—someone passionate about discipling 9th–12th graders and building the volunteer and small-group structures that help students thrive. You’ll partner closely with the HSM Student Pastor to lead, support, and grow this ministry.

This full-time role offers a salary of $46,000–$63,000, based on experience and education, along with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement with match, generous PTO, parental leave, mental-health counseling reimbursement, and more.

What You’ll Do

Invest in Volunteers and Students

• Recruit, train, and encourage a high-capacity volunteer team committed to long-term ministry.
• Provide pastoral care for students and parents, walking with them through challenges and next steps toward Jesus.
• Build strong relationships with volunteers through ongoing support, prayer, and development opportunities.

Lead Group Life for HSM

• Drive the vision and strategy for high school groups and volunteer engagement, including small group curriculum and ministry rhythms.
• Partner with the Junior High Ministry to create a seamless transition for students moving into HSM.

Collaborate and Contribute

• Work with the broader Willow Students team on camps, events, global serving trips, Senior Graduation, 8th Grade Move-Up, and church-wide initiatives.
• Participate in the student teaching team with opportunities for growth in communication.

Support Ministry Operations

• Oversee the logistics that help groups thrive—group placement, next steps, communication, child protection policies, event details, and expenses.
• Build strong relationships with the Next Gen team across all Willow campuses.

Success Looks Like

A high school ministry where:

• Students feel valued, connected, and inspired to grow in their faith.
• Volunteers feel empowered, supported, and excited to serve.
• Staff collaborate well and embrace creativity and innovation.

What You Bring

Skills & Strengths

• A team builder who identifies and develops leaders.
• A collaborative mindset rooted in trust and unity.
• Strong communication, organization, vision-casting, and conflict-management skills.
• A pastoral heart for students, families, volunteers, and staff.

Personal Qualities

• A self-starter who loves learning and innovating.
• Emotionally intelligent, self-aware, humble, and confident.
• Encouraging, approachable, hardworking, and a healthy teammate.
• Passionate about serving kids and students.
• A committed follower of Jesus aligned with Willow’s beliefs and values.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (education, biblical studies, youth/family ministry, or related field).
• Church experience and experience working with high school students.
• Proven leadership and pastoral care experience.

If you’re energized by helping students discover who God created them to be—and love empowering the leaders who serve them—we’d love to talk with you.