Shepherd Staff is honored to be working with Canyon Church in Dripping Springs, Texas, as they search for their next Pastor of Youth and Discipleship.

Canyon Church exists to help people KNOW Jesus, GROW like Him, and GO make Him known. Located in one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Texas, Canyon Church is a welcoming, family-oriented congregation committed to biblical truth, authentic relationships, and reaching its community with the hope of the Gospel. While the church has experienced significant growth under the leadership of Senior Pastor Russell Dixon, they remain committed to creating environments where people can encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and become fully engaged in the mission of the church.

Canyon Church is seeking a Pastor of Youth and Discipleship who will provide spiritual leadership, discipleship direction, and pastoral care for students and their families. This is a unique opportunity for a mature ministry leader who enjoys building more than maintaining. The next pastor will inherit a ministry with tremendous potential, strong congregational support, excellent facilities, and a thriving children's ministry pipeline, while helping establish the systems, culture, and discipleship philosophy necessary for long-term health and growth.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE:

Proven Ministry Leader

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated ministry experience, leadership maturity, and a track record of building healthy ministry environments. They possess theological depth, sound judgment, and the credibility that comes from successfully leading people through real ministry challenges.

Builder-Shepherd with Strong Teaching Ability

They are equally comfortable casting vision, building systems, and investing deeply in people. They possess a shepherd's heart, a builder's mindset, and the ability to communicate biblical truth in a way that engages and forms students spiritually.

Relational and Family-Oriented

They understand that effective student ministry extends beyond students and into families. They naturally build trust with parents, invest in volunteers, and foster meaningful relationships across generations.

Proactive and Self-Directed

They are an initiator rather than a maintainer. They communicate well, operate with intentionality, and possess the organizational capacity necessary to lead within a growing church environment.

Committed to Community and Long-Term Ministry

They are eager to embed themselves in the Dripping Springs community, build relationships beyond church walls, and invest deeply in the church's long-term vision for the next generation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As the primary spiritual leader for students in grades 6–12, the Pastor of Youth and Discipleship will cultivate a discipleship culture focused on spiritual growth, biblical teaching, and meaningful family engagement. This role involves providing strategic vision for student ministry, establishing healthy pathways from children's ministry through graduation, and contributing to the broader life of Canyon Church through staff collaboration, volunteer development, pastoral care, and community outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Ministry Leadership

• Provide biblical teaching, discipleship, and pastoral leadership for students in grades 6–12.
• Build a healthy ministry culture centered on spiritual formation, relationships, and leadership development.
• Develop student leaders and cultivate a discipleship pathway that produces lasting faith.

Family & Generational Ministry

• Partner intentionally with parents as primary disciplers of their children.
• Strengthen connections between children's ministry and student ministry.
• Foster meaningful relationships with families both inside and outside the church.

Volunteer Development

• Recruit, train, equip, and care for adult volunteers.
• Build sustainable systems that support long-term volunteer engagement and effectiveness.

Pastoral & Staff Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the church staff team.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Pastor and ministry leaders.
• Participate in pastoral care, church-wide initiatives, preaching opportunities, and ministry administration.

Community Engagement

• Become a visible presence in the local schools and community.
• Create opportunities for outreach that lead students and families into deeper involvement in the life of the church.

Much more detailed information is available following an initial consultation with Shepherd Staff. During that conversation, candidates should be prepared to discuss their ministry experience, leadership philosophy, discipleship approach, and examples of building healthy ministry cultures.

Take the first step by clicking the “Apply For This Job” button to confidentially express your interest. By confidential, we mean that your information will not be shared with Canyon Church—or any other church—without your knowledge and permission.

If you have any technical difficulties with the inquiry process, please contact thilini@Shepherd.Group.