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Director Pastor Jobs in Rutledge, GA (NOW HIRING)

Director Pastor information

What is a director pastor?

A Director Pastor is a senior church leader responsible for overseeing specific ministries or departments within a church or religious organization. They combine pastoral duties, such as preaching and spiritual guidance, with administrative responsibilities like managing staff, planning programs, and coordinating events. Director Pastors often work to ensure that the church's mission and values are reflected in all aspects of its operations. Their role may also involve community outreach, counseling, and supporting the overall vision of the lead pastor or church board.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director pastor?

To thrive as a Director Pastor, you need a deep understanding of theology, pastoral counseling, and leadership, often supported by a seminary degree or equivalent religious education. Familiarity with church management software, digital communication platforms, and event planning systems is beneficial. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to inspire and guide both individuals and groups are crucial in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for fostering spiritual growth, building strong communities, and effectively managing church operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a director pastor in leading a diverse congregation?

A Director Pastor often encounters the challenge of uniting individuals from various backgrounds, generations, and perspectives within the congregation. Balancing differing expectations, managing conflicts with empathy, and fostering an inclusive environment are key aspects of the role. Additionally, Director Pastors must adapt their leadership and communication styles to effectively reach and inspire all members, while also supporting staff and volunteers in their spiritual and professional growth.

What is the difference between Director Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectDirector PastorAssociate Pastor
CredentialsTypically requires a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and pastoral licensing or ordinationSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads church programs, manages staff, oversees church operationsSupports senior pastors, assists in sermons, and pastoral care
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesReligious organizations, churches

The main difference between a Director Pastor and an Associate Pastor lies in their responsibilities and leadership scope. The Director Pastor typically oversees church operations and staff, while the Associate Pastor focuses on supporting the senior leadership and congregation. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same industry environment.

Infographic showing various Director Pastor job openings in Rutledge, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

UpStreet Service Programming Director

Athens Church

Athens, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The UpStreet Service Programming Director creates engaging, excellent, and welcoming experiences for elementary-aged children and their families. This role oversees Large Group programming across all campuses, the Host Team, New Family Process, baptisms, hallway environments, and designated events.
Key Responsibilities
Programming and Large Group
  • Lead UpStreet Sunday programming for fully staffed Large Group environments throughout the full year for the 9:15 and 11:00 services.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, develop, and care for Large Group volunteers.
  • Recruit, lead, and pastor four Large Group Producers.
  • Ensure Sunday teams are fully staffed and develop apprentices to build a strong volunteer pipeline.
  • Oversee and continually improve the physical, technical, and creative elements of each Large Group and Host Team environment.
  • Attend monthly content and creative meetings with the UpStreet Groups team.
  • Edit and deliver scripts, props, and stage décor to all campuses for Large Group for team synergy and alignment across campuses.
  • Ensure programming is engaging, biblically accurate, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with the small-group experience.
  • Ensure that the Gospel is clearly integrated into each weekly Large Group script including Upstreet Games and Mega Awesome Costume Party.

Family Experience and Environments
  • Create consistent, vision filled, informative parent communication strategies and implementation including social media and email.
  • Lead the Host Team in creating a warm, organized, and helpful experience for children and families.
  • Recruit, train, schedule, develop, and care for Host Team volunteers and four Host Team Captains.
  • Own and continually improve the New Family Process from arrival through follow-up, including registration, check-in, group placement, and follow up.
  • Partner with Waumba Land, Guest Services, and other ministry teams to create consistent, scalable family experiences across campuses.
  • Oversee all UpStreet hallway experiences, including atmosphere, signage, communication, traffic flow, seasonal elements, and family engagement.
  • Coordinate with Facilities, Communications, Production, and other ministry partners as needed.
  • Lead the parent communication process in Upstreet through creating regular, helpful, vision-filled parent communication.

Baptisms
  • Partner with Upstreet Director to establish, develop, promote and evaluate JumpStart
  • Continue to improve and develop the JumpStart website
  • Lead and continually improve Sunday morning baptisms and Baptism Bash events.
  • Guide families through clear preparation, communication, and next steps.
  • Coordinate scheduling, environments, volunteers, supplies, programming needs, and follow-up to create a meaningful and well-organized Baptism experience.

Events and Special Programming
  • Project manage SuperStart, Baptism Bash, Kindergarten Kickstart, JumpStart, Inside Look, UpStreet Games, and Mega Awesome Costume Party.
  • Create and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, communication, volunteers, supplies, programming elements, and day-of execution.
  • Lead or support additional ministry and church-wide events, including Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and Nights of Worship etc

Team Leadership and Collaboration
  • Attend UpStreet, Children's Ministry, and Athens Church staff meetings.
  • Hire, train and develop the Production LDP, Host Team LDP
  • Maintain strong partnership with and meet regularly with the UpStreet Director.
  • Collaborate with the UpStreet Groups team to create one cohesive Sunday experience.
  • Develop repeatable systems, clear documentation, and strong volunteer leadership that can scale across campuses.
  • Manage assigned budgets, resources, supplies, and purchasing responsibly.

Staff Expectations
  • Demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus and actively participate in the life and mission of Athens Church.
  • Model the "Four Things": Giving 10% or more, Serving, Connecting in a group, and Inviting others.
  • Maintain character and conduct that are above reproach.
  • Build healthy relationships with staff, volunteers, children, and families with the Culture Shaping Behaviors as a guide..
  • Remain flexible and support additional ministry responsibilities as needed.