Next Generation Director
The Word Church โ Cleveland, Ohio
Position Summary
The Next Generation Director serves as a key leader within the ministries of The Word Church, responsible for the vision, strategy, and execution of all NextGen environmentsโincluding Kidz in the Word (KITW), Outsiders (Teens), and Young Adults.
This leader is charged with building a clear, scalable discipleship pathway for the next generationโensuring every child, student, and young adult is strengthened in their faith, connected in community, and activated in purpose.
The NextGen Director will develop leaders, build systems, and drive alignment across all age-based ministries to ensure a seamless, Jesus-centered experience from childhood through young adulthood.
This role requires a builderโs mindset, a pastorโs heart, and an operatorโs disciplineโsomeone who can lead people, develop leaders, and execute with excellence.
This role reports directly to the Executive Pastor of Ministries and works in close alignment with executive leadership to ensure NextGen strategy fully integrates into the overall vision and direction of The Word Church.
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Executive Pastor of Ministries
Core Responsibilities
- Provide Vision & Oversight for NextGen Ministries
- Own and execute the vision for KITW, Outsiders, and Young Adults
- Build a clear discipleship progression from childhood to young adulthood
- Ensure all ministries reflect the 7 Bedrocks
- Lead & Develop Outsiders (Teen Ministry)
- Oversee and strengthen Outsiders (ages 13โ18)
- Lead Community Nights and Experience Nights
- Develop student leaders and outreach strategies
- Oversee Kidz in the Word (KITW)
- Ensure safe, structured, and engaging environments
- Build strong volunteer systems and parent communication
- Create transition strategies into student ministry
- Oversee Young Adult Ministry
- Strengthen young adult community and discipleship
- Develop leadership pipelines
- Leadership Development & Team Building
- Lead and develop Directors, Coordinators, and Team Leads
- Recruit and train volunteer leaders
- Systems, Structure & Execution
- Build scalable systems for engagement and tracking
- Ensure excellence and consistency across environments.
- Family Engagement & Discipleship Support
- Partner with parents as primary disciplers
- Provide resources and connection points
- Strategic Alignment & Church Integration
- Align NextGen with The Word Way and Dream Team pipeline
- Collaborate across ministries
- Administrative & Operational Leadership
- Oversee budgets and logistics
- Evaluate effectiveness and performance
Qualifications
Spiritual Leadership:
- Strong relationship with Jesus Christ
- Alignment with The Word Church culture
Experience:
- Minimum 5โ7 years in NextGen or ministry leadership
- Proven leadership and team development experience
Leadership Competencies:
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Strategic and relational leadership ability
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about the next generation
- Builder and systems thinker
- Culturally aware and adaptable
- Collaborative and accountable
- Committed to excellence
Why The Word Church
At The Word Church, we believe the next generation isnโt the futureโthey are right now.
We are committed to strengthening our members, winning the lost, and helping those in need.
This is a place where vision is clear, culture is strong, leadership is developed, and impact is expected.