Director of Discipleship & Connections
United Methodist Church of the Shepherd exists to connect people to the God who desperately loves all so that we can live as disciples in Christian community.
Church of the Shepherd (COS) is a growing, multi-generational United Methodist church in St. Charles County, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. We are passionate about creating a church where people can belong before they believe, ask honest questions, grow spiritually, and discover meaningful Christian community.
We are seeking a relational, creative, spiritually mature leader to serve as our next Director of Discipleship & Connections.
This full-time role combines connections and small groups into one unified vision for helping people move from first-time guests into deeply connected disciples of Jesus. This is not simply a maintenance role. We are looking for someone who can build systems, cultivate leaders, create community, and help shape the future culture of our church.
What You’ll Do
Create Pathways for Connection & Growth
- Lead and continually improve the COS connection and discipleship process
- Help guests move from “checking out church” to meaningful Christian community
- Develop and evaluate clear next steps for newcomers, attenders, members, volunteers, and leaders
Lead Small Groups & Spiritual Formation
- Recruit, train, support, and encourage small group leaders
- Oversee Bible studies, affinity groups, contemplative groups, and seasonal studies
- Develop creative opportunities for adults to grow spiritually and relationally
- Launch new groups and environments as needs emerge
Shape Hospitality & Community Culture
- Oversee hospitality and guest experience teams
- Build systems that help people feel noticed, remembered, welcomed, and connected
- Help cultivate a culture where relationships matter more than programs
Collaborate with Staff & Vision
- Participate in church-wide planning, visioning, and strategy
- Help create a church culture that is spiritually authentic, welcoming, and mission-focused
Who You Are
- You genuinely enjoy people and build relationships naturally
- You are spiritually mature, emotionally healthy, and self-motivated
- You can lead both strategically and relationally
- You are organized without becoming rigid
- You are comfortable leading volunteers and developing leaders
- You can work independently while thriving in collaborative environments
- You are excited about the future of the church rather than nostalgic about the past
Qualifications
- A committed and active Christian faith
- Experience leading small groups, discipleship ministries, or volunteer teams
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to recruit, organize, and empower volunteers
- Strong administrative and computer skills
- Experience with church databases, Planning Center, or similar systems is helpful
- Bachelor’s degree or ministry experience preferred but not required
- Experience in a United Methodist or similar mainline context is helpful but not required
About COS
Church of the Shepherd is an inclusive United Methodist congregation that welcomes and includes all people, including LGBTQIA+ people, different ethnic backgrounds, ideologies and genders. We value authenticity, thoughtful faith, community impact, spiritual growth, and servant leadership.
Our worship attendance averages approximately 500+ people weekly online and in person, with a growing number of younger families and adults. We are committed to helping people encounter God in ways that are honest, hopeful, and life-changing.
NOTE: Please no phone calls.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your previous experience leading Small Groups and/or Connections in a church?
- What about working at United Methodist Church of the Shepherd is compelling for you?
Work Location: In person
