HISTORY & CURRENT

For more than 75 years, the vibrant community of First Baptist Naples has served as a beacon of warmth and inspiration, illuminating Southwest Florida and beyond with the boundless love of God. Their journey commenced with the heartfelt dedication of Brookdale Baptist Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey, whose vision for a home of faith in Naples ignited this transformative mission. From humble origins in a quaint outbuilding behind the local grocery store, their path has flourished into the cherished sanctuary they proudly call home today, nestled on the corner of Orange Blossom and Livingston.

Across the decades, the abundant grace of God has empowered this community to touch countless lives with the transformative message of Christ's love. Guided by visionary leaders whose hearts blaze with passion for Jesus, the congregation of First Baptist Naples has eagerly embraced the divine call to welcome all with open arms.

In 2021, Pastor Alan Brumback was warmly welcomed as the eighth lead pastor, and under his stewardship, the awe-inspiring work of God has continued to unfold. Reflecting on their storied history, there's a palpable sense of anticipation, as they wholeheartedly believe that their brightest days lie ahead. With steadfast faith and hearts attuned to God's call, they eagerly anticipate reaching even more souls with His grace, knowing that together, they can make an even greater impact for His eternal Kingdom.

First Naples is a church for all people. They are averaging nearly 4000 on a given Sunday (this represents tremendous growth since Covid). This faith-filled community is dedicated to guiding individuals toward a life centered on the completed work of Jesus, the enduring hope found in the Gospel as revealed in Scripture, and the profound impact of this truth in shaping them as devoted followers of Christ. Their aim is to cultivate spaces where people can authentically encounter God's presence.

Visitors to First Naples can expect to be uplifted by vibrant and heartfelt worship, empowered by inspiring messages, embraced by a warm and inclusive community, and reassured of God's ever-present grace, available to all. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a simple invitation for everyone to come just as they are.

STUDENT MINISTRY APPROACH

ENGAGING

The goal for First Naples Student Ministries is to create a place where students can encounter Jesus and grow and serve Him. Both the middle school and high school groups seek to be the most welcoming place a student can land. Leaders and students alike seek to be real with one another and provide a welcoming environment for any student who comes through the doors.

The Student Ministry is currently seeing attendance hovering between 225-275 for their midweek gatherings.

LARGE GROUP ("Midweek")

The First Naples Student Ministries utilize the large-group experiences to help break down relational barriers, engage students with the Gospel, equip believers to grow in their faith, and invite all into a worship experience with the Lord.

Currently* both Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) offer a large group environment as the cornerstone of the ministry. These take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm.

*High School has gone through seasons of moving their small groups to area homes that meet midweek and are about to launch this again in the spring of '24.

SMALLER ENVIRONMENTS

There is a lot of activity and engagement on a typical Sunday but it isn't just about the activity. It's about the quiet moments with leaders pouring into the students in smaller settings that stand out to the families at the First Naples. It's these times of growing deeper with each other that students pointed out as some of their favorite aspects of the ministry.

Small Groups take place on Sunday mornings at 10:00am.

(HS pivots to more of large group teaching time on Sunday mornings, especially when moving to small groups at area homes midweek.)

CAMPS, RETREATS, EVENTS...

Throughout the year First Naples Students have the opportunity to participate in outreach events, camps and retreats. Other one-off events are designed for outreach, fellowship and/or service as well.

CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY

CHANGE MANAGEMENT

In so many ways it's a new day at First Naples. In addition to having a relatively new Lead Pastor, the high school students have seen the point person leading the high school ministry change several times in their years as students at First Naples. The reason for change in leadership has varied, but it has still left the students with a feeling of consistent change.

The hope is that the new leader will be able to come, establish roots and stay for several years to establish a new movement and momentum. The programming could probably use some fresh ideas; the leadership team can use some encouragement and the parents will love some inspriration as you team together to see lives tranformed.

TEAM PLAYER

It is vital this new High School Pastor be a collaborator and a developer-leader who is investing in the other team members to help them reach their greatest potential. The leader in this role must have the ability to develop a team approach to ministry and create an atmosphere of challenge and support for all of the Student Ministry teams.

The middle school is led by a strong leader who has been around First Naples all his life and loves leading the middle school ministry. He looks forward to partnering with an equally strong High School Pastor as they shape the future of First Naples Student Ministry.

EXPANDED VISION FOR SCHOOLS

First Baptist Academy is a private school that meets on the campus of First Naples. The Church has had a strong partnership with the school for many years, with that comes the perception that the youth group is simply for FBA students.

The High School Pastor should come to First Naples with vision and diretion to reach the other area high schools and partner well with as many of the schools as possible. This can't be done alone, but also throught the expanding volunteer base the leader recruits and trains.

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT

It is imperative that the new leader designs a ministry structure that is scalable to grow with the church. Though there is a solid foundation in volunteers, they have expressed a desire for more training and development. It is also crucial for the team to grow, so that the ministry continues to scale appropriately. The new Pastor will need to lead the others on the team to create systems for development that equips and releases volunteers into leadership.

STRONG FOUNDATION

The new leader should come in and build off of an already solid foundation, but also know there are some great opportunities to enhance relationships, bring new energy and develop the volunteer and student leadership even more.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

The purpose of the High School Student pastor/director is to provide leadership and strategy for high school or middle school ministries.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIFIC LIST OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EVALUATION AREAS FOR ROLE

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

● Supervise Ministry volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to lead two or more paid staff. This person must have proficiency in planning and organizing events, following up with people, using relational skills to connect with guests.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree minimum; and 2-5 years of ministry related experience and/or training.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The individual must have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with a diverse group of people, communicate clearly and effectively on the telephone, e-mail and in person, demonstrating tact and diplomacy. Exceptional interpersonal skills are required to develop and maintain strong working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, the public and church members and regular attendees. The individual must have the ability to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze and interpret complex documents, instructions manuals, policies and procedures is essential.

COMPUTER AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

The individual must have demonstrated skill in the use of PC systems to complete tasks, including word processing and spreadsheets and the ability to use the internet for information retrieval. The individual must have basic mathematical skills, knowledge of bookkeeping and basic accounting, and budget and expense monitoring. The individual must have the ability to read financial information and spreadsheets.

REASONING ABILITY

The ability to simultaneously conceptualize and plan multiple tasks; project outcomes using different implementation strategies; and apply creative and innovative thinking to problem situations is required. The ability to work effectively and efficiently under stressful conditions to ensure deadlines are met is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS