At IBC we have an upward, inward, and outward focus. We believe that the purpose of a church is to worship God, build up the body of believers, and reach out to those who do not know Him.

Our services and programs are open to anyone. You do not need to have to be a member of IBC or even consider yourself a Christian. If you are visiting or have relocated to Hamburg recently then you can get connected at the Connection Centre after one of our Sunday church services or contact the church office.

Pastor-in-Training for Children, youth and Families

Who are we

The International Baptist Church of Hamburg (IBCH) is a vibrant English-language church of about 300 adults and 60 children located in the heart of Hamburg, Germany. Our congregation is made up of members and visitors from over 50 nations who have come to the Hamburg metropolitan area for a variety of reasons—training, work, family, or due to difficult political circumstances in their country of origin. Some have established permanent residence; others are here temporarily. Many have brought their families with them or have established one here, and are raising their children multilingualy. There are also many Germans among us who have lived and/or worked in a foreign setting, or who live here in an intercultural family context. As well as the core of longstanding members and workers, we also have a varying number of international students and refugees who attend our church.

IBC Hamburg is a member of the International Baptist Convention, a network of English language churches, mostly in Europe, but on other continents as well.

What are we looking for

We are in need of a Pastor-in-Training for Children, Youth, and Families. Every Sunday, approximately 60 children and teenagers take part in our Sunday school. We are looking for a developing leader, possibly a recent seminary graduate or an individual who feels called to ministry later in life, who can help to lead this ministry. This individual will oversee the structures of the church to enable families to work together to make disciples of the next generation. He is first an advocate for the children and youth because these are the people who are least knowledgeable and least experienced in the Christian life. He is next an advocate for the parents of these young people because they are in the greatest position to influence the young.

The job of Pastor-in-Training for Children, Youth and Families is a full-time position, with a temporary, one-year contract. During this one year, the individual will have the chance to explore what it means to work in full-time church ministry.

An individual plan for the Pastor-in-Training will be provided, along with weekly staff meetings, attendance at a five-day leadership training conference, regular accountability, and progress reports. It is hoped that both IBCH and the individual will profit from the experience gained. There will be the opportunity to extend the contract after one year. 

General responsibilities

1. Regularly lead, teach, and train up kids’ ministry volunteers.
2. Regularly visit the children’s families to foster good relationships with the parents and children.
3. Produce workshops and family-focused Sunday services.
4. Organize children and family events such as retreats and special days.
5. Co-ordinate resources and needed materials with the church administrator and trustees.
6. Administrate the children’s ministry budget effectively and with transparency.

Personal and ministerial life

Our primary guidelines are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:6-15; and Titus 1:6-9.

The following requirements are also expected:

1. A commitment to a daily prayer life and regular study of God’s Word.
2. Bible College or Seminary degree preferred. Other qualifications and training will be considered.  
3. Agreement with IBCH’s statement of faith.
4. Positive experience in children / family ministry preferred.
5. A passion for discipling children and seeing families grow in the Lord.
6. A heart for internationals and preferably experience working with them.
7. Effectiveness in communicating the Word (the Pastor-in-Training will be expected to preach on at least three occasions).
8. Fluency in English and minimum B2 level in German.

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this position, then please send your résumé and a cover letter to the Pastoral Search Team at office@ibc-hamburg.de. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.

In His grace,
The Pastoral Search Team of IBCH