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Associate Minister Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Associate Minister information

See Michigan salary details

$202

$658

$1.2K

How much do associate minister jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for associate minister in Michigan is $658.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $455.96 and $768.38 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate minister?

Associate Ministers are clergy members who assist the lead or senior pastor in carrying out the spiritual, administrative, and pastoral duties within a church or religious organization. Their responsibilities often include leading worship services, providing pastoral care, organizing church programs, and supporting various ministries such as youth, outreach, or education. The specific duties can vary based on the denomination, size of the congregation, and the particular needs of the church. Associate Ministers play a vital role in fostering community, spiritual growth, and supporting the overall mission of the church.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate minister?

To thrive as an Associate Minister, you need a strong background in theology, ministry experience, and often a seminary degree or equivalent religious studies qualification. Familiarity with church management software, presentation tools, and pastoral counseling certifications is typically beneficial. Outstanding communication, empathy, and leadership skills help build trust and foster community within the congregation. These competencies are crucial for providing effective spiritual guidance, supporting church operations, and nurturing a supportive faith community.

What are some common challenges associate ministers face when balancing administrative duties with pastoral responsibilities?

Associate Ministers often juggle a variety of tasks, including sermon preparation, pastoral care, community outreach, and administrative responsibilities. Balancing these can be challenging, as administrative tasks like organizing events or managing volunteers may compete with time set aside for spiritual guidance and member support. Successful Associate Ministers typically develop strong time-management skills and collaborate closely with senior ministers and church staff to prioritize effectively. Open communication and regular team meetings also help ensure that pastoral responsibilities remain central while administrative work is managed efficiently.

What is the difference between Associate Minister vs Minister?

AspectAssociate MinisterMinister
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree in theology or ministry, sometimes additional certificationsSame as Associate Minister, often with more extensive experience or recognition
Work EnvironmentAssists senior ministers in church or religious organization settingsLeads or oversees church activities, sermons, and organizational decisions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in religious institutions, churches, and faith-based organizationsUsed in similar settings, often with broader responsibilities

The main difference is that an Associate Minister supports and assists the Minister, often focusing on specific areas or functions, while a Minister holds a leadership role with overall responsibility for the church or organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Minister jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Minister jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Associate Minister jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Associate Minister job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Minister job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,220 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Associate Campus Minister-St. John Student Center (MSU)

Catholic Diocese of Lansing

East Lansing, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

St. John Catholic Student Center serves Michigan State University students, faculty, staff, and local community members as a part of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. MSU has the third largest student population in the Big Ten and is known for its agricultural research, three medical schools, study abroad programs, football and basketball teams, and its beautiful campus.
St. John Student Center offers four Masses each Sunday, as well as daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and confession Monday through Friday. The Campus Ministry mentors students who intern and volunteer in various leadership roles, including small group Bible studies, coordinates retreats that frequently attract 50-75 students, and has an Alternative Spring Break program that serves multiple locations across the United States. We strive to nurture a vibrant culture of discipleship with openness to Christian vocations and service to the world.
Position Responsibilities:
1.Discern, form, and accompany student leaders for on-campus Bible studies and evangelization efforts.
2. Plan and facilitate monthly Upper Room gatherings for student leaders' ongoing formation and mission community.
3. Work with a student outreach team to develop goals for campus ministry presence on campus.
4. Provide spiritual guidance and formation opportunities to undergraduate students.
5. Encourage and demonstrate participation in the liturgical life of St. John.
6. Assist with the planning and facilitation of retreats, including the new student retreat IGNITE.
7. Be present and maintain visibility at appropriate campus and parish events.
8. Report to and consult regularly with the Director of Campus Ministry, providing project plans and status reports and participating in periodic performance reviews.
9. The campus minister may have other duties assigned by the Director of Campus Ministry or Pastor.
Requirements:
1.Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church.
2. M.A. in Catholic Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field.
3. Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of theological concepts and the development of the spiritual life.
4. Demonstrated familiarity with campus ministry and knowledge of current catechetical processes and resources.
5. Ability to meet the demands of campus life and student availability, including the ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holy days.
6. Strong skills in oral and written communication, leadership and conflict resolution, one-on-one pastoral care, and mentorship of students.
7. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment, while contributing to the implementation of the campus ministry's strategic plans.
8. Ability to organize all aspects of a program (timeline, strategy, recruitment of volunteers, assembly of materials, advertising, management of budget and evaluation of event).
9. Ability to maintain proper ministerial boundaries with college students.
10.Commitment to continuing ministerial and spiritual formation and willingness to attend professional development opportunities as requested by the Director of Campus Ministry.
Preferred Qualifications:
1.Two years of full-time, supervised experience in a college campus ministry, parish, or Catholic non-profit ministry setting.
2. Dynamic, visionary goals for evangelization and spiritual formation of young adults.
3. Familiarity with The Evangelical Catholic's Reach More Mission Training.
4. Familiarity with FOCUS.
Compensation:
Highly competitive entry-level salary with full benefits and professional development funding appropriate to a masters-level lay ecclesial minister will be provided.
Application: Submit a letter of interest, resume, and full contact information for three professional references via email to annas@elcatholics.org.
More information about St. John Catholic Student Center may be found here: stjohnmsu.org
Deadline: July 10, 2026 Position will begin August 1, 2026 but may require a few meetings prior to that date to facilitate the hiring process.
Job Summary
Career Level: Entry Level
Education: Master's Degree
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Job Type: Full Time
Positions: 1
Salary: Negotiable