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Associate Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Ministry Partner

Portland, OR · On-site

The Pastor of Global & Local Outreach and Hospitality; the Pastor of Women and Groups; and the Pastor of Families and Young Adults. Position Summary: Cedar Mill Bible Church is rooted in Christ. We ...

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Ministry Partner

Portland, OR · On-site

The Pastor of Global & Local Outreach and Hospitality; the Pastor of Women and Groups; and the Pastor of Families and Young Adults. Position Summary: Cedar Mill Bible Church is rooted in Christ. We ...

All JobsAssociate Pastor JobsAssociate Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR

Associate Pastor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15.3K

$52.4K

$85.8K

How much do associate pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate pastor in Portland, OR is $52,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $62,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges associate pastors face when balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership responsibilities?

Associate Pastors often juggle a variety of responsibilities, from planning and leading worship services to managing youth programs and overseeing church operations. One common challenge is finding the right balance between administrative tasks—such as scheduling, budgeting, and event coordination—and dedicating time to pastoral care, teaching, and spiritual mentoring. Successful Associate Pastors typically prioritize effective time management, delegate tasks when possible, and maintain open communication with senior leadership and ministry teams to ensure both administrative and spiritual needs are met.

What is an associate pastor?

An Associate Pastor is a clergy member who assists the Senior Pastor in leading and managing a church congregation. Their responsibilities often include preaching, teaching, organizing church programs, providing pastoral care, and supporting various ministries within the church. The specific duties can vary depending on the size and needs of the church, but Associate Pastors play a vital role in fostering community and spiritual growth. They often work closely with church staff and volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of church activities.

What is the difference between Associate Pastor vs Youth Pastor?

AspectAssociate Pastor
AspectYouth Pastor

While both roles serve within church leadership, an Associate Pastor typically has broader responsibilities across various ministries, including pastoral care, administration, and supporting the senior pastor. A Youth Pastor primarily focuses on youth ministry, engaging teenagers and young adults. Both roles often require similar credentials such as theological degrees and involve working in a church environment. However, the Associate Pastor role usually encompasses a wider range of duties, making it more comprehensive in church leadership.

What do you need to be an associate pastor?

To become an associate pastor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, often in theology, ministry, or a related field, along with relevant pastoral or ministry experience. Many churches also prefer candidates to have a master's degree in divinity or theology and strong communication and leadership skills.

What is an associate pastor?

An associate pastor works with a senior pastor at their church to serve their congregation. As an associate pastor, you assist with worship services and lead other religious activities for various ministry groups. Other job duties include collaborating with the senior pastor on service liturgy, giving sermons, leading prayer sessions, and reaching out to the community. The qualifications you need to pursue a career as an associate minister include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in religious studies or a seminary degree, along with ordination in your faith denomination. Because you work with people on a daily basis, you need excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate pastor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Pastor, you need a solid theological background, pastoral training, and often a degree in divinity or ministry. Familiarity with church management software, digital communication tools, and curriculum resources is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, leadership, and the ability to communicate effectively help build trust within the congregation and staff. These skills are vital for providing spiritual guidance, supporting church operations, and fostering a welcoming and engaged church community.
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Associate Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Pastor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,366 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Youth Pastor - Eastpark Church

Christian Career

Vancouver, WA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Youth Pastor - Eastpark Church

Planted in 1997, in Vancouver, WA, we’re a contemporary, evangelical church whose mission is to see people transformed by Jesus as we proclaim the gospel with our words and our lives. We’re just ordinary people who have fallen in love with Jesus and want our friends and neighbors to know Him too. We’re in a season of growth—our Youth Pastor has just become our Associate Pastor—so we’re looking for a new Youth Pastor who loves and lives with Jesus, and is called to join us in fulfilling our mission.

JOB SUMMARY

Our current Youth Pastor is going to become our new Associate Pastor, so we're looking for a leader who is passionate about students, with the skills to mobilize and lead teams to disciple and shepherd middle and high schoolers and young adults. We will consider both full time and part time positions to meet candidates needs.

THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ROLE IS TO LEAD/OVERSEE

• Middle School Ministry — grades 6–8

• High School Ministry — grades 9–12

• Young Adults — college age

The Youth Pastor will be a member of the Leadership Team (see Organizational Chart below), and participate occasionally in the Weekend Teaching.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

• Godly Character — an authentic personal relationship with Jesus that influences and determines how you live and how you lead

• Leadership — a true servant hearted leader who ensures the ministries under your leadership are well led, and necessary strategic changes are made to ensure they’re contributing to our mission, and growing to their full potential

• Team Work — to work in humble partnership with other leaders and the Lead Pastor

• Volunteer Mobilization — to recruit and lead church members to serve and lead by identifying, resourcing, empowering, encouraging and caring for them

• Teaching — the ability to teach regularly at an appropriate level for students and young adults, and occasionally our whole church family

• Personal — to be a self-starter with a strong work ethic, initiative, integrity, highly organized, with great follow up and follow through, and an optimistic approach to life

• Personal Development — to ensure you grow in your leadership and relationship with Jesus

• Administrative skills — sufficient to prepare and oversee a ministry budget

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a full-time position. A comprehensive benefits package is offered for this position, including health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off and business travel reimbursement, as per the Eastpark Church employee handbook.

STAFF PHILOSOPHY

• Purpose and Mission – Our purpose in everything we do at Eastpark is to glorify God (1

Cor 10:31). The Mission of Eastpark Church is to see people transformed by Jesus as

we proclaim the gospel with our words and our lives. Every staff appointment is made for

that reason and with that focus.

• Principle of Work – all work is spiritual when done as worship to God. ‘Church work’ is not more ‘spiritual’. The primary philosophy of staffing is to mobilize and nurture the gifts and abilities of others (Rom 12:1; 1 Cor 10:31; Eph 4:11-12)

• Perspective – Jesus is the hope of the world so we take the opportunity to serve Christ in the church very seriously. We are committed to doing everything diligently, in a manner and style that is contemporary and relevant, to a standard of excellence that honors Him (1 Cor 10:31)

• Job Satisfaction – we are committed to being an excellent employer committed to best practices and to providing a healthy, satisfying and encouraging work environment where each staff member shares responsibility for the morale and relationships in the office (1Pet 2:12)

• Attitude – God gives us the strength to do whatever he wants done, so we are committed to having a positive ‘can-do’ attitude (Phi 4:13)

• Fun – God loves laughter and celebration. Our goal is for the staff culture to reflect God’s character and personality, so we will be relaxed, have fun, and celebrate the successes he gives us (Ps 126; Lu 15:10,22-25)

• Team Work – the staff work together to promote and reinforce the leadership culture and climate at Eastpark Church. We must be good team players, committed to each other and to working together to achieve the overall vision (Rom 12:4-6a; 1 Cor 3:5-9; 1 Cor12:4-7; Eph 4:11-13)

TO APPLY

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining one's qualifications and why the applicant believes God is calling the applicant to this role in our church. Include at least 3 references and links to 2 online examples of one's teaching. This position is subject to a 90-day probationary period.