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Associate Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 Jul 26, 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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Portland, OR are:
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What job categories do people searching Associate Pastor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Pastor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Associate Pastor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Associate Pastor job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Pastor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

YOUTH PASTOR
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
This is the perfect role for someone who is passionate about people and has the leadership and
organizational skills to mobilize others to build the church. You'll mobilize and lead teams to
disciple and care for our youth and young adults. You'll also be part of our Leadership Team.
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 (1
Pet 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 Cor
12:4-7; Eph 4:11-13)
TO APPLY
Email lois.zirbel@eastpark.org your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and why
you believe God is calling you to this role in our church. Include at least 3 references and links to
2 online examples of your teaching. This position is subject to a 90-day probationary period.
To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.
If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.
This position may require licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website
Please do not contact the church directly.