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Associate Pastor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sandals Church

Associate, Worship

Riverside, CA

$20 - $23/hr

Support the hiring process for open Campus Worship Lead (CWL) roles alongside the Executive Director and Campus Pastors. * Coordinate interviews and panel scheduling * Facilitate communication ...

Sandals Church

Associate, Worship

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Support the hiring process for open Campus Worship Lead (CWL) roles alongside the Executive Director and Campus Pastors. * Coordinate interviews and panel scheduling * Facilitate communication ...

All JobsAssociate Pastor JobsAssociate Pastor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Associate Pastor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15.6K

$53.5K

$87.6K

How much do associate pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate pastor in Riverside, CA is $53,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $64,200.00 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.
More about Associate Pastor jobs
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Associate Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Pastor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,462 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Associate Pastor (Future Congregation)

Associate Pastor (Future Congregation)

Mariners Church

Tustin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Mariners Church is a biblically-centered, non-denominational church located in Southern California focused on inspiring people to follow Jesus and fearlessly change the world. Mariners is listed as one of the top 20 largest churches in America by Outreach Magazine. We are a community of ordinary people from all walks of life courageously trusting God to do the extraordinary. Simply put, we trust God to do what we can't-heal, transform, renew, forgive, provide and sustain. Through the redemption story of each believer, God is glorified, lives are changed and communities are impacted in a significant way. Come and be part of a new season of growth as Mariners Church responds to God's call in launching new congregations.
Job Description
The Associate Pastor is responsible to Lead and integrate guest experience, adult discipleship, and outreach to foster spiritual growth, welcome newcomers, and build a strong volunteer culture, reporting to the Lead Pastor on the Congregation team. A full-time position, the schedule generally includes weekend services, meetings at our office in Irvine, and additional time during the week for a total of 40-50 hours depending on licensed minister status. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position is eligible for ministerial licensing so long as the candidate meets the qualifications as set by Mariners.
Responsibilities
Guest Experience Oversight
  • Oversee volunteer onboarding, scheduling, and care for Guest Services and Next Step teams
  • Ensure smooth weekend operations: set-up/tear-down, parking, check-in, seating, and guest follow-up
  • Liaise with Landlord, Facilities/Maintenance teams to ensure building readiness (AV, lighting, HVAC, cleanliness)
  • Coordinate vendors and facilities staff for large-scale events, seasonal décor, and emergency procedures

Discipleship & Outreach Leadership
  • Plan and oversee Rooted & Life Groups, ensuring consistent growth and engagement
  • Serve as liaison with the Mariners Outreach team, connecting the church body with local service opportunities
  • Foster a culture of group serving in alignment with Mariners Outreach strategy

Volunteer Development
  • Recruit, develop, and care for volunteers across discipleship, guest services, and outreach-building up "leaders of leaders"
  • Manage systems, the volunteer roadmap, and best practices to encourage volunteer health and retention

Collaboration & Feedback
  • Oversee the Ministry Coordinator to support all ministry efforts
  • Gather and analyze guest and volunteer feedback; identify trends and implement improvements
  • Partner with worship, communications, and safety
  • Model and promote a culture of excellence, teamwork, and Christ-like service

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years of leadership experience in discipleship ministry, volunteer management, or guest services
  • Deep biblical knowledge and a commitment to gospel-centered, Christ-like leadership
  • Exceptional project-management, organizational, and communication skills
  • Proven volunteer-recruitment and training experience
  • Proficiency with Rock (or similar church-database/CRM)
  • Data-oriented mindset: able to translate feedback into strategic action
  • Servant-hearted, relational, and collaborative, with an ability to cast vision and inspire others

Physical Demands
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Additional Information
All Mariners Staff:
  • Love Jesus and call themselves Christians.
  • Embrace a high biblical standard of personal conduct and lifestyle.
  • Agree to and adhere to the church's statement of faith, leadership commitment, and position papers.
  • Work during Christmas Eve and Easter services.
  • Participate then facilitate Rooted once per ministry year.
  • Attend Mariners Church.

We believe the total combination of your pay, benefits, and opportunities aligned with your calling will ensure that you and your family are provided for. The following items are just a sample of the things we offer for full-time employment:
  • Health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
  • 403b Retirement Saving Plan
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid time off to serve
  • Discounts at the Mariners Cafe and Bookstore
  • Tuition discount for Mariners Church Preschool
  • Opportunity to attend ministry events and conferences
  • Working alongside a community of supportive, like-minded believers

Apply