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Associate Pastor Jobs in Stoneham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Pastor information

See Stoneham, MA salary details

$16.4K

$56.1K

$91.9K

How much do associate pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate pastor in Stoneham, MA is $56,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $67,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Associate Pastor jobs in Stoneham, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Pastor jobs in Stoneham, MA are:

What cities near Stoneham, MA are hiring for Associate Pastor jobs?

Cities near Stoneham, MA with the most Associate Pastor job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Pastor job openings in Stoneham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,079 per year, or $27 per hour.

Special Needs & Early Childhood Coordinator

GRACE CHAPEL INC

Lexington, MA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Special Needs & Early Childhood Coordinator 

Reports To: Associate Campus Pastor, Lexington Campus 

Position Summary 

Grace Chapel is seeking a passionate, organized, and ministry-minded Special Needs & Early Childhood Coordinator to lead and support inclusive ministry opportunities for children from birth through pre-school and children with special needs up through 5th grade. This individual will partner with families, volunteers, and ministry staff to create a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment where every child can experience God’s love, grow in faith, and participate fully in the life of the church. 

The coordinator will support the early childhood ministry, develop and support special needs accommodations, recruit and equip volunteers, and foster meaningful relationships with families. 

Key Responsibilities 

Early Childhood Ministry Leadership 

  • Coordinate and oversee nursery, toddler, and preschool, ministry environments. 

  • Ensure curriculum is implemented effectively and aligns with Grace Chapel’s mission and values in coordination with the Kidstown team. 

  • Enable engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that support children’s spiritual growth. 

  • Maintain a safe, nurturing, and welcoming atmosphere for children and families. 

  • Manage classroom materials, supplies, and ministry resources in collaboration with the Kidstown Curriculum Specialist. 

Special Needs Ministry 

  • Implement strategies that support volunteers who work with children with diverse developmental, behavioral, sensory, physical, and learning needs. 

  • Partner with parents and caregivers to understand individual needs and develop appropriate support plans. 

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and support “buddies” and volunteers who serve children with special needs. 

  • Collaborate with ministry staff to ensure inclusion across children’s ministry environments and programs. 

  • Identify and implement adaptive tools, resources, and accommodations that enable meaningful participation. 

Volunteer Leadership & Development 

  • Recruit, onboard, train, and encourage volunteers serving in early childhood and special needs ministries. 

  • Foster a culture of community, excellence, safety, and spiritual growth among volunteer teams. 

  • Provide ongoing coaching, appreciation, and support to volunteers. 

  • Coordinate volunteer scheduling and maintain adequate volunteer staffing levels. 

Family Engagement 

  • Communicate regularly with parents regarding ministry activities, events, and child-specific support plans. 

  • Assist families in connecting to church resources, programs, and community support services when appropriate. 

Safety & Administration 

  • Ensure compliance with Grace Chapel’s child protection and safety policies. 

  • Maintain accurate records, attendance, volunteer information, and family profiles. 

Required 

  • Strong and growing personal faith in Jesus Christ aligned with Grace Chapel’s statement of faith and mission. 

  • Experience working with young children in educational, ministry, childcare, or related settings. 

  • Experience supporting individuals with special needs and their families. 

  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. 

  • Ability to recruit, train, and lead volunteer teams. 

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment. 

  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn church management systems. 

  • Must be available Sundays, selected evenings, and for special church events. 

Preferred 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, Psychology, Ministry, or a related field, or equivalent experience, preferred. 

  • Experience in children’s ministry or church leadership, preferred. 

  • Working knowledge of inclusive ministry practices and developmental disabilities. 

  • CPR, First Aid, and child safety training certifications, preferred. 

Key Competencies 

  • Passion for children and families 

  • Heart for inclusion and accessibility 

  • Christian discipleship and spiritual leadership 

  • Volunteer recruitment and development 

  • Collaboration and teamwork 

  • Organization and attention to detail 

  • Problem-solving and adaptability 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills