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Average Pastor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Union Church

Project Director - Ministries

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

More about our story More about our beliefs More about Pastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler The ... The Ministry Project Director possesses an above-average administrative skillset (planning ...

Union Church

Project Director - Ministries

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

More about our story More about our beliefs More about Pastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler The ... The Ministry Project Director possesses an above-average administrative skillset (planning ...

Union Church

Project Director - Ministries

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

More aboutour story More aboutour beliefs More aboutPastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler The ... The Ministry Project Director possesses an above-average administrative skillset (planning ...

All JobsAverage Pastor JobsAverage Pastor Jobs in Washington, DC

Average Pastor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17K

$58K

$95.1K

How much do average pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for average pastor in Washington, DC is $58,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $69,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an average pastor do?

An average pastor is a religious leader responsible for guiding a congregation in spiritual matters, leading worship services, preaching sermons, and providing pastoral care such as counseling, prayer, and support. Pastors often oversee church administration, organize community outreach, and perform ceremonies like weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Their role also includes teaching religious education, supporting congregants during life transitions, and fostering a sense of community within the church.

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

To thrive as a Pastor, you need a deep understanding of theology, pastoral care, and leadership, typically supported by a seminary degree or equivalent religious education. Familiarity with church management software, biblical study tools, and digital communication platforms is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to inspire and guide a congregation are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualities are essential for providing spiritual guidance, managing church operations, and fostering a supportive community.

What are some common challenges pastors face in balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership?

Pastors often juggle a variety of responsibilities, from preparing sermons and providing pastoral care to managing church operations and overseeing staff or volunteers. Balancing these administrative tasks with the spiritual needs of the congregation can be challenging, especially in smaller churches where resources are limited. Successful pastors typically develop strong time management skills and delegate tasks when possible, allowing them to focus on both spiritual leadership and the organizational health of the church. Open communication with church boards and team members also helps in sharing the workload and maintaining a healthy balance.

What is the difference between Average Pastor vs Average Minister?

AspectAverage PastorAverage Minister
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in theology or related field, often with ordinationOften requires similar credentials, including theological education and ordination
Work EnvironmentReligious organizations, churches, faith-based communitiesReligious organizations, churches, faith-based communities
Primary ResponsibilitiesPreaching, pastoral care, community leadershipPreaching, assisting in services, community outreach

Both Average Pastors and Average Ministers share similar educational backgrounds, work environments, and responsibilities within religious settings. The main difference often lies in their roles' scope and titles, with 'Pastor' typically indicating a leadership position within a church, while 'Minister' can be a broader term for various religious service roles.

Does being an average pastor pay well?

The salary of an average pastor varies depending on the size of the congregation, location, and experience, but it typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Larger churches or those in wealthier areas tend to offer higher compensation, and additional benefits such as housing allowances or stipends may also be included.

How many hours does the average pastor work?

The average pastor typically works between 50 and 60 hours per week, including evenings and weekends for services, meetings, and community activities. Work hours can vary based on the size of the congregation and specific responsibilities, with many pastors often working beyond standard hours to meet the needs of their community.

Is being an average pastor a hard job?

Being an average pastor involves responsibilities such as delivering sermons, providing spiritual guidance, and managing church activities, which can be demanding depending on community size and expectations. The job often requires strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and time management, with work hours including weekends and evenings. The difficulty varies based on individual skills and the specific church environment.

Is it hard to get a job as an average pastor?

Securing a job as an average pastor can be competitive and often requires relevant education, such as a theology degree, and experience in ministry. Job availability depends on the size of the congregation, location, and organizational needs, but many churches seek candidates with strong communication and leadership skills.

What are popular job titles related to Average Pastor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Average Pastor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Average Pastor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Average Pastor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Average Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Average Pastor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,040 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Project Director - Ministries

Union Church

Glen Burnie, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

This is a full-time position based out of the Maryland office and is not eligible for remote work.


About Us:
At Union, we exist for one thing – to unite people with purpose by helping them know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are Spirit-led, enjoyable, generous, purpose-driven, and excellent. That has been our goal for over 20 years and has guided us every single day. We are one church meeting in 8 different locations, and while we're amazed by what God is doing, we aren’t stopping here. What happens next will be beyond what we can imagine. Our vision has always been to impact lives by making church as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.  That’s why leading people isn’t just an expectation; it’s a necessity.  It’s a cornerstone of our culture. It’s why we’re always seeking leaders—leaders like you—to bring your skills to Union. We want to help you become the person God made you to be. 

More about our story 

More about our beliefs 

More about Pastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler 


The Ministry Project Director serves Union Church’s Ministry department as its project manager. In addition to managing the schedule of deliverables from units within the department, this role functions as project strategist and planner for Groups, Kids, Students, Guest Experience, Outreach, and Next Steps. The Ministry Project Director possesses an above-average administrative skillset (planning, calendaring, budgeting, etc.), is incredibly detailed, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment, be a quick-thinker and anticipate needs. The Ministry Project Director works in partnership with the Executive Pastor of Ministries to ensure an exceptionally high standard of planning while ensuring all projects are managed to completion.


Here’s The Breakdown


Project Management:

  • Manages all department projects from brief through execution; identifying schedules, scopes, budget estimations, and project implementation plans, including risk mitigation.
  • Oversee the effective onboarding of new hires, ensuring they have training schedules, resources, and clear milestones.
  • Facilitate department-wide trainings, milestone celebrations, and team-building events to strengthen team unity.

Event Content Strategist:

  • Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ideate event elements that contribute to effectively building a member-centered, value-added, ministry experience at Union Church.

Team Leadership:

  • Serves as the day-to-day project manager of all teams within the Ministry department ensuring timeliness and accuracy of all components.


Project Management:

  • Develop and execute comprehensive project strategies that directly align with organizational mission and strategic goals
  • Manage stakeholder relationships across all levels, including Executive and Associate Pastors
  • Implement rigorous budget tracking and resource allocation processes
  • Conduct systematic risk assessments and develop proactive mitigation strategies
  • Create detailed project progress reports for leadership review
  • Utilize data analytics to drive continuous improvement initiatives


Team Leadership:

  • Design and facilitate team meetings, events, and organizational communications  
  • Coordinate team celebrations, personal milestones, and support during challenging times  
  • Implement process improvements to enhance team collaboration and communication  
  • Effectively communicate and reinforce organizational vision and values  
  • Advocate for Ministry department needs in cross-departmental initiatives  


Event Strategy and Execution:

  • Develop comprehensive event strategies in collaboration with Ministry pastors  
  • Coordinate and manage all Union events across departments  
  • Create detailed event proposals and execution plans  
  • Ensure adequate resourcing and support for events  
  • Manage all department base print deliverables  
  • Develop and implement event evaluation frameworks  
  • Maintain and update event-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)  
  • Facilitate interdepartmental communication for event planning and execution


Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Volunteer Development, event planning, logistic planning, etc.
  • Data input/Management
  • Pastoral Care
  • This description is not all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned as necessary


Personal Profile

  • Loves Jesus & His Word
  • Believes in & operates in the gifts of the Spirit
  • Lives a life that represents Jesus & His Church
  • Loves Union Church, loves the mission, family is all in
  • High priority on loving people
  • Critical thinker with great decision-making and problem-solving abilities. 
  • 3-5 years of experience in a program management role 
  • 3-5 years of experience leading teams of diverse skill sets 
  • 3-5 years of experience in event management, creative management, or hospitality preferred
  • 5+ years’ experience leading in a high-level ministry role
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, or related field


MUST-HAVES

  • High-level communication and relational strengths
  • Ability to make sound, critical decisions under pressure
  • Analytical thinking and solution-oriented
  • Great attention to detail and time-management skills
  • Management experience
  • Experience working or high-level volunteering for a church/non-profit
  • Proficient in Google Drive Suite


ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

  • Flexible schedule. (Workweek is Sunday-Thursday. Frequent night and weekend availability will be requested) 
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.  
  • Ability to stand for 30 minutes. 


For full consideration, please include all required parts of the application, including resume/work history, cover letter, minimum salary requirement, and a minimum of three (3) professional references.


Benefits & Compensation 

Union Church offers a generous compensation package. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. In addition to the total compensation package, Union Church staff receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and paid holiday days.


Our Beliefs, Culture, and Commitment to Diversity 

    • At Union Church, every staff member is a minister and is expected to engage in the church's ministry fully. We consider ministry readiness and an individual’s capacity to represent Union Church’s beliefs as a minister during the selection process for all staff positions. An essential function within every position held by a staff member Union Church is to uphold and represent the beliefs of Union Church. Learn more about what we believe at Union Church.
    • While we unite around our mission, we know unity doesn’t mean uniformity. Our calling is too great, and our mission is too important not to be intentional about strengthening our team through diversity. We know that diverse perspectives in race, ethnicity, background, age, and gender are essential to reaching the world for Christ. To learn more about how we strengthen our team through diversity, visit our careers page.