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Children Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Pastor General Description The Children's Director oversees all aspects of weekly children's ministries programming (birth-5th grade) and special events. This role seeks to create a ...

Children's Pastor

Glen Ellyn, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Children's Pastor General Description The Children's Director oversees all aspects of weekly children's ministries programming (birth-5th grade) and special events. This role seeks to create a ...

Oversee IHC's Children's Ministries including planning, budgeting, curating curriculum, etc., for weekly IHC Kids programming online and in person. Develop and accomplish annual and quarterly ...

Oversee IHC's Children's Ministries including planning, budgeting, curating curriculum, etc., for weekly IHC Kids programming online and in person. Develop and accomplish annual and quarterly ...

Children's Director/Pastor

Valencia, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

The Children's Pastor provides spiritual leadership, vision, and direction for the children's ministry (birth through 4th grade), creating environments where children can develop a growing ...

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Children Pastor information

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$27K

$48.6K

$66K

How much do children pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for children pastor in the United States is $48,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges children pastors face when engaging families and volunteers?

Children Pastors often encounter challenges in building consistent engagement with both families and volunteers. Families may have busy schedules, making it difficult to ensure regular attendance and involvement in church activities. Recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers is also an ongoing task, as many people juggle multiple commitments. Success in this role often involves developing creative communication strategies, fostering a welcoming environment, and providing regular training and appreciation for volunteers to keep them motivated and connected.

What is a children pastor?

A Children Pastor is a church staff member responsible for overseeing and leading programs, activities, and spiritual development for children within a church community, typically from infancy through elementary or middle school age. Their duties include planning lessons, organizing events such as Vacation Bible School, training volunteers, and partnering with parents to support children's faith formation. A Children Pastor ensures that all activities are age-appropriate, safe, and align with the church's mission and values. They also often collaborate with other ministry leaders to create a cohesive spiritual environment for families.

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

To thrive as a Children Pastor, you typically need a background in theology, child development, or education, along with experience in ministry or church leadership. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, church management software, and safety protocols for children's programs is important. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to build trusting relationships with children and families are standout soft skills. These skills ensure effective spiritual teaching, a safe and engaging environment, and meaningful connections within the church community.

What is the difference between Children Pastor vs Youth Pastor?

AspectChildren PastorYouth Pastor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in ministry, education, or related field; certification in children's ministry is a plusUsually requires a bachelor's degree in youth ministry, counseling, or related field; youth ministry certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with children ages 0-12 in church settings, Sunday schools, and children's programsWorks mainly with teenagers and adolescents in youth groups, retreats, and youth events
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by churches, religious organizations, and faith-based community centersEmployed by churches, religious organizations, and youth-focused community programs

Children Pastors focus on nurturing spiritual growth in young children, while Youth Pastors work with teenagers. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in church youth development, but they target different age groups and activities.

More about Children Pastor jobs
What cities are hiring for Children Pastor jobs? Cities with the most Children Pastor job openings:
What states have the most Children Pastor jobs? States with the most job openings for Children Pastor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Children Pastor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,640 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Children's Pastor

Parkview Kids Camp

Glen Ellyn, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Children's Pastor


General Description

The Children's Director oversees all aspects of weekly children's ministries programming (birth-5th grade) and special events. This role seeks to create a culture where kids love church, leaders love serving, and families feel supported.


Essential Job Functions


Lead a Thriving Sunday Children's Ministry

  • Ensure Sunday morning children's environments are prepared, engaging, and spiritually impactful for Parkview children
  • Oversee Sunday Elementary programming, ensuring volunteers are trained, scheduled, and equipped to run excellent ministry environments
  • Foster a culture of high standards of safety and cleanliness among children's programming.
  • Guide the selection and implementation of children's curriculum that supports children's spiritual development
  • Manage the early childhood coordinator to ensure quality children's programming across the ministry
  • Evaluate and continually improve ministry environments, systems, and physical spaces to ensure they are effective, engaging, and scalable


Build and Develop Strong Volunteer Teams

  • Create clear pathways and effective systems for recruiting, onboarding, and training volunteers
  • Create effective structures to develop and coach volunteer leaders
  • Care for volunteers and foster a culture of celebration


Strengthen Families and Church-Wide Ministry

  • Develop programming and special events beyond Sunday to build community and foster spiritual development among our kids.
  • Plan and execute events that support the entire family system.
  • Provide occasional teaching and leadership support to Parkview Kids Camp
  • Support the broader mission and ministry of Parkview Church as needed


Position Requirements

Competencies:

  • Care: Experience supporting and caring for young children, parents, and volunteers
  • Building Effective Teams: Able to train staff well, creates strong morale, defines success for the whole, fosters open dialogue, creates a feeling of belonging
  • Interpersonal Skills: Able to communicate and build relationships with children, staff, and parents, and resolve conflicts that arise
  • Physical requirements: Ability to lift a child or infant (up to 25 lbs.) repeatedly and stand for extended periods of time
  • Child Development Knowledge: Understand the developmental needs of young children
  • Organized: Ability to keep track of sensitive information and paperwork regarding registrants and volunteers
  • Background Check: Pass all Parkview criminal background and reference checks


Experience

  • Work with children
  • Managing people
  • Customer service


Education

  • Degree in ministry or related field preferred
  • Degree or specialization in neurodivergent children is a plus!


Position Structure

Reports to: Family Pastor

Category: Full-time