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Church Planting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Church

Pastoral Resident

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

OUR FOCUS Wellspring Church is focused on discipling people to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. We desire all members of Wellspring to be: * PLANTED (the call to salvation) * ROOTED (the ...

Southwest Church

Digital Lead

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

$54K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description WHO WE ARE OUR FOCUS Southwest Church is focused on discipling people to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. We desire all members of Southwest to be: * PLANTED ...

Southwest Church

Marketing Manager

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

$54K/yr

... Church is focused on discipling people to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. We desire all members of Wellspring to be: * PLANTED - The Call to Salvation * ROOTED - The Call to Foundation

Southwest Church

Local Outreach Director

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

$75K - $79K/yr

... Church is focused on discipling people to become committed followers of Jesus Christ. We desire all members of Wellspring to be: * PLANTED - The Call to Salvation * ROOTED - The Call to Foundation

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How much do church planting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for church planting in California is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is church planting?

A Church Planting job involves starting and establishing a new church in a specific community. This role includes evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and building a strong local congregation. Church planters often work to reach unchurched people, create a vision for the new church, and develop sustainable ministry structures. It requires strong faith, leadership skills, and a passion for spreading the gospel. Many church planters receive support from denominations, networks, or sending churches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in church planting, and why are they important?

To thrive in Church Planting, you need strong leadership, a deep understanding of ministry or theology (often supported by seminary training), and experience in community outreach. Familiarity with church management software, financial planning tools, and local demographic research systems is valuable. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and cultural sensitivity help build relationships and inspire new congregations. These abilities are vital for establishing and growing a thriving faith community in diverse and often challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced when starting a new church plant?

Church planters often encounter challenges such as building initial community engagement, securing funding, and finding a suitable location for gatherings. Developing a core team of committed volunteers and establishing trust within the local community can also require significant time and effort. Additionally, balancing administrative tasks with spiritual and pastoral responsibilities is a recurring aspect of the job. However, these challenges also present opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

What are the most commonly searched types of Church Planting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Church Planting jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Church Planting jobs in California?

For Church Planting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Church Planting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Church Planting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Church Planting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Church Planting job openings:

Church Planting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Church Planting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 60% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,588 per year, or $21 per hour.

Pastoral Ministry Residency (Church Planter)

Hillside Community Church

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Pastoral Ministry Residency (Church Planter)
Functional Ministry Area(s): Experiencing God's Love Growing in Community Serve with Compassion
Reports To: Pastoral Staff Team
FSLA Classification: Full-time/Exempt/Salary
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 a year
Supervises: No direct reports - collaboration across ministries & volunteer teams
Position Schedule: Monday-Thursday, Sundays required
OVERVIEW
This is a role for a maturing disciple and a developing leader who has a clear calling on their life to prepare for full time pastoral / vocational ministry / as a lead Church Planter. This role is for a "Lead Pastor in training" and they will receive practical and mentored experiences in day-to-day ministry here at Hillside Community Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
This is a full time, two-year, paid role with lots of hands-on experience in each of Hillside Church's three key ministry mission strategies: Experience God's Love, Growing in Community, and Serve with Compassion. This is a Big "C" Church investment by Hillside and it is not a discovery internship about "potential" interest in ministry. In addition, this role is an ideal space to begin a pastoral track towards an ordination process and there will be time allotted for graduate seminary education.
This specific role of Church Planter would ideally already have had 2 to 3 years of full-time ministry experience in another church setting. As well as a completed Christian Ministries undergrad degree and is currently enrolled or has completed a church planter assessment.
CORE STAFF VALUES
  • Christ-Centered - (Matthew 22:37) Love for God, Scripture, and the Church
  • Care - (Romans 12:15-16) Caring Person, slowing down to practice empathy
  • Collaboration - (Ephesians 4:2-3) Team player, willing to engage in accountable relationships
  • Communication - (Ephesians 4:15) Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Celebration - (Romans 12:10) Able to honor, enjoy and cheer for the team

RESPONSIBILITIES
Experience God's Love Ministry Responsibilities - (Primary learning space for 2 years)
  • Large Worship Gathering planning and implementation
  • Easter and Christmas dreaming, planning, and execution
  • Seminars and Conference Planning and Implementation
  • Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall Series theming and launching
  • Teaching Team Experience
  • Begin Team Conversations on Church Planting and/or Multisite Campus
  • Support Large Gathering moments of Communion and Baptism
  • Build Teams and Develop a collaborative plan for a Church Planting and/or a Multisite Campus
  • Leadership role & responsibilities for 4th gathering
  • Observe and occasionally participate in key Next Gen and Kids Ministry key moments.

Growing in Community Ministry Responsibilities (Minor additional focus first 9 months)
  • Outreach and Alpha / Evangelism / Baptism Programming Involvement
  • Pastoral Care
  • Visitation / Hospitals
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Weddings & Memorials

Growing in Community Ministry Responsibilities (Minor additional focus first 9 months)
  • Outreach and Alpha / Evangelism / Baptism Programming Involvement
  • Pastoral Care
  • Visitation / Hospitals
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Weddings & Memorials

Serve with Compassion Responsibilities (Minor additional focus for months16-24)
  • Volunteers Process
  • Leadership Development
  • Serve the Church, Serve the City, Serve the World

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Is flexible, a learner, and able to adapt to changing circumstances and environments as the needs of the ministry change and expand.
  • Ability to articulate a life-long calling to full time vocational pastoral ministry
  • Open to church planting, large church staffing roles, or wherever the Lord calls for future ministry

Education and/or Experience
  • Undergrad Degree (required)
  • Ministry or Seminary Degree (preferred)
  • If you have not completed a graduate ministry degree from an accredited Christian university or seminary, candidates should be willing to begin that process.
  • Currently enrolled or completed a church planter assessment.

Required Licenses or Certifications:
  • Ordination required or actively pursuing ordination

Apply