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Executive Pastor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Saddleback Church

Worship Pastor

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

... and Executive Pastor to carry the spiritual and creative vision of the house. Saddleback is looking for a leader who is, first and foremost, a worshiper - someone whose private life with God is ...

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 JobsExecutive Pastor JobsExecutive Pastor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Executive Pastor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.8K

$56.8K

$69.1K

How much do executive pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive pastor in Riverside, CA is $56,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $62,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Executive Pastors?

Executive Pastors are church leaders responsible for overseeing the administrative, operational, and strategic functions of a church. They often work alongside the Senior Pastor to implement the church's vision by managing staff, finances, facilities, and daily operations. Executive Pastors help ensure that the church runs smoothly, so ministry leaders and pastors can focus on spiritual care and teaching. Their role bridges the gap between ministry and management, often requiring strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

How does an Executive Pastor balance administrative duties with spiritual leadership within a church setting?

An Executive Pastor often juggles both strategic administrative responsibilities—such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, and coordinating church operations—and providing spiritual leadership to the congregation and staff. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to align administrative functions with the church's mission and vision. Executive Pastors typically collaborate closely with the Senior Pastor and ministry leaders, ensuring that practical decisions support the church’s overall spiritual goals. This dual focus can be challenging but also provides unique opportunities for growth in both leadership and ministry impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Pastor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Pastor, you need strong leadership, organizational management, and theological knowledge, typically supported by a degree in ministry or theology and significant church leadership experience. Familiarity with church management software, budgeting tools, and HR systems is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic vision, and adaptability help an Executive Pastor effectively lead staff, manage resources, and support the congregation. These skills are vital for ensuring smooth church operations, fostering growth, and aligning ministry efforts with the church's mission.

What is the difference between Executive Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectExecutive PastorAssociate Pastor
ResponsibilitiesOversees church operations, staff management, strategic planningPreaches, provides spiritual guidance, assists senior pastors
CredentialsTypically seminary degree, leadership experienceReligious education, pastoral training
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, leadership meetingsWorship services, community outreach

The Executive Pastor focuses on church administration and leadership, while the Associate Pastor primarily handles spiritual duties and congregation support. Both roles require pastoral credentials, but the Executive Pastor emphasizes organizational management, making it distinct from the more ministry-focused Associate Pastor position.

More about Executive Pastor jobs
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What job categories do people searching Executive Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Executive Pastor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Executive Pastor job openings:
Executive Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Pastor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,776 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Executive Pastor of Ministry/Operations

Executive Pastor of Ministry/Operations

THE GROVE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Riverside, CA

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Grove Community Church is being changed by God to reach all people, and the Executive Pastor of Ministry/Operations plays a vital role in leading staff and initiatives to accomplish this vision. Working directly under The Grove’s Executive Pastor, the Executive Pastor of Ministry/Operations will bring a strong understanding of church ministry and vision, partnered with a love of operational efficiency and strategy, assisting the Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor in determining ministry strategy, shepherding staff leaders, and bringing alignment and accountability to ministry and operational departments. This role depends on deep experience in ministry team leadership and organizational operations in a church or professional context. 
 

Reports to:            Executive Pastor

Oversees:               Ministry and Department Leaders

Works:                    Full-time, salary

MINISTRY/OPERATIONAL STAFF OVERSIGHT – 50% 
  • Oversee ministry and operational staff leaders to bring direction, accountability and care.
  • Ensure departmental systems, teams and resources are aligned with mission priorities and ministry vision.
  • Work with staff leaders to develop and implement initiatives that increase clarity, scalability, and effectiveness.
  • Develop staff leaders to reach new levels of effectiveness and ability.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP – 20%   
  • Meet regularly with The Grove’s ministry leadership team to develop vision and pathways for ministry effectiveness.
  • Meet regularly with The Grove’s executive team to develop strategy for organizational success.
PASTORAL CARE AND OVERSIGHT– 20%  
  • Meet all qualifications of biblical eldership.
  • Serve as a member of the Pastoral Team.
  • Participate in general ministry and initiatives; perform pastoral visits, discipleship, counseling, weddings and funerals.
OTHER MINISTRY – 10%    
  • Cultivate intimacy with God and growth in Christ-like character through personal and corporate spiritual disciplines.
  • Attend team meetings, all-staff meetings, and devotions; lead staff devotions.

Before submitting a resume and cover letter, please read The Grove’s Statement of Faith and Foundational Beliefs. All applications confirm they have reviewed and are in full agreement with each part of the Statement of Faith and Foundational Beliefs. Submission of a resume and cover letter constitutes an affirmation of alignment with The Grove’s Statement of Faith and Foundational Beliefs.

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