ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Full Pastor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Willow Creek Community Church

Children's Pastor

Dundee, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Mission As the Willow Kids Pastor for our Huntley campus, you'll be the architect of the Birth ... Full medical, dental, and vision; retirement match; parental leave; and generous PTO. * The Perks:

Universal Church Directories

Be Seen First

Church Consultant - Outside Sales

Joliet, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Schedule and lead consultative sales presentations with pastors and leadership teams * Attend board ... To invest in our people by offering the training, tools, and support they need to reach their full ...

Diocese of Joliet

2026-2027 Part Time Librarian

Lisle, IL · On-site

$15 - $23/hr

Maintains a lifestyle, both within and outside of the school environment, which is in full accord ... Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or pastor. Education and Experience Any ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFull Pastor JobsFull Pastor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Full Pastor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.6K

$62.7K

$87.6K

How much do full pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for full pastor in Chicago, IL is $62,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full pastor?

Full Pastors are ordained leaders within a church who are responsible for providing spiritual guidance, preaching, administering sacraments, and overseeing the daily operations and ministries of a congregation. They often offer counseling, lead worship services, and perform ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Full Pastors may also be involved in community outreach, teaching, and mentoring other church staff or volunteers. Their role is central to the spiritual and organizational life of their faith community.

What is the difference between Full Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectFull PastorAssociate Pastor
CredentialsTypically requires a theological degree and ordinationSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads entire congregation, responsible for sermons, vision, and administrationSupports the full pastor, may oversee specific ministries or age groups
ResponsibilitiesPreaching, pastoral care, church leadership, administrative dutiesAssists in preaching, counseling, program management, and event planning

The main difference between a Full Pastor and an Associate Pastor lies in their scope of responsibilities and leadership roles. Full Pastors typically lead the entire church and make major decisions, while Associate Pastors support the full pastor and focus on specific areas of ministry. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same church environment, but their level of authority and duties differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full pastor?

To thrive as a Full Pastor, you need a deep understanding of theology, pastoral counseling, and leadership, often supported by a divinity degree and ordination. Familiarity with church management software, communication platforms, and biblical study tools is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong public speaking abilities help build community and offer effective guidance. These skills and qualities are essential for providing spiritual leadership, fostering congregation growth, and managing church operations successfully.

What are some common challenges full pastors face when leading a congregation, and how can they address them?

Full Pastors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership, addressing diverse congregational needs, and managing conflicts within the church community. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and ongoing professional development are crucial for navigating these challenges. Many Full Pastors also benefit from building a supportive leadership team and seeking mentorship from experienced clergy to sustain both personal well-being and the health of the congregation.

What are popular job titles related to Full Pastor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Full Pastor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Pastor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Pastor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Full Pastor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Full Pastor job openings:

Full Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Pastor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,738 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Children's Pastor

Willow Creek Community Church

Dundee, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

At Willow Creek, we don't believe kids are the "future" of the church-we believe they are the church. We're looking for a visionary leader who doesn't just want to "babysit" the next generation but wants to ignite their faith, empower their families, and build a ministry where every child knows they are deeply loved by God.

If you are a high-capacity leader who sees a playground as a mission field and a volunteer team as a movement, we want to talk to you.


The Mission

As the Willow Kids Pastor for our Huntley campus, you'll be the architect of the Birth-5th Grade experience. You won't be doing this in a silo; you'll be a key part of our campus leadership team and our central Willow Kids family. Your goal? To create environments so engaging that kids drag their parents to church.


What You'll Do
  • Build the Dream Team: Recruit, train, and champion a world-class volunteer team. You aren't just filling slots; you're developing leaders.
  • Partner with Parents: Act as the primary advocate and resource for families as they navigate the beautiful chaos of raising kids who follow Jesus.
  • Execute with Excellence: From weekend programming to "big win" events, you'll ensure every touchpoint is safe, fun, and spiritually intentional.
  • Collaborate & Cast Vision: Work alongside the Campus Pastor and Central Kids team to ensure the Huntley campus is a vibrant reflection of our overall mission.

Why Willow?

We are an egalitarian, multi-site church passionate about helping people take their next steps with God. Here our Mission is to Love God. Love People. Change the World.

  • Salary: $65,000-$75,000 (commensurate with experience).
  • The Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision; retirement match; parental leave; and generous PTO.
  • The Perks: Mental health counseling reimbursement and tuition assistance. We care about the whole you.

Success is Defined As: A thriving Huntley Kids ministry where innovation is the norm, volunteers are thriving, and every child leaves knowing they have a place in God's story.


Ready to lead? Let's change the world together.

Requirements

What you bring:
  • A Talent Scout: You have a sense for spotting leadership potential in others.
  • A Solution Specialist: When a problem arises, you've already thought of three ways to fix it before the meeting starts.
  • A Cultural Cheerleader: You live out our values: Trust is your default, Grit is your style, and Joy is your attitude.
  • A Jesus Follower: Your leadership flows from a genuine, growing relationship with Christ.

Qualifications
  • Experience: 2+ years leading kids' ministry or high-level programs.
  • Leadership: A proven track record of building and mobilizing teams.
  • Education: Undergrad degree preferred (but we value your "in the trenches" experience too).
  • Heart: You genuinely love kids and want to see them thrive.


Apply