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Full Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Full Pastor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$39.8K

$64.6K

$90.1K

How much do full pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for full pastor in Portland, OR is $64,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $73,700.00 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 cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Full Pastor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Full Pastor job openings:

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

YOUTH PASTOR
Planted in 1997, in Vancouver, WA, we’re a contemporary, evangelical church whose mission is to
see people transformed by Jesus as we proclaim the gospel with our words and our lives. We’re
just ordinary people who have fallen in love with Jesus and want our friends and neighbors to
know Him too. We’re in a season of growth—our Youth Pastor has just become our Associate
Pastor—so we’re looking for a new Youth Pastor who loves and lives with Jesus, and is called to
join us in fulfilling our mission.


JOB SUMMARY
This is the perfect role for someone who is passionate about people and has the leadership and
organizational skills to mobilize others to build the church. You’ll mobilize and lead teams to
disciple and care for our youth and young adults. You’ll also be part of our Leadership Team.


THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ROLE IS TO LEAD/OVERSEE
• Middle School Ministry — grades 6–8
• High School Ministry — grades 9–12
• Young Adults — college age
The Youth Pastor will be a member of the Leadership Team (see Organizational Chart below),
and participate occasionally in the Weekend Teaching.


WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
• Godly Character — an authentic personal relationship with Jesus that influences and
determines how you live and how you lead


• Leadership — a true servant hearted leader who ensures the ministries under your
leadership are well led, and necessary strategic changes are made to ensure they’re
contributing to our mission, and growing to their full potential


• Team Work — to work in humble partnership with other leaders and the Lead Pastor


• Volunteer Mobilization — to recruit and lead church members to serve and lead by
identifying, resourcing, empowering, encouraging and caring for them


• Teaching — the ability to teach regularly at an appropriate level for students and young
adults, and occasionally our whole church family


• Personal — to be a self-starter with a strong work ethic, initiative, integrity, highly
organized, with great follow up and follow through, and an optimistic approach to life


• Personal Development — to ensure you grow in your leadership and relationship with
Jesus


• Administrative skills — sufficient to prepare and oversee a ministry budget


TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a full-time position. A comprehensive benefits package is offered for this position,
including health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off and business travel
reimbursement, as per the Eastpark Church employee handbook.


STAFF PHILOSOPHY
• Purpose and Mission – Our purpose in everything we do at Eastpark is to glorify God (1
Cor 10:31). The Mission of Eastpark Church is to see people transformed by Jesus as
we proclaim the gospel with our words and our lives. Every staff appointment is made for
that reason and with that focus.


• Principle of Work – all work is spiritual when done as worship to God. ‘Church work’ is
not more ‘spiritual’. The primary philosophy of staffing is to mobilize and nurture the gifts
and abilities of others (Rom 12:1; 1 Cor 10:31; Eph 4:11-12)


• Perspective – Jesus is the hope of the world so we take the opportunity to serve Christ
in the church very seriously. We are committed to doing everything diligently, in a
manner and style that is contemporary and relevant, to a standard of excellence that
honors Him (1 Cor 10:31)


• Job Satisfaction – we are committed to being an excellent employer committed to best
practices and to providing a healthy, satisfying and encouraging work environment where
each staff member shares responsibility for the morale and relationships in the office (1
Pet 2:12)


• Attitude – God gives us the strength to do whatever he wants done, so we are
committed to having a positive ‘can-do’ attitude (Phi 4:13)


• Fun – God loves laughter and celebration. Our goal is for the staff culture to reflect
God’s character and personality, so we will be relaxed, have fun, and celebrate the
successes he gives us (Ps 126; Lu 15:10,22-25)


• Team Work – the staff work together to promote and reinforce the leadership culture and
climate at Eastpark Church. We must be good team players, committed to each other
and to working together to achieve the overall vision (Rom 12:4-6a; 1 Cor 3:5-9; 1 Cor
12:4-7; Eph 4:11-13)


TO APPLY
Email lois.zirbel@eastpark.org your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and why
you believe God is calling you to this role in our church. Include at least 3 references and links to
2 online examples of your teaching. This position is subject to a 90-day probationary period.


To be considered for this position, please complete the application to include your testimony, resume and other background information related to the position.

If the district office has reviewed your application and they think you may be a potential match for the position, that the hiring manager will reach out to you for next steps.

This position may require licensing with The Christian & Missionary Alliance. To learn more about The Alliance and requirements for licensing, please visit our website

Please do not contact the church directly.