ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Full Pastor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Union Church

Production Director - DMV

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

More about our story More about our beliefs More about Pastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler Union ... A portfolio of previous work (necessary for full consideration) ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS: * Flexible ...

Union Church

Production Director - DMV

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

More about our story More about our beliefs More about Pastor Stephen & Pastor Zai Chandler Union ... A portfolio of previous work (necessary for full consideration) ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS: * Flexible ...

Young Life

Staff Associate - NW Fairfax, VA

Herndon, VA · On-site

NWFX is full of energy, creativity, and cross-cultural opportunities that come with being right ... pastors, parents, potential committee members as assigned by the area director. * Learn to plan and ...

Young Life

Staff Associate - NW Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA · On-site

NWFX is full of energy, creativity, and cross-cultural opportunities that come with being right ... pastors, parents, potential committee members as assigned by the area director. * Learn to plan and ...

All JobsFull Pastor JobsFull Pastor Jobs in Washington, DC

Full Pastor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$42.5K

$69K

$96.3K

How much do full pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for full pastor in Washington, DC is $68,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $78,700.00 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Full Pastor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Full Pastor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Pastor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Pastor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Full Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Pastor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,978 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Director of Faith Formation (EX)

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Catonsville, MD • On-site

$54K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

St. Mark Parish, located in Catonsville, Maryland, seeks candidates for a Director of Faith Formation. The Director of Faith Formation (DFF) reports to and works closely with the Pastor and is responsible for the successful operation of all faith formation programs of the parish. The DFF has a thorough understanding of the Mission and Tradition of the Catholic Church and the charism of Parish and School and works to ensure that all ages and states of life receive solid Catholic formation. The DFF should understand and preserve the existing successful elements of the programs outlined below but should also creatively approach each to form effective versions that meet the current needs of parishioners.
The DFF reports to the Pastor regarding performance evaluation. The DFF reports to the Director of Parish Operations for benefits, budget, etc. The DFF supervises the Director of Youth and Young Adult Formation.
Essential Functions
In addition to the duties below, the DFF shall perform other duties as assigned. The duties listed below are all the responsibilities of the DFF; however, where appropriate, some of these duties may be delegated to and performed by other staff members or volunteers under the supervision of the DFF.
Baptism Preparation
  • Come up with a baptism prep program that serves that people of God.
  • Ensure that all expecting parents are invited to prepare for their children to be baptized. Provide an intake package, including expectations (i.e. are the parents married inside the Church, Mass is required on Sundays, 5 precepts of the Catholic Church, etc.).
  • Schedule regular opportunities for Baptism preparation and follow up classes for parents and godparents.
  • Collect necessary information prior to scheduling the baptism.
  • Proficient in Sacramental record-keeping and able to assist the Parish Secretary with related administrative tasks, such as creating certificates, entering information in logs, etc.

First Penance & First Communion Preparation
  • Create a prep program that is consistent with the dignity of the Eucharist.
  • Ensure all parents of children at the age of reason (usually second grade) are made aware of the preparation process for these sacraments.
  • Oversee a formation process that engages not only the children but the parents.
  • Schedule and coordinate a parents' information session.
  • Schedule and coordinate group formation sessions for children and parents.
  • Schedule and coordinate opportunities to receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion in that order.
  • Collect necessary information prior to agreeing to admit children to the sacraments.

Confirmation Preparation
  • Create/implement a Confirmation program that helps form disciples of Jesus Christ.
  • Ensure all parents of children who have not been confirmed are made aware of the preparation process for Confirmation.
  • Oversee a formation process that engages not only the children but the parents.
  • Schedule and coordinate a parents' information session.
  • Schedule and coordinate group formation sessions for children (and parents).
  • Schedule and coordinate opportunities to receive the sacraments of Penance.
  • Schedule and coordinate a retreat for all to be Confirmed.
  • Collect necessary information prior to agreeing to admit children to the sacrament.
  • Schedule and coordinate the visit of the bishop to administer the sacrament of Confirmation, including necessary rehearsal (usually same day).

Rite of Christian Initiation of Children
  • Adapt formation process to families who have children (under the age of 18) who seek full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • Ensure all elements of formation, including liturgical rites, are addressed for each family.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
  • Create/implement an OCIA program that helps form disciples of Jesus Christ.
  • Serve as a resource to all who are interested in entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • Provide adequate opportunities for inquiry.
  • Schedule and coordinate a formation process.
  • Schedule and coordinate all preparatory rites, including the Rites of Welcoming, Election, Scrutinies, etc.
  • Schedule and coordinate a retreat prior to the Easter Vigil.
  • Schedule and coordinate opportunities for Confession for those who are already baptized.
  • Schedule and coordinate a rehearsal prior to the Easter Vigil.
  • Schedule and coordinate the period of mystagogy.
  • Provide continuing education opportunities as necessary/able.

Religious Education Faith Formation
  • Implement a catechesis program for grades K-8, evaluating needs for catechists, schedule, and meetings.
  • Provide information for catechists (as necessary).
  • Provide information for mentors of small groups.
  • Schedule and coordinate large group activities for high school and middle school students, respectively in conjunction with the Director of Youth and Young Adults.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  • Coordinate and oversee program.

General Responsibilities
  • Work for the evangelization and catechesis of all members of the parish.
  • Coordinate with Director of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry and work with the parish secretary to maintain records and communications for all volunteers, parents, candidates, and participants involved in Faith Formation activities.
  • Manage budget for all areas of formation.
  • Attend parish staff meetings.
  • Collaborate with school principal and faculty as needed.
  • Maintain regular office hours.
  • Be available to parishioners to address their needs.

Position Qualifications
Skills/Knowledge Abilities
  • Practicing, on-fire Catholic who assents to all the teaching of the Magisterium, able to fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
  • Desire for the salvation of all parishioners.
  • Ability to understand and implement the Church's vision for evangelization and catechesis.
  • Excellent planning and organizational capabilities, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to invite and retain qualified, enthusiastic, hard-working volunteers.
  • Ability to give talks to the parish on catechetical, theological, and scriptural topics.
  • Ability to direct, form, and manage volunteer staff.
  • Ability to discern situations requiring special accommodations.
  • Ability to deal patiently with difficult situations.

Education/Training
  • Bachelor's degree in Catholic Theology.
  • Two (2) or more years of experience in developing and providing faith formation or religious education in a parish setting.
  • Ongoing formation in spiritual and professional development (yearly participation in a workshop and/or retreat geared toward greater understanding of evangelization).

Pay Range: $54,000 - 59,000, Annualized
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package with this position, including health, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; automatic enrollment in the 403(b) plan and employer contribution (whether or not the employee contributes); and generous paid holiday, sick and vacation leave. Please click on the link below for more detailed information:
https://www.archbalt.org/human-resources/employee-benefits/employee-benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply