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Full Time Pastor Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Pastor information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$36K

$58.5K

$81.6K

How much do full time pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time pastor in Baton Rouge, LA is $58,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $66,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time pastor do?

A full time pastor is responsible for leading a congregation in spiritual matters, including preaching sermons, providing pastoral care and counseling, overseeing church services, and guiding the church's mission and outreach efforts. They often coordinate religious education, lead prayer meetings, and perform ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. In addition, full time pastors may manage administrative tasks, mentor church staff and volunteers, and represent the church in the broader community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time pastor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Pastor, you need a deep knowledge of theology, strong leadership abilities, and often a degree in divinity or a related field, supported by ordination. Familiarity with church management software, digital communication tools, and sometimes counseling certifications are typically used in this role. Compassion, active listening, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building trust and guiding congregations. These skills and qualities are essential for providing spiritual leadership, managing church operations, and supporting the well-being of community members.

What are some common challenges full time pastors face in balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership responsibilities?

Full Time Pastors often juggle a variety of tasks, including sermon preparation, pastoral care, and community outreach, alongside administrative duties like managing church staff, overseeing budgets, and coordinating events. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as administrative work may sometimes encroach on time reserved for spiritual growth and direct ministry. To address this, many pastors delegate tasks to capable staff or volunteers, prioritize effective time management, and establish clear boundaries for work-life balance. Regular communication with church leadership and ongoing professional development can also help maintain this balance and support both the pastor's well-being and the church's mission.

What is the difference between Full Time Pastor vs Part Time Pastor?

AspectFull Time PastorPart Time Pastor
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
CompensationFull salary and benefitsPartial pay, often supplemented by other income
ResponsibilitiesLeading services, pastoral care, administrationAssisting with services, limited pastoral duties
Work EnvironmentFull-time employment at a church or religious organizationPart-time role within the same environment

Full Time Pastors work full-time hours with comprehensive responsibilities and benefits, while Part Time Pastors serve fewer hours with limited compensation. The roles differ mainly in time commitment and scope, but both focus on spiritual leadership within the church community.

What job categories do people searching Full Time Pastor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Pastor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Full Time Pastor jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Full Time Pastor job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Pastor job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $58,481 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

ESSENTIAL
•Meets regularly with the Hospice team, and assists with developing and revising the patient/family care plan. Also, initiates the part of the care plan that pertains to pastoral care and receives feedback from other team members on effectiveness of interventions.
•With patient’s or family’s permission, calls pastor or minister of patient’s/family’s church to acquaint him/her with Hospice care and role of Hospice chaplain. Encourages spiritual support from home church.
•Visits or plans for another pastoral counselor to visit with patient/ family if requested by them, when the patient/family has no church home or would like Hospice Chaplain service in addition to their own church support.


MARGINAL
•Facilitates patient and family use of existing community resources available to them and documents their involvement in patient/family spiritual care.
•Provides loss and grief counseling to families on a limited basis.
•Educates the community, Hospice volunteers, area clergy and individuals in Hospice philosophy and care, especially as it relates to spiritual care of the dying patient and family.
•Serves as a consultant on spiritual matters for other members of the Hospice team.
•Establishes and maintains ongoing relationships, including letters, calls and visits, with community clergy and churches.
•Maintains accurate, up-to-date records of assessment and follow-up visits and contacts made with patients and families.
•Manages a caseload of 40–50 patients and their families full time or as determined by management.
•For PRN chaplains, hours worked and patient caseloads are not guaranteed and may vary based on patient needs, census, staffing needs, and organizational requirements.
•PRN chaplains may be required to visit patients in the Inpatient Unit (IPU) as part of their chaplain responsibilities and patient/family spiritual care needs.
•Complies with all State and Federal regulations.
•Provides Hospice staff support, either individually or in support groups, as needed.
•Engages in the development, review and revision of policies and procedures as needed.
•Available as needed and appropriate to perform memorial or funeral services for patients and families.
The Hospice of Baton Rouge
•Performs occasional liturgical assignments such as the annual memorial service and monthly/weekly memorials with the staff.
•Takes call as needed.
•Attends IDT team weekly and Care Plan update meeting.
•Facilitates support groups for the Bereavement Department.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Church based theological education/ minimum Bachelor of Divinity, MDiv or equivalent theological training or degree.

Certification:

  • Appropriate credentials as a member of the clergy/CPE experience preferred.

Work Experience:

  • Experience in pastoral care that is health related.
  • Previous experience with Hospice is preferred or thorough understanding of the Hospice concept of care or service.

Special Skills:

  • Willingness to coordinate with multidisciplinary approach to the care of the dying patient/family.
  • Expertise in interpersonal relationships.
  • Sensitivity and openness to spiritual needs/ concerns of the patient and family use of existing spiritual support.
  • Organization/administrative ability in facilitating patient and family use of existing spiritual support.

Other Requirements:

  • Must have own transportation and provide proof of liability insurance which meets state requirements.
  • Must be able to travel to and from all patient homes unassisted.
  • Must have good communication skills and techniques with facilities, patients, families, office staff, and physicians.
  •  Installation of company communication application on cellular device.