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Full Time Pastor Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Ministries Pastor Department: Ministries Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Role Summary: The Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and improvement of all church buildings ...

Ministries Pastor Department: Ministries Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Role Summary: The Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and improvement of all church buildings ...

Full Time Pastor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$34.7K

$56.3K

$78.6K

How much do full time pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time pastor in Columbia, SC is $56,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $64,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Full Time Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Pastor jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Full Time Pastor jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Full Time Pastor job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Pastor job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,730 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Director of Religious Education

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

Chapin, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Hilton Head Island is seeking a full-time Director of Religious Education (DRE). The ideal candidate possesses an intimate knowledge of the Catholic faith, is energetic, confident, self-motivated, has excellent communication skills, and is passionate about forming our children in our Catholic faith. This person reports directly to the pastor and is responsible for designing, articulating and implementing comprehensive religious education programs using the guidelines of the Diocese of Charleston, SC and the parish vision and mission that support the life-long learning of our parishioners. The DRE collaborates with the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, Parish Business Manager, and other members of parish staff. This person manages and oversees the planning, administration, budgeting, and record keeping of parish catechetical programs. In order to run an effective program candidate is responsible for managing recruitment, orientation, development, supervision, and evaluation of catechists and other catechetical personnel, and provides ongoing formation opportunities and spiritual development for catechists and catechetical personnel. The candidate must have the interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse group of parishioners and be able to collaborate and recruit catechists and to communicate the teachings of the Church. This position requires creativity and self-motivation. Coordination and collaboration with staff members and parishioners is crucial. This individual must be open to working hours that involve evenings, weekends, and special events as necessary. General Duties and Responsibilities: • Plan and direct the religious education program for grades PRE-K through 8 (approximately 200 students), that includes sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and Confirmation. • Coordinates parish Safe Environment programs for children, parents, and volunteers in catechetical programs and other programs covered by Diocesan Safe Environment policy. • Provides formation and education of catechists leading to certification. • Prepares and submits an annual budget to the Parish Business Manager for consideration and approval. Budget considerations include the children's faith formation program. • Organizes and conducts Parent Meetings, as necessary. • Reports statistics of parish programs annually as requested on the dioceses. • Participates in monthly local deanery meetings, collaborates with other DREs in and outside the deanery, and attends diocesan faith formation days. • Provides for individuals with special needs • Coordinates Confirmation with other deanery parishes • Provide supervision and development for Religious Education Assistant Qualifications: • Fully initiated, participating member of the Roman Catholic Church. • Possess a firm knowledge of "best practices" in Religious Education and catechesis. • At least two years Catechetical Leadership experience in any Catholic diocese, parish, or school with 200 or more students participating. • Possess a thorough knowledge of and commitment to the teachings, beliefs, and life of the Catholic Church. • Ability to use proper catechetical and theological terms • Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills. • Ability to work with the varied gifts and talents of other staff members, catechists, parents, and students and maintain a teamwork mentality. • Must be able to accommodate for a working schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and special events. • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft: Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint and ability to learn parish administrative programs used in the position. • Successful completion of Safe Environment requirements mandated by the Diocese of Charleston to allow for engagement with youth. Requirements and Preferences: Education Required: Undergrad Theology and Catechist Certification complete or in progress. Education Preferred: BS or BA, with major in theology, education, pastoral studies, or relevant to position. Master's Degree in Religious Education, Theology, Pastoral Studies or other related field relevant to position. Advanced Certificate in Catechetical Leadership, Religious Education, or Youth Ministry from a Catholic Institution or diocese. Completion of Lay Ministry program, Diaconate program, or other extensive non-academic, formalized ministerial training. Candidates should have a degree in Theology (Masters preferred)/Education and or teaching/administrative experience in a faith formation program of 200 or larger. Deacons or members of Religious Orders are considered qualified applicants. Experience Required: At least two years Catechetical Leadership experience in any Catholic diocese, parish, or school with at least 200 students. Experience Preferred: Previous work in the field of education, administration, management, program/level coordinator, training of volunteer catechists, and or other ministers. The Director of Religious Education will administer a parish wide catechetical program overseeing the Faith Formation of children and families. This full-time position will require evening and weekend hours. Proficiency in Spanish as a second language a plus All interested candidates please submit a cover letter, resume/ CV and 4 professional references to apply@charlestondiocese.org