1

Head Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Ministry Leader/Head of School is responsible for anchoring students into a spiritual ... Strong visionary leader with a pastor's heart. Qualifications Preferred: * Graduate degree in ...

Youth Ministry Coordinator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $30.50/hr

Student Ministries Department Head Schedule: In-person Sundays 8am-2pm (30 min lunch) Tuesday: 9am ... This role works closely with the Youth Pastor and ministry staff to coordinate events, manage ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Pastor information

See salary details

$139.5K

$160K

$178K

How much do head pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for head pastor in the United States is $159,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a head pastor?

A Head Pastor leads a church congregation by providing spiritual guidance, preaching sermons, and overseeing worship services. They are responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the church, including administration, pastoral care, and supervision of staff and volunteers. Head Pastors often facilitate community outreach, conduct ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and support the spiritual growth of their members. Their role also involves developing church vision, managing finances, and ensuring the church's mission is fulfilled.

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

To thrive as a Head Pastor, you need deep theological knowledge, pastoral counseling expertise, and typically a seminary degree or equivalent ministerial training. Familiarity with church management software, sermon preparation tools, and accreditation or ordination from a recognized denomination are often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, empathy, and strong communication abilities help build trust and guide congregations effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing spiritual leadership, managing church operations, and fostering a supportive faith community.

What is the difference between Head Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectHead PastorAssociate Pastor
CredentialsTypically requires theological degree and ordinationSimilar credentials, often with additional specialization
Work EnvironmentLeads entire church congregation and oversees staffSupports the Head Pastor, often focusing on specific ministries
ResponsibilitiesPreaching, vision setting, administrative leadershipAssisting in sermons, pastoral care, program development

The Head Pastor is the primary spiritual leader and decision-maker for the church, while the Associate Pastor supports the Head Pastor and may oversee specific ministries. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same church environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and leadership level.

What are some common challenges faced by a head pastor in leading a congregation?

Head Pastors often encounter the challenge of balancing spiritual leadership with administrative responsibilities, such as managing staff, overseeing church finances, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. They frequently navigate diverse expectations from congregation members, requiring strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, Head Pastors must stay engaged with the community, foster church growth, and support the personal development of both staff and volunteers, making time management and delegation essential for long-term success.
More about Head Pastor jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Pastor jobs? Cities with the most Head Pastor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs? The most popular types of Pastor jobs are:
What states have the most Head Pastor jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Pastor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Head Pastor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $159,999 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Head Women's Golf Coach


Department of Intercollegiate Athletics 

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division II level. NNU is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) which is comprised of the following ten members: University of Alaska-Anchorage, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Central Washington University, Montana State University-Billings, Northwest Nazarene University, Saint Martin's University, Seattle Pacific University, Simon Fraser University, Western Oregon University, and Western Washington University.  NNU offers the following eight sports for women: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.  NNU offers the following seven sports for men: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, stunt and track & field (indoor and outdoor).


Description of Position
Northwest Nazarene University is accepting applications for the position of Head Women's Golf Coach, beginning summer 2026. The individual will be responsible for all details of the programs including, but not limited to: coaching, budget management, recruiting, eligibility, NCAA compliance and documentation, public relations, scheduling, travel, awarding scholarships, roster management, managing assistant coaches, managing practices and competitions, fundraising, player development, and other duties as assigned by the Athletic Director and the Director of Golf. Head Coaches are expected to promote and develop spiritual formation and leadership, academic excellence, athletic competitiveness and community engagement. The Head Women's Golf Coach reports to the Director of Golf. The position is a full-time Exempt position.


Northwest Nazarene University is sponsored by the Church of the Nazarene and seeks to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the body of Christ in its faculty, staff, administration and students. All those interested are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated equitably.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Golf coaching experience
  • Sufficient skills, knowledge and training to perform the essential functions of this position
  • The University requires that all candidates be Christians (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition) and must be comfortable with and in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU. Candidates are asked to respond to the information items listed on the NNU Christian Mission requirements 
  • High motivation and commitment to the University, organizational skills, the ability to self-start, be calm under pressure, meet deadlines, work without direct supervision, multi-task, problem solve, and relate to a variety of personalities under diverse circumstances
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to obtain and maintain current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification
  • Ability to obtain NNU driving certification
  • Offer of employment is contingent on successful results from a background investigation

Additional Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree
  • Collegiate or elite golf coaching experience
  • Experience recruiting student-athletes
  • Administrative experience
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
  • Proficiency in utilizing workplace technology


Compensation

Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant and will be discussed with individual candidates as they are invited to interview for this position.

Full-time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible spending plan, health savings account, tuition benefits, opportunities for professional development and a retirement program.


Application Process

To be considered for this position, a complete application packet must be received. Complete application packet will include the following:

  • Letter of interest
  • NNU application
  • Resume
  • Responses to the NNU Christian Mission 
  • Two reference letters from professional associates
  • Letter of reference from current pastor
  • Transcripts (unofficial acceptable for the hiring process, official required upon hire)

Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).