ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

High Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Friends Church

Jr High Pastor

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

The Junior High Director/Pastor is a relational leader, disciple-maker, and team builder who provides vision, leadership, and pastoral care for this thriving ministry. Partnering closely with the ...

Friends Church

Jr High Pastor

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$70K - $74K/yr

The Junior High Director/Pastor is a relational leader, disciple-maker, and team builder who provides vision, leadership, and pastoral care for this thriving ministry. Partnering closely with the ...

Peoples Church - Fresno, CA

Student Pastor

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Lead and develop the teams that run our junior high, high school, and campus ministries, including investing in the relationship with our volunteer Junior High Pastor and our Associate Student ...

Westside Church

High School Pastor

Bend, OR · On-site

High School Pastor Hours:40 hours/week Classification:Salary, Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The High School Pastor provides spiritual leadership, vision, and pastoral care for the high school ministry at ...

Westside Church

High School Pastor

Bend, OR · On-site

High School Pastor Hours: 40 hours/week Classification: Salary, Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The High School Pastor provides spiritual leadership, vision, and pastoral care for the high school ministry at ...

Westside Church

High School Pastor

Bend, OR · On-site

High School Pastor Hours:40 hours/week Classification:Salary, Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The High School Pastor provides spiritual leadership, vision, and pastoral care for the high school ministry at ...

SBC Executive Committee

Executive Pastor

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Executive Pastor will function as an Integrator -- translating vision into action and aligning our staff around shared priorities -- while cultivating a high-trust, elder-led culture marked by ...

Biltmore Baptist Church

Campus Pastor

Arden, NC · On-site

Ability to lead and supervise high-capacity leaders. * Highly relational, with the experience and ... Pastor of Campuses & Discipleship. * Assist and support the Lead Pastor and Executive Team, as ...

Slingshot Group

Campus Pastor

Brentwood, TN · On-site

High-Growth Community: You will be ministering to a highly desirable, affluent, and fast-growing ... Work with Executive Pastors to establish campus processes, systems, budgets, staffing models, and ...

North Church

Youth Pastor

Spokane, WA · On-site

* Click HERE for a video of our Lead Pastor welcoming you to North Church! * Click HERE for a ... Serving with kids on Sundays, Jr. and Sr. high on Wednesday nights * Implementing the church's core ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpiritual JobsPastor JobsHigh Pastor Jobs

High Pastor information

See salary details

$37.5K

$60.9K

$85K

How much do high pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for high pastor in the United States is $60,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a high pastor?

High Pastors are senior religious leaders who hold a prominent position within certain Christian denominations or church organizations. They are responsible for overseeing the spiritual well-being of their congregation, leading worship services, offering guidance, and often supervising other pastors or church staff. High Pastors may also be involved in administrative duties, community outreach, and representing their church in broader religious or civic matters. Their role is crucial in shaping the vision and direction of their faith community.

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

To thrive as a High Pastor, you need a deep understanding of theology, pastoral care, and leadership, typically supported by a seminary degree and ordination within a religious denomination. Familiarity with church management software, sermon preparation tools, and digital communication platforms is often required. Compassion, active listening, and strong public speaking skills are essential for building trust and inspiring congregations. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively guiding a faith community and fostering spiritual growth.

What are some of the common challenges faced by a high pastor in leading a large congregation?

High Pastors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership, managing diverse expectations within the congregation, and providing personalized pastoral care despite a large membership base. They must also navigate sensitive situations, such as conflict resolution and community outreach, while ensuring that church operations run smoothly. Strong communication, delegation, and emotional resilience are key to successfully addressing these challenges and fostering a healthy church environment.

What is the difference between High Pastor vs Youth Pastor?

AspectHigh PastorYouth Pastor
Required CredentialsTypically requires theological degree, ordination, and pastoral licensingOften requires similar theological education, sometimes with additional youth ministry certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads entire congregation, manages church staff, and oversees church programsFocuses on youth programs, youth groups, and engaging younger members
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in churches of all sizes, often as senior pastoral leadershipCommon in churches with active youth ministries, often as part of church staff

The main difference between a High Pastor and a Youth Pastor lies in their scope of responsibilities. The High Pastor oversees the entire church congregation and staff, while the Youth Pastor specializes in youth engagement and programs. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

More about High Pastor jobs

What are popular job titles related to High Pastor jobs?

For High Pastor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

High Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various High Pastor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,902 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Jr High Pastor

Yorba Linda, CA • On-site

Friends Church
Religious Organizations • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Friends Churchexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and support for all aspects of junior high ministry programming, camps, spiritual formation, and events.

  • Oversee weekly junior high gatherings, ensuring excellence in teaching, worship, small groups, and hospitality.

  • Recruit, develop, and lead a volunteer leadership team of approximately 40 adults, and supervise a full-time Junior High Associate.

Job description

Campus: Yorba Linda

Church Size: 6,000+

Ministry Scope: 6th-8th grade, full time, exempt 

Compensation: $70,000 - $74,000

Reports to: Students Pastor


 

About Friends Church

Friends Church is a growing, multi-generational community located in North Orange County, California. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ-followers, compelled to change our world. We believe the next generation matters—and we are passionate about helping students and families know and follow Jesus.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Position Summary

Friends Church Junior High Ministry is one of the largest and most influential ministries in our church. Serving nearly 300 students and supported by approximately 40 volunteer leaders, the ministry provides a unique opportunity to lead at significant scale while investing deeply in students during a pivotal season of their spiritual development.

Through strategic partnerships with local schools across North Orange County, JHM extends its influence beyond the church, creating meaningful opportunities to engage students and families throughout the community. The Junior High Director/Pastor is a relational leader, disciple-maker, and team builder who provides vision, leadership, and pastoral care for this thriving ministry. Partnering closely with the NextGen team, this leader shapes and executes a holistic discipleship strategy that helps students encounter Jesus, build meaningful relationships, take ownership of their faith, and live it out in the world.

By developing leaders, equipping parents, and creating engaging environments for students, the Junior High Director/Pastor cultivates a culture where students are known, loved, and challenged to follow Jesus. This role is ideal for an experienced student ministry leader who is ready to focus deeply on one age group while expanding their leadership influence, team development responsibilities, and organizational impact.
 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


What You’ll Do

Lead with vision and strategy

  • Serve as an architect and champion of the junior high ministry strategy, collaborating with NextGen leadership to shape vision, culture, systems, and long-term growth.
  • Provide direct leadership and support for all aspects of JHM programming, camps, spiritual formation, and events.
  • Build a culture where every student has a caring leader and a safe place to belong.
 

Champion student discipleship

  • Oversee weekly junior high gatherings (weekend services, Wednesday nights, and small groups), ensuring excellence in teaching, worship, small groups, and hospitality.
  • Develop and implement a discipleship strategy that helps students know Jesus, grow in community, discover their gifts, and take ownership of their faith.
  • Provide pastoral care to students and families, especially in times of need, while connecting them to additional resources as appropriate.
 

Develop and empower leaders

  • Recruit, develop, and lead a volunteer leadership team of approximately 40 adults, creating a culture of ownership, discipleship, and excellence throughout the ministry.
  • Create leadership pathways for students and volunteers to step into greater responsibility.
  • Provide regular training, coaching, and encouragement for leaders to thrive in ministry. 
  • Directly supervise and develop a full-time Junior High Associate, providing strategic direction, coaching, performance feedback, and leadership development opportunities.
 

Engage and partner with parents

  • Champion a parent-partnership strategy that equips and encourages parents as the primary spiritual influencers in their students' lives.
  • Create opportunities and resources that help parents disciple their junior high students at home.
  • Partner with the NextGen and Discipleship teams to connect parents into groups and broader church community.
 

Create life-changing experiences

  • Provide visionary leadership for camps, retreats, outreach events, and milestone experiences that accelerate spiritual growth and community.
  • Provide safe, fun, and spiritually engaging experiences that help students connect deeply with God and one another.
  • Champion service opportunities that help students live out their faith locally and globally.


Collaborate church-wide

  • Serve as a key contributor to the broader NextGen strategy, collaborating across ministries to create a seamless discipleship experience for students and families.
  • Participate in and contribute to church-wide events (Family FunFest, Tree Lighting, Baptism Celebrations, etc.).
  • Partner with Friends Christian Middle School and cultivate a presence on local school campuses throughout North Orange County, building meaningful relationships and bridges of influence with junior high students and their families. 
 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

What We’re Looking For

  • A passionate follower of Jesus with a heart for junior high students and their families.
  • A strategic leader who thrives in developing teams and building community.
  • Strong communicator, both on stage and in personal interactions.
  • Organized, creative, and collaborative, with the ability to execute both details and vision.
  • Team-oriented, humble, and adaptable in a fast-paced ministry environment. 
 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in ministry, education, or related field required.
  • 3–5+ years of experience in student ministry (preferably junior high) in a mid- to large-sized church.
  • Experience recruiting, equipping, and leading teams of volunteers.
 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Join Our Team

If you’re called to invest in the next generation and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, we’d love to meet you. Come help us build a ministry where every kid is known, loved, and led to follow Jesus—and every parent feels supported on their journey.

 
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan with employer match, parental leave, professional development allowance, and generous paid time off.
  • Professional Growth: Opportunities for advancement within a multi-campus church environment, conference attendance, continuing education support, and commissioning assistance through FSW.
  • Dynamic Ministry Environment: Access to modern facilities, technology, and resources designed to create engaging experiences for kids.