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Lay Ministry Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain III - St. Mary's Hospital

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Completion of lay ministry or the ordination process. (preferred) Skills & Abilities: * Ability to be present to others in their illness or crisis * Ability to provide pastoral support within the ...

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Maintenance Technician 1

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... lay ministers. VTS offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas, including a Master in Divinity (M.Div.), a Master of Arts, a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry, a Doctor of Ministry in ...

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Urgent

Chaplain

Hampton, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Annandale, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

Chaplain

Richmond, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and ...

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Bookkeeper

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

As a parish employee within the Diocese of Richmond, the personnel policies for lay and religious ... St. Joan generates an active parish life consisting of youth ministry, religious education, bible ...

Lay Ministry information

See Virginia salary details

$33.7K

$41.9K

$47.6K

How much do lay ministry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lay ministry in Virginia is $41,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $44,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical responsibilities for someone serving in lay ministry?

Individuals in Lay Ministry often support clergy by leading prayer groups, organizing community service projects, providing pastoral care to members, facilitating small group discussions, and assisting with worship services. They may also be involved in planning events, supporting educational programs, and visiting members who are sick or homebound. Collaboration with church staff, volunteers, and the broader congregation is common, making teamwork and communication critical day-to-day activities. The role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in the spiritual and practical lives of others within the community.

What is a lay ministry?

A Lay Ministry job involves serving in a church or religious organization without being ordained as clergy. Lay ministers often assist with pastoral care, teaching, worship services, outreach, and administrative duties. Their roles vary depending on the denomination and church needs. Some lay ministers receive formal training, while others serve based on experience and personal calling.

What is an example of a lay ministry?

An example of a lay ministry is a church member who volunteers to lead prayer groups, teach Sunday school, or assist with community outreach without formal clergy training. Lay ministers often work alongside clergy and may receive specific training or certification depending on their role and church requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in lay ministry, and why are they important?

To excel in Lay Ministry, you should possess a strong understanding of spiritual teachings, interpersonal communication, and basic pastoral care, typically supported by relevant religious training or experience within a faith community. Familiarity with scheduling tools, community outreach platforms, and possibly basic administrative software can be beneficial. Compassion, active listening, and strong leadership are essential soft skills for building trust and guiding congregations or groups. These abilities enable lay ministers to support spiritual growth, facilitate community engagement, and effectively serve the needs of their faith communities.

What are popular job titles related to Lay Ministry jobs in Virginia?

For Lay Ministry jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lay Ministry job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,920 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Chaplain III - St. Mary's Hospital

Bon Secours

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Bon Secours!
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Work Shift:
All Work Shifts (United States of America)
Bon Secours
As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Bon Secours exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Bon Secours seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.
Chaplain III - St. Mary's Hospital
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Mission or Director of Spiritual Care, the Chaplain III ministers to patients, families, and staff around religious and spiritual needs. As an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, the chaplain provides spiritual care and emotional support within the context of illness, crisis, loss, and death. The chaplain is committed to the Mission and models its core values.
Essential Functions:
  • Recognizes the sacramental needs of the Catholic population.
  • Provide for religious and ritual needs of diverse faith groups.
  • Minister to a diverse population in a non-proselytizing manner and provide basic emotional and spiritual support to patients, visitors, our community, and fellow associates.
  • Collaborate with fellow team members and the interdisciplinary team including appropriate referrals that serve those in their care.
  • Provide effective pastoral ministry by employing, in addition to basic pastoral skills, advanced pastoral care and counseling techniques, including but not limited to, emotional processing, reframing for meanings and perspectives, and facilitation of deeper theological and personal reflections.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in conducting full-spectrum spiritual care assessment and care planning process.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Education:
  • Master's degree in related field such as Pastoral Studies, or Theology (required)
  • Master's degree in Divinity (preferred)
  • Doctoral degree in Theology or Philosophy (preferred)

Required Licensing & Certifications:
  • Four or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) completed (required)
  • Required to have Board certification by one of these professional certifying organizations: National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Association of Professional Chaplains, Association of Jewish Chaplains, Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Association of Pastoral Counselors
  • Advanced certification in specialty area of Chaplaincy, Ethics or an equivalent (preferred)
  • ACPE Certified Educator Candidate (CEC) (preferred)

Experience:
  • Three years of experience as a Chaplain in a healthcare setting. (Required)
  • Ecclesial endorsement from church body to be involved in hospital ministry. (Required)
  • Completion of lay ministry or the ordination process. (preferred)

Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to be present to others in their illness or crisis
  • Ability to provide pastoral support within the context of the patient's culture, values and belief system
  • Active listening
  • Apply Ethical Practices
  • Clinical Pastoral Care
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Crisis counseling
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Demonstrate Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Healthcare Ethics
  • Human Relations
  • Interfaith Dialogue
  • Ministering to diverse populations
  • Organization Skills
  • Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Counseling
  • Pastoral Ministries
  • Pastoral Theology
  • Planning
  • Presentation Skills
  • Public Relations
  • Relationship building
  • Religious Studies
  • Spiritual Care
  • Spiritual Care Assessments
  • Spiritual Support
  • Teamwork
  • Theological Reflection
  • Verbal Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Facilitation of theological reflections
  • Medical Ethics
  • Catholic Social Teaching
  • Ability to lead and coordinate prayer and worship services
  • Ability to teach an understanding of diverse theology and ecclesiology
  • Leadership
  • Publish Content
  • Knowledge of Advanced Medical Directives
  • Content Development
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Moral Values
  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

Range:
Minimum: $26.82
Maximum: $41.57
Bon Secours is an equal opportunity employer.
As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts
  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
Department:
Mission Based Services - St. Mary's Richmond
It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.

Bon Secours logo

About Bon Secours

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Bon Secours exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Bon Secours seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Marriottsville, MD, US

Year founded

1983