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Lay Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Norman Community Church of the Nazarene

Be Seen First

Children's Pastor

Norman, OK · On-site

$20K/yr

Lead Pastor and Church Purpose: To organize and implement ministries that care for the spiritual ... Recruit and train lay leaders to be involved in all aspects of kids ministry c. Align leaders to ...

New

Norman Community Church of the Nazarene

Be Seen First

Children's Pastor

Norman, OK · On-site

$20K/yr

Lead Pastor and Church Purpose: To organize and implement ministries that care for the spiritual ... Recruit and train lay leaders to be involved in all aspects of kids ministry c. Align leaders to ...

New

Norman Community Church of the Nazarene

Be Seen First

Children's Pastor

Norman, OK · On-site

$20K/yr

Lead Pastor and Church Purpose: To organize and implement ministries that care for the spiritual ... Recruit and train lay leaders to be involved in all aspects of kids ministry c. Align leaders to ...

New

Ecclesia

Campus Pastor - West Side

Houston, TX

Identify and develop lay leaders across ministries-hospitality, formation, outreach * Initiate a ... Reports to Executive Pastor * Collaborates with Outreach Team, Spiritual Formation Team and Program ...

Ecclesia Houston

Campus Pastor - West Side

Houston, TX · On-site

Identify and develop lay leaders across ministries-hospitality, formation, outreach * Initiate a ... Reports to Executive Pastor * Collaborates with Outreach Team, Spiritual Formation Team and Program ...

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Lay Pastor information

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$15K

$51.2K

$84K

How much do lay pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lay pastor in the United States is $51,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do pastors get paid per hour?

The hourly pay for a lay pastor varies widely depending on the church or organization, location, and whether they are paid staff or volunteers. Generally, lay pastors are often volunteers or receive modest stipends, with some paid positions earning between $10 and $25 per hour, especially if they have additional responsibilities or certifications. Many serve part-time or on a volunteer basis, so hourly rates can differ significantly based on context.

How to become a lay pastor?

To become a lay pastor, individuals typically need to have a strong faith background, complete relevant training or certification through their church or religious organization, and demonstrate leadership and communication skills. Many churches require a background check and ongoing spiritual development. Volunteering in church activities can also help build experience for this role.

What is the difference between Lay Pastor vs Deacon?

AspectLay PastorDeacon
CredentialsOften no formal theological degree, but may have religious trainingTypically requires theological education and ordination
Work EnvironmentVolunteer or part-time role within church services and communityServes in church leadership, community service, and administrative roles
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in many Protestant denominations for lay leadershipCommon in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches as an ordained role

While both Lay Pastors and Deacons serve in church settings, Lay Pastors often have less formal training and focus on pastoral care and community support, whereas Deacons are usually ordained with specific duties in service and leadership. The roles can overlap but differ mainly in formal credentials and scope of responsibilities.

What are good side hustles for pastors?

Lay pastors can pursue side hustles such as tutoring, counseling, or freelance writing, leveraging their communication and leadership skills. Other options include online teaching, event planning, or offering spiritual coaching, which can often be scheduled flexibly around their primary duties.

What is a lay pastor?

A lay pastor is a member of a church who serves in a pastoral or ministerial role without formal ordination or professional theological training. Lay pastors often assist with preaching, teaching, counseling, and leadership within their congregation, especially in smaller churches or communities with limited clergy. They are typically volunteers or part-time staff who feel called to serve, and they may balance pastoral duties with other jobs or responsibilities. While they may not perform all sacraments or rites reserved for ordained clergy, lay pastors play a vital role in supporting and nurturing the spiritual life of their community.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Lay Pastor in balancing ministry responsibilities with other commitments?

Lay Pastors often serve their congregations while maintaining other professional or personal commitments, which can make time management a significant challenge. They may need to balance sermon preparation, pastoral care, and church administration with family life or secular employment. Delegating tasks, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining open communication with church leadership can help manage these responsibilities effectively. Support from church staff and volunteers is essential to ensure the Lay Pastor can fulfill their role without burnout.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lay Pastor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lay Pastor, you need a solid understanding of biblical teachings, pastoral care, and community leadership, often supported by church-based training or theological courses. Familiarity with church management software, online communication tools, and basic administrative systems is helpful. Compassion, active listening, and strong interpersonal communication are essential soft skills for building trust and guiding congregants. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively supporting the spiritual and practical needs of a congregation while fostering a welcoming and supportive church environment.
More about Lay Pastor jobs
What states have the most Lay Pastor jobs? States with the most job openings for Lay Pastor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lay Pastor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lay Pastor jobs are:
Lay Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Pastor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Discipleship Pastor

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COLO S

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs is seeking a catalytic leader who will help people on a journey towards Christ-likeness. The First Pres Discipleship Pastor is not a theologian-in-residence but is an activator. We are looking for someone who will be on the move, connecting people, equipping leaders, and building the structures that tie the discipleship ministries of the church together into a coherent, life-giving whole.
The Discipleship Pastor will join a church in a season of renewed health, clarity of mission, and momentum, and will lead the charge in shaping how First Pres will form the next generation of disciples.
FIRST PRES, COLORADO SPRINGS
First Presbyterian Church has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart of Colorado Springs since 1872. Faithful to the wisdom of the past and devoted to the mission of today, First Pres endeavors to be Light and Life for the City.
First Pres exists to see lives transformed in the power of Christ, shaping believers into Christian disciples who proclaim the Light of the Gospel and demonstrate the Life of Jesus to our City, bringing many to saving faith in Christ and the whole world to glorify God.
First Pres is a member of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, and is firmly committed to ECO's Essential Theological Tenets, polity, and core competencies. Candidates should be comfortable operating within an Evangelical, Reformed, and Egalitarian theological framework.
THE ROLE
The Discipleship Pastor oversees the full scope of adult discipleship ministry at First Pres, reporting to the Executive Pastor/Head of Staff. This person supervises a Discipleship Ministries Manager, Women's Ministries Coordinator, and Teaching Pastor, while working in close collaboration with lay leaders, Life Group leaders, and ministry volunteers across the congregation.
This role calls for someone who:
  • Demonstrates a personal and mature commitment to Jesus Christ.
  • Models humility and is committed to collaboration and emphasis on teamwork.
  • Is a connector; quick to draw people together, make strategic connections, and support Life Group leaders in doing their best work.
  • Gets the right resources into the right people's hands without delay.
  • Is entrepreneurial and self-motivated; creating structure where it's needed, building bridges between ministries, and finding new ways to move people into deeper faith.
  • Has a proven ability to earn trust and acquire influence with seasoned ministry leaders; not by position, but by competence, character, and genuine relational investment.
  • Operates from a non-anxious posture, navigating conflict wisely and redemptively, keeping relationships intact and the mission moving forward.
  • Operates with high initiative, high energy, and a bias toward action.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the discipleship vision - develop and execute a comprehensive, cohesive strategy for church-wide discipleship, in close alignment with the Executive Pastor and the mission of First Pres.
  • Activate lay leadership - identify, equip, and unleash lay leaders across Life Groups, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Alpha, New Members, Sunday Communities, and other discipleship initiatives. Raise up leaders to own these areas with health and confidence.
  • Resource and connect - get the right curricula, tools, and training into the hands of leaders. Curate and deploy discipleship resources that are practical, theologically sound, and accessible to a broad adult population.
  • Build integrating structures - develop systems that tie discipleship ministries together, so that the right hand knows what the left hand is doing and no one falls through the cracks of a fragmented program landscape.
  • Partner cross-departmentally - work closely with First Pres staff and ministry teams to ensure alignment across the discipleship pathway, from first-time guests to long-tenured members.
  • Ensure theological consistency - oversee the selection and implementation of curricula across age and demographic groups, maintaining consistency with our theological convictions.
  • Train and develop - ensure Life Group leaders, teachers, and ministry volunteers are equipped in group leadership skills, pastoral care basics, risk management, and church protocol.
  • Carry out pastoral duties - Preach and lead worship as assigned by the Executive Pastor, participate in hospital visitation, counseling, funerals, weddings, and other pastoral responsibilities as needed.
  • Maintain ECO covenant relationships - cultivate connection with peer ECO pastors and stay actively involved in the Presbytery of the West.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from an accredited seminary required.
  • Ordination in ECO or willingness to pursue ECO ordination required.
  • Fully committed to ECO's Essential Tenets, polity, and Core Competencies.
  • Minimum of five years in ministry, including three years in ordained ministry.
  • A demonstrated track record of activating, equipping, and retaining volunteer and lay ministry leaders.
  • Experience building or reforming discipleship structures in a congregation.
  • Expertise in discipleship strategy and ministry integration across multiple program areas.

COLORADO SPRINGS
Colorado Springs sits at the base of America's Mountain: Pikes Peak. First Pres is in the heart of the city, just steps from vibrant neighborhoods, arts venues, and the storied history of one of the great cities of the American West.
The city is home to multiple military installations (including the U.S. Air Force Academy), a thriving high-tech sector, and the headquarters of some of the nation's most influential Christian ministries (The Navigators, Focus on the Family, Compassion International, Young Life, etc.). Residents enjoy nearly 250 days of sunshine, with hiking, biking, skiing, and world-class parks within easy reach.
TO APPLY
Please visit firstprescos.org/employment.
Contact Greg Hartnett (ghartnett@firstprescos.org) with any questions.

Apply