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Senior Pastor

Rockford, MI · On-site

The Senior Pastor will serve as the primary preaching pastor at the Rockford campus while providing ... Demonstrated experience in leading staff and lay volunteers in a collaborative environment.

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How much do lay pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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 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.
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Lay Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Pastor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Senior Pastor - Westwood Presbyterian Church

Christian Career

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Pastor - Westwood Presbyterian Church

Westwood Presbyterian Church (Los Angeles) is a multi-generational community of 300+ members with an informal motto of “More Jesus, More Fun.” We emphasize inspirational Reformed worship, classical liturgical choral music, and social mission. We are a Matthew 25 church and an Earth Care congregation.

We seek a SENIOR PASTOR who is a dynamic preacher and can take our church, established in 1947, into its next era. In addition to providing pastoral care, our new pastor will shepherd us through construction of new on-campus facilities for our church and preschool.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Worship & Spiritual Leadership

  • Lead all aspects of ministry
  • Preach theologically grounded sermons
  • Plan worship with Music Director and other staff
  • Lead educational experiences

Strategic Leadership

  • Implement Session-adopted goals for ministry, membership growth, and finances with staff and lay leaders
  • Establish and achieve program strategy and goals
  • Nurture a culture that values diversity and shared calling
  • Work with mission partners

Pastoral Care

  • Provide grief support, crisis care, and visitation with pastors and Deacons
  • Foster congregational belonging
  • Prepare baptisms, weddings, funerals, and lead worship service

Development Project Leadership

  • Lead completion of project, with Executive Associate Pastor
  • Help connect WPC members, preschool families, and other constituencies
  • Develop faithful stewardship

Administrative Leadership

  • Supervise pastoral and director-level program staff
  • Empower Session, Deacons, staff, and volunteers
  • Moderate Session meetings and staff select committees

External Representation

  • Serve as delegate to Presbyterian gatherings
  • Act as liaison to nonprofit boards and ministry partners

Accountability

  • Be accountable to Session and Presbytery COM
  • Participate in performance reviews

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • M.Div. and PC(USA) ordination (or transfer eligible)
  • 5-10+ years pastoral leadership experience
  • Capital campaign/building project experience
  • Strong preaching and executive management skills
  • Staff and team leadership experience
  • Commitment to social justice (Micah 6:8)
  • Urban/metropolitan ministry experience
  • Optimistic, charismatic, with sense of humor

Submit a resume if interested.