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Lay Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Christian and Missionary Alliance

$55 - $75/hr

Lay Leader, Open to first-time pastors Minimum Credential Level: Must be willing to begin the consecration and ordination process with The Alliance Church Size: Less than 50 Church Setting: Rural ...

Christian Career

$30K - $60K/yr

Communicate with volunteers and lay people to ensure the workload is organized and tasks are ... The Pastor will seek in all ways to be Christ-like in attitude and conduct. Attend church ...

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How much do lay pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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.

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 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.

How do you become a lay pastor?

To become a lay pastor, individuals typically need to be active members of their religious community, complete relevant training or certification programs offered by their church or denomination, and demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills. Many churches also require a background check and a commitment to the church's beliefs and practices.

Is there a demand for lay pastors?

Lay pastors are in demand in many religious communities, especially those that rely on volunteer leadership and part-time clergy. Opportunities often depend on church size, denomination, and community needs, with some positions requiring training or certification in pastoral care or theology.

What are the duties of a lay pastor?

A lay pastor assists in spiritual leadership within a church without formal ordination, often providing pastoral care, leading prayer groups, and supporting church programs. They may also deliver sermons, offer counseling, and help coordinate community outreach activities, typically working on a volunteer or part-time basis.
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What states have the most Lay Pastor jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Lay Pastor jobs look for?

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Lay Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Pastor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Family Ministries Pastor

Pennington Park Church

Fishers, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Family Ministries Pastor
Pennington Park Church
SUMMARY
The Family Ministries Pastor provides vision, leadership, and oversight for the discipleship of children, students, and parents at Pennington Park Church. This position exists to make disciples by equipping parents as the primary spiritual leaders of their homes and by providing visionary leadership for the church's ministries to children and students. This pastor develops leaders, shepherds families, and builds healthy ministries that help the next generation know Jesus, love Jesus, and make Him known.
A successful Family Ministries Pastor will cultivate healthy ministries where parents are equipped, volunteers are flourishing, children and students are growing as disciples, Family Ministry staff and lay leaders are being developed, and every ministry aligns with the mission of Pennington Park Church: To Know Jesus and Make Him Known. The Family Ministries Pastor reports to the Pastor of Ministries and serves as a member of the elder team, helping advance the mission of Pennington Park Church.
This is a new role due to the continued growth of the church. Pennington Park currently serves ~500 children and students on a weekly basis, with a volunteer base of 250+. Weekly attendance at Sunday services is approaching 1,400.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree; seminary degree strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience leading children's, student, or family ministry in a local church of at least 5 years
    • Proven ability to recruit, equip, and shepherd volunteer leaders
    • Agreement with the doctrine, philosophy of ministry, and leadership values of Pennington Park Church

NECESSARY SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Able to cast vision and lead ministries through staff/volunteer teams rather than doing ministry alone
  • Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience and proven ability to develop others
  • Strong biblical teaching ability for students, parents, and leaders
  • Excellent relational skills with children, students, parents, volunteers, and staff
  • Demonstrates wisdom in leadership, conflict resolution, and pastoral care
  • High degree of discernment and strategic problem-solving ability
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple ministries, events, and calendars simultaneously
  • Effective communicator both verbally and in writing
  • Self-motivated leader, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement

PASSION & CALLING
  • Passionate about the vision and mission of Pennington Park Church
  • Demonstrates a genuine calling to shepherd and disciple the next generation and equip parents as the primary spiritual leaders in the home
  • Desires to see children and students become lifelong followers of Jesus through faithful gospel-centered ministry

SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Exhibits the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23
  • Lives out a commitment to prayer and the study of God's Word
  • Committed to spiritual growth and being in community with other believers
  • Meets the biblical qualifications for pastoral leadership consistent with 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9
  • Models humility, integrity, and servant leadership

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Provide Vision and Leadership for Family Ministry
    1. Develop and implement an overarching discipleship strategy for birth through high school
    2. Ensure theological, philosophical, and discipleship alignment and cohesiveness across all ministries serving children, students, and parents
    3. Recruit, hire, train, and conduct regular coaching, goal-setting, and performance development for Family Ministry staff
    4. Lead, coach, develop, and support Children's and Student Ministry staff and key volunteer leaders
    5. Periodically teach in all Family Ministry settings, and ensure curriculum development and teaching across all ministries is age-appropriate, biblically saturated, and Gospel-oriented
    6. Evaluate ministry effectiveness and pursue continual improvement
    7. Develop and steward the annual Family Ministry budget
  • Equip Parents for Discipleship
    1. Champion a disciple-making culture that prioritizes biblical depth, gospel transformation, meaningful relationships, and family discipleship over merely creating entertaining programs and events
    2. Uphold a philosophy that parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children
    3. Provide resources, classes, and coaching that strengthen families spiritually
    4. Develop intentional milestones that help parents lead their children through key stages of spiritual growth
    5. Build relationships with families through pastoral care, encouragement, and counseling when appropriate
  • Develop Healthy Ministries and Volunteer Teams
    1. Provide oversight that ensures every Family Ministry environment is physically safe, spiritually healthy, and compliant with church child protection policies, including volunteer screening procedures
    2. Oversee the recruitment, ongoing training, development, and retention of volunteer leaders across all family ministries
    3. Ensure safe, welcoming, and spiritually engaging ministry environments
    4. Work with staff and ministry leaders to plan curriculum, events, camps, retreats, and outreach opportunities
  • Serve as a Pastor and Staff Leader
    1. Participate in pastoral responsibilities including teaching, baptisms, membership, weddings, funerals, hospital visitation, counseling, and shepherding as needed
    2. Collaborate with all ministry departments to create a seamless discipleship pathway from birth through adulthood
    3. Participate with the pastoral staff to accomplish church-wide initiatives and ministry goals
    4. Participate in staff meetings, direction team meetings, elder council meetings, and retreats
    5. Support the overall health and unity of the church through servant leadership and teamwork

ANTICIPATED TIME COMMITMENTS AND COMPENSATION
  • This is a full-time, salaried role with full benefits
  • Must be willing to work Sundays, some evenings, and occasional weekends

All employment decisions of Pennington Park Church are made to further its mission statement "To know Jesus and to make Him known". Pennington Park Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis covered by applicable law. As a nonprofit, faith-based employer, Pennington Park Church reserves the right to carefully and fully explore the religious values, faith, personal conduct, and convictions of applicants and employees in order to employ only those individuals who support, advance, and live in a manner consistent with our Statement of Beliefs and Membership Covenant.

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