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Lead Pastor Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Hill City Church

Church Planter

Springfield, MO · On-site

Lead Teaching Pastor Job Overview: Salt Network church plants aim to plant with a Core Team of 4 members - the Church Planter, Salt Company Director, Worship Director and Female Lead. The Church ...

Hill City Church

Church Planter

Springfield, MO · On-site

Lead Teaching Pastor Job Overview: Salt Network church plants aim to plant with a Core Team of 4 members - the Church Planter, Salt Company Director, Worship Director and Female Lead. The Church ...

James River Church

Video Editor - Full Time

Ozark, MO · On-site

Special services and functions will be required as deemed necessary by the Lead Pastor. 5. Maintain a high level of personal integrity, honesty, and confidentiality in dealing both with the staff and ...

JAMES RIVER CHURCH

Video Editor - Full Time

Ozark, MO · On-site

Special services and functions will be required as deemed necessary by the Lead Pastor. 5. Maintain a high level of personal integrity, honesty, and confidentiality in dealing both with the staff and ...

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All JobsLead Pastor JobsLead Pastor Jobs in Springfield, MO

Lead Pastor information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$34.3K

$60.1K

$101.6K

How much do lead pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead pastor in Springfield, MO is $60,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $61,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are lead pastors?

Lead pastors are the primary leaders of a church, responsible for setting the spiritual direction, preaching sermons, and providing pastoral care to the congregation. They oversee the church's staff and ministries, ensuring that the church's mission and vision are carried out effectively. In addition to spiritual leadership, lead pastors often handle administrative duties, mentor church members, and represent the church in the community.

What is the difference between Lead Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectLead PastorAssociate Pastor
CredentialsTypically requires theological degree, ordination, and pastoral experienceSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads the entire church, sets vision, oversees staffSupports Lead Pastor, focuses on specific ministries or congregations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in churches to denote the primary spiritual leaderUsed in churches for secondary pastoral roles assisting the Lead Pastor

The main difference between a Lead Pastor and an Associate Pastor lies in their responsibilities and authority. The Lead Pastor is the primary spiritual leader, responsible for church vision and overall leadership, while the Associate Pastor supports the Lead Pastor and manages specific ministries. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Lead Pastor holds a higher level of responsibility within the church hierarchy.

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

To thrive as a Lead Pastor, you need a deep understanding of theology, strong leadership abilities, and usually a seminary degree or equivalent religious training. Familiarity with church management software, digital communication tools, and experience in sermon preparation are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to inspire and guide diverse congregations are vital soft skills. These competencies are important for providing effective spiritual leadership, fostering community engagement, and managing church operations successfully.

What Does a Lead Pastor Do?

A lead pastor’s duties are to lead their congregation in all forms of spiritual matters. In this career, you organize and lead worship services. You may oversee other pastors or laypeople who work in the church, organize and schedule events, and participate in outreach and community service events, such as running soup kitchens or other volunteer services. As the lead pastor, you are the principal authority of your church, and you represent the church within the wider religious organization with which you affiliate.

What are some common challenges Lead Pastors face when balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership?

Lead Pastors often need to juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from sermon preparation and pastoral care to overseeing staff and managing church operations. A common challenge is ensuring that administrative tasks, such as budgeting and team management, do not overshadow time spent on spiritual leadership, prayer, and community engagement. Effective delegation, strong organizational skills, and clear communication within the church staff and leadership team are essential to maintaining this balance. Many churches address this by building a strong support staff and lay leadership to share the load, enabling the Lead Pastor to focus on vision-casting and discipleship.
More about Lead Pastor jobs
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What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Lead Pastor jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Lead Pastor job openings:
Lead Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Pastor job openings in Springfield, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,127 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Church Planter

Church Planter

Hill City Church

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Church Planter

Reports To: Lead Teaching Pastor


Job Overview: Salt Network church plants aim to plant with a Core Team of 4 members - the Church Planter, Salt Company Director, Worship Director and Female Lead. The Church Planter will train under Hill City's leadership for 2-3 years with the end goal of being sent on a church plant as the Church Planter. In this role, you will gain experience in the ministry of Salt Company, various Equipping settings and disciplines, as well as intensive church leadership and pastoral training. This position will also lead all Church Planting efforts and the Church Planting Team.


Responsibilities:

  • Assist Hill City ministry teams with various projects as assigned
  • Serve within the Salt Company ministry as directed
  • Meet with and invest in ministry-area leaders and congregants as directed by Equipping Team
  • Receive training in various church leadership aspects
  • Assist Hill City Staff as needed
    • Training, organizational development, and processes required of all staff & residents

    Qualifications:

    • Desire to plant and pastor a Salt Network church
    • 3+ years of relevant ministry experience
    • Bachelor's degree or applicable experience
    • Organized, self-driver who is able to take general direction and produce results
    • Highly relational and passionate about sharing the Gospel
    • Highly collaborative and strong team-working skills
    • High capacity for leading a team


    What to Expect in the Hiring Process:

    1. Hill City Resident Application & Initial Interview

    2. Hill City Calling, Conviction & Character Application &Meeting

    3. Philosophy of Ministry Interview

      Apply