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Pastor Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Pastor information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$35.9K

$58.2K

$81.3K

How much do pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastor in Oak Ridge, TN is $58,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $66,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pastor do?

A Pastor is a leader in a church. The daily tasks of a Pastor may include preaching, running meetings, overseeing specific ministries and missions, visiting and counseling parishioners, and preparing sermons. Some churches have several Pastors on staff who oversee specific areas of responsibility, while others have only one.

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

To thrive as a Pastor, you need a strong foundation in theology, biblical studies, and pastoral care, typically backed by a divinity degree or seminary training. Familiarity with church management software, online communication platforms, and sometimes ordination credentials are commonly required. Compassion, leadership, active listening, and strong interpersonal communication are vital soft skills for building trust and guiding congregations. These skills and qualities are essential for providing spiritual leadership, supporting community members, and effectively managing church operations.

What are some common challenges pastors face when balancing spiritual leadership and administrative responsibilities?

Pastors often find themselves balancing the spiritual needs of their congregation with various administrative tasks, such as managing church budgets, supervising staff, and coordinating events. This dual responsibility can be challenging, as it requires strong organizational skills in addition to pastoral care abilities. Many pastors address this by delegating administrative duties to trusted staff or volunteers, allowing them to focus more on teaching, counseling, and community outreach. Effective communication and time management are essential for navigating these overlapping demands and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What is the difference between Pastor vs Minister?

AspectPastorMinister
CredentialsTypically requires theological degree and ordinationVaries; may include theological training or certifications
Work EnvironmentChurch settings, religious organizationsChurch, community, or religious events
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, churchesReligious organizations, churches, community groups
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Pastors and Ministers serve religious communities, Pastors often hold specific leadership roles within churches, focusing on spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Ministers may have broader roles, including performing ceremonies, teaching, or community outreach. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and traditional titles used within religious organizations.

Can I be a pastor without a degree?

Becoming a pastor typically does not require a formal degree, but many denominations and churches prefer or require theological education or training. Skills such as strong communication, leadership, and spiritual knowledge are essential, and some roles may require certification or ordination from a religious organization.

Is it hard to find a job as a pastor?

Finding a job as a pastor can vary depending on the location, denomination, and community needs. Opportunities often require relevant theological education, certification, and strong interpersonal skills, and competition can be moderate to high in some areas.

Is there a demand for pastors?

The demand for pastors varies by region and community size, but overall, employment for clergy, including pastors, is expected to grow at a rate consistent with other occupations. Factors such as population growth, religious affiliation, and church funding influence job opportunities. Many pastors also pursue additional roles such as counseling or community leadership to expand employment prospects.

What jobs can pastors do?

Pastors can pursue various roles within religious organizations, such as chaplains, religious educators, or community outreach coordinators. They often utilize skills in counseling, public speaking, and leadership, and may require certifications or ordination depending on the position. Some also work in administrative or nonprofit roles related to faith-based services.
More about Pastor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Pastor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Pastor jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Pastor jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Pastor job openings:

Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastor job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 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 $58,225 per year, or $28 per hour.

Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Calvary Baptist Church
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://knoxcalvary.com

Overlooking the banks of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, Calvary Baptist Church is seeking the next man to be our Senior Pastor. Established in 1911, Calvary has been blessed to have only had 3 full-time pastors in the past 63 years.

The senior pastor shall have at least 4 years of prior pastoral or professional ministry experience. As a church that’s intertwined with the University of Tennessee—and has been led well with pastors that are proficient in Bible teaching—a degree in the field of ministry is important. Calvary is looking for an effective Bible teacher that is visionary with a well-developed perspective of what the future of our church could be while blending the traditions that made Calvary what it is today.

While holding to God’s calling of Calvary, our hope is that the senior pastor will have a heart for connecting with the unchurched in the community in a variety of ways to open doors for ministry and evangelism in Knoxville and the local campuses.

For more information, go to https://knoxcalvary.com/jobs

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