ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pastor Jobs in Portage, IN (NOW HIRING)

Diocese of Gary

Interim Principal

Merrillville, IN · On-site

The Principal collaborates closely with the Pastor, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Big Shoulders Fund , and with certain other members of the Parish and Diocese, both certain paid staff and ...

Diocese of Gary

Interim Principal

Merrillville, IN · On-site

The Principal collaborates closely with the Pastor, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Big Shoulders Fund , and with certain other members of the Parish and Diocese, both certain paid staff and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPastor JobsPastor Jobs in Portage, IN

Pastor information

See Portage, IN salary details

$34.4K

$55.9K

$78K

How much do pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastor in Portage, IN is $55,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $63,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Pastor jobs in Portage, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Pastor jobs in Portage, IN are:

What cities near Portage, IN are hiring for Pastor jobs?

Cities near Portage, IN with the most Pastor job openings:

Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastor job openings in Portage, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,872 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Pastor of Family Discipleship

Immanuel Anglican Church

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Pastor of Family Discipleship provides leadership, organization, and vision for Immanuel's ministries that serve children, youth, and parents. The Pastor of Family Discipleship is tasked with faithfully teaching the Gospel to the next generation, cultivating discipleship opportunities, and fostering community for children, youth, families and volunteers. The role requires someone who has a heart for discipleship, a strong love of God and people, and an active, growing, and mature relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Family Pastor must have a strong inclination towards creativity, organization, and problem-solving to relate to and serve all age groups, from infants to grandparents!

QUALITIES DESIRED

  • Spiritual and Emotional Maturity
  • Theological Alignment
  • Visionary Leadership
  • Energetic Gatherer
  • Heart for Discipleship
  • Organization and Administration
  • Adaptable and Resilient Problem-solving
  • Collaborative approach and a team mentality
  • Creative spirit and a passion for innovation
  • Humble and willing to accept direction and feedback
  • Ability to self-start (recognize a need and initiate an appropriate response)
  • Professional, kind, and consistent communication
  • Ability to relate to children and adults

JOB DUTIES

Vision Leadership

The Pastor of Family Discipleship provides leadership and vision for Immanuel's ministries for parents, youth and children, seeking always to serve the vision of Immanuel Anglican to "lift high the Son of God in the city of Chicago that all would be drawn to Him."

1. Cast and implement a compelling and practical vision for Immanuel's next generation ministries, including for:

  • Children: Christian formation of the children at Immanuel (birth-5th grade).
  • Youth: Christian discipleship for the youth of Immanuel (6th-12th grade).
  • Parents: Support for parents in the work of discipling their children.
  • Family Outreach: The mission of reaching unchurched families in Chicago.

2. Initiate and maintain relationships that promote growth in leadership capacity, spiritual vitality and professional competence:

  • Consult as needed with a leadership coach.
  • Seek regular counsel from a spiritual director and other pastoral care providers to promote spiritual growth and health.
  • Seek out training and resources that grow understanding of current best practices in children's and youth ministry and provide opportunities for collaboration with other churches and leaders.

3. Take regular prayer retreats (6x/year).

Children and Youth Discipleship

The Pastor of Family Discipleship coordinates opportunities for children and youth - on Sundays and beyond - to encounter Jesus and be transformed by the power of the Gospel to become lifelong disciples of Christ who use their spiritual gifts in service of the Church.

1. Coordinate Sunday morning ministries:

  • Schedule volunteers and coordinate Sunday service calendars
  • Select curriculum for each class
  • Coordinate weekly lessons and supplies
  • Curate comfortable and safe environments for each age group
  • Maintain a welcoming and secure registration and check-in process
  • Take attendance, following up with families after extended absences
  • Implement guidelines and policies for child safety and abuse prevention

2. Coordinate youth events and discipleship connections:

  • Develop a discipleship ministry for youth from 6th-12th grade that helps students move from the foundations laid in children's ministry to deeper engagement with their faith
  • Support youth involvement in Immanuel's confirmation process
  • Coordinate events for youth to bond with one another and leaders

3. Coordinate events for families and children from Immanuel and beyond:

  • Plan and execute family-friendly special events
  • Develop child-friendly and youth-friendly service projects
  • Coorindate child-focused or youth-focused outreach initiatives or events

4. Coordinate childcare for church gatherings:

  • Recruit, hire and oversee paid nursery worker
  • Coordinate childcare for special events and services

5. Bridge generational gap by connecting children's and youth ministry to the wider church body:

  • Plan and execute children's and youth programming for all-church retreat
  • Communicate ways for older children and youth to serve with Sunday teams
  • Identify volunteers who can lead children and youth in arts and worship opportunities that serve the wider community

Family Discipleship

The Pastor of Family Discipleship supports and stays connected with parents of Immanuel in the spiritual leadership of their homes.

Support:

  • Create, curate and distribute resources to help parents disciple their children at home
  • Coordinate connection points for parents to fellowship with one another and, when possible, with older parents who can provide mentorship and encouragement
  • Seek out and publicize "easy yoke" opportunities for parents to grow in spiritual leadership of their families

Connection:

  • Keep open lines of healthy communication and positive relationships with parents
  • Regularly seek out feedback on initiatives from trusted parents

Volunteer Leadership

The Pastor of Family Discipleship recruits, screens, inspires, equips, shepherds and coaches volunteers who can faithfully shepherd children and youth through their teachings and life example.

  • Recruit volunteers to serve in the nursery, children's chapel and youth ministry
  • Screen potential volunteers according to Immanuel's safety policies before permitting to servce
  • Inspire volunteers to remain centered on the vision of Immanuel's youth and children's ministries, and the significance of their work in passing the Gospel to the nex generation
  • Equip volunteers to teach and lead Sunday morning classes and to acitevely participate in safeguarding our children and youth
  • Shepherd volunteers by getting to know them personally and building deeper relationships with them. Regularly pray for volunteers and look for opportunities to point them to Jesus
  • Coach lay ministry leaders to lead events, ministries, and initiatives, as their passion and maturity align with ministry needs. Meet regularly with those who are leading within family ministry to reconnect to vision, plan initiatives, and pray together

Next Gen Administration

The Pastor of Family Discipleship builds processes and systems that enable Immanuel's family ministries to grow in size and effectiveness.

1. Communication with parents:

  • Send regular updates to parents
  • Maintain children's ministry portion of website/Immanuel Online; keeping information current and helpful to parents and visitors
  • Coordinate new family handouts and oversee distribution of paper announcements

2. Online Promotion: Work with Communications Director to strategically manage Immanuel's online presence and web representation of Family Ministries to reflect vibrant community life and demonstrate warm welcome to new parents and families.

3. Volunteer Management:

  • Move new volunteers efficiently through the on-boarding process
  • Keep background checks up to date (renew every three years)
  • Manage volunteer schedules for Sunday mornings and events
  • Maintain records of leadership documents for each volunteer

4. Budget Management:

  • Submit yearly budget request
  • Monitor spending to keep to the budget provided
  • Provide reimbursement information for volunteers making purchases

Team Collaboration

  • Attend weekly staff meetings and other required staff events
  • Honor the conduct and character requirements expressed in our Staff Handbook
  • Collaborate with the staff of Immanuel to pray for and carry the vision of our church to life high the Son of God in the city of Chicago, that all would be drawn to HIm





      Apply