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Pastoral Associate

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Pastoral Associate Status: Full time, exempt Reports to: Pastor Position Objective: St. Therese North Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri is seeking a Pastoral Associate that will assist the ...

Erickson

$26K/yr

The Pastoral Associate generally implements Pastoral Ministries program which focuses on the spiritual life of the total Community. Specifically, as Pastor, meets the sacramental and worship needs of ...

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$15K

$51.2K

$84K

How much do pastoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral associate 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 does a pastoral associate do?

A pastoral associate provides spiritual support, counseling, and religious education within a faith community. They often assist with worship services, coordinate community outreach programs, and work closely with clergy to meet the spiritual needs of congregants. Strong communication skills and knowledge of religious practices are essential for this role.

What are Pastoral Associates?

Pastoral Associates are lay professionals who assist clergy in the spiritual and administrative life of a parish or religious community. They often coordinate ministries, lead liturgical and educational programs, and provide pastoral care to parishioners. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the community, but they generally support the mission of the church by serving as a bridge between clergy and laity. Pastoral Associates usually have training in theology or pastoral ministry and work closely with pastors and other staff.

What is the difference between Pastoral Associate vs Pastoral Minister?

AspectPastoral AssociatePastoral Minister
CredentialsUsually requires a bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or related field; often some certification or training in pastoral careTypically holds a master's degree in divinity or theology; may have additional pastoral certification
Work EnvironmentWorks within church communities, assisting clergy with pastoral care, programs, and outreachLeads or oversees church programs, provides spiritual guidance, and may perform sacraments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in churches, religious organizations, and faith-based community servicesFound in similar settings but often with more leadership responsibilities

While both roles serve in church settings and require theological education, a Pastoral Associate typically supports clergy and focuses on pastoral care and community programs. A Pastoral Minister often has more leadership duties, overseeing church initiatives and providing spiritual guidance at a higher level.

What are some common challenges a Pastoral Associate may encounter when supporting diverse parish communities?

Pastoral Associates often serve parish communities with a wide range of backgrounds, traditions, and needs. One common challenge is effectively engaging and ministering to individuals from different cultural, generational, or socio-economic groups, which requires sensitivity and adaptability. Additionally, balancing administrative duties, event planning, and direct pastoral care can be demanding. Successful Pastoral Associates typically develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and collaborative relationships with clergy, staff, and volunteers to address these challenges and foster an inclusive, supportive parish environment.

What does a pastoral care associate do?

A pastoral care associate provides emotional and spiritual support to individuals within a religious or community setting. They often offer counseling, visit the sick or homebound, and assist with religious services, requiring strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of spiritual practices.

What qualifications do you need to be a pastoral?

To become a pastoral associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field, along with relevant experience in pastoral care or counseling. Some positions may require certification or training in spiritual counseling or pastoral ministry, depending on the organization or denomination.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Pastoral Associate typically earns less than $10,000 a month, as most roles in this field are salaried and focus on community support and spiritual guidance. High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 monthly without a degree include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which often require experience or certifications rather than formal degrees. These positions may involve commission, bonuses, or overtime to achieve higher income levels.

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

To thrive as a Pastoral Associate, you need a solid background in theology, pastoral care, and ministry, often supported by a degree in religious studies or pastoral ministry. Familiarity with church management software, liturgical planning tools, and basic administrative systems is typically required. Compassion, strong interpersonal communication, and organizational skills are essential soft skills for connecting with parishioners and supporting church programs. These abilities are important because they enable the Pastoral Associate to effectively serve the spiritual and practical needs of the parish community.
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Pastoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastoral Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,245 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Pastoral Associate

St Therese Catholic Church Kansas City

Kansas City, MO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Title: Pastoral Associate

Status: Full time, exempt

Reports to: Pastor


Position Objective:


St. Therese North Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri is seeking a Pastoral Associate that will assist the Pastor with the development and implementation of activities and programs designed to build up the faith life of adults in the parish. This position will direct or collaborate in pastoral care, adult faith formation, evangelization, OCIA and sacramental preparation. The Pastoral Associate will average 25-35 hours per week.


Essential Duties:

  • Direct adult education and faith formation programs.
  • Coordinate and facilitate the parish OCIA program.
  • Provide pastoral care for families.
  • Prepare documentation for sacramental records.
  • Oversee, direct, and train volunteers.
  • Assess needs of parish adults for spiritual, intellectual, emotional and religious growth.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Exercise strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Earn other's trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
  • Build constructive working relationships.
  • Promote a sense of collaboration and teamwork.
  • Earn trust and respect from a diverse group of staff, volunteers and parishioners 
  • Manage multiple, competing priorities

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Theology or related field, Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 3-5 years' experience teaching/facilitation education programs.
  • Minimum 3-5 years' experience providing Pastoral Care.
  • Evening and weekend availability.
  • Practicing Catholic with ethical standards, personal integrity, and conduct consistent with the morals and teachings of the Catholic Church; includes faithful obedience to the Magisterium. 


St. Therese North offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays. 

Requirements

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.

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