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Pastoral Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... pastoral education, CPE, and continuing education in the field of professional chaplaincy to advance toward Board or Associate Certification in the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National ...

... pastoral education, CPE, and continuing education in the field of professional chaplaincy to advance toward Board or Associate Certification in the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National ...

... associates and others with attention to diverse spiritual orientations and cultures. * Provide pastoral care to the local ministry and community through performing sacraments, rituals, blessings and ...

... associates and others with attention to diverse spiritual orientations and cultures. * Provide pastoral care to the local ministry and community through performing sacraments, rituals, blessings and ...

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Pastoral Associate information

See Indiana salary details

$14.3K

$48.8K

$79.9K

How much do pastoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral associate in Indiana is $48,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastoral associate job description?

A pastoral associate is a church staff member who supports spiritual, pastoral, and community outreach activities. Their responsibilities often include counseling, coordinating religious programs, assisting with sacraments, and providing spiritual guidance, typically requiring strong communication skills and knowledge of church doctrine. They may also collaborate with clergy and serve in various ministry roles based on the church's needs.

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, facilitate prayer or spiritual activities, and assist with crisis intervention, typically working closely with clergy and using active listening skills. The role may require relevant training or certification in counseling or pastoral care.

What is the job of an associate pastor?

An associate pastor supports the senior pastor in spiritual leadership, sermon preparation, and pastoral care within a church. They often lead specific ministries, conduct services, and provide counseling to congregation members. Strong communication skills and theological training are typically required for this role.

What careers honor God?

Careers that honor God often involve serving others, promoting ethical practices, and aligning with faith-based values. Roles such as pastoral associate, religious educator, or faith-based counselor focus on spiritual support and community service, reflecting a commitment to honoring God through work. These careers typically require strong moral integrity, compassion, and sometimes specific religious certifications or training.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastoral jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Pastoral jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Pastoral Associate jobs in Indiana? For Pastoral Associate jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pastoral Associate jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Pastoral Associate jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Pastoral Associate jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Pastoral Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Pastoral Associate job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,763 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Director of Mission Integration & Pastoral Care

Director of Mission Integration & Pastoral Care

Franciscan Ministries

West Lafayette, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Position Summary

The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care is responsible for the development and implementation of a continuum of Mission Integration initiatives and pastoral services and programs aimed at raising the identification of and association with the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago as a faith based Catholic Ministry by meeting the spiritual and religious needs of the residents, their families, and staff. In this role, the incumbent represents the Catholic mission perspective and leads various education and formation efforts on mission, values, and ethics.  The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care is a member of the community's Leadership Team, convenes the community Ethics' Committee and is the chair of the Mission Team.   Consistent with education and experience, this individual is able to offer religious, spiritual and emotional support to those being served. They also work in collaboration with the faith communities of the surrounding area, as well as those of the residents, clients, families, and staff to meet these needs through prayer, reflection, services, and other programming. This position requires the ability to establish positive working relationships with staff and volunteers. The Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care demonstrates the Mission and Values of the organization in all interactions.

Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership, education, and support to the community in matters pertaining to Mission, Values and Pastoral Care.
  • Plan, develop, organize, direct, and evaluate the Mission Integration/ Pastoral Care department which includes budget development and management, department invoices and tracking of income and expenses.
  • Serve as Pastoral Minister/Chaplain of the community; providing pastoral care and serving as a pastoral presence at times of physical and emotional crisis/trauma and decision-making.
  • Provide an initial visit to all residents and spiritual assessment as needed for residents.
  • Make visits to residents as appropriate.
  • Organize religious services and Spiritual Wellness programs that meets the needs of the resident population which includes the scheduling of priests and ministers to lead services.
  • Provide leadership, education, and support to the community in matters pertaining to Pastoral Care, Catholic Health Care Ministry, Ethics, and the practical integration of the faith perspectives in community operations.
  • Provide education and application to the community on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services which provide the Catholic moral perspective on relevant issues.
  • Serve as active participant of community committees (as designated) and the FM system MIPC directors.
  • Implement all Living Joyfully initiatives that are assigned to MIPC.
  • Ensure implementation of a Mission orientation program and ongoing education programs to ensure all individuals are educated on the Mission and Values of FM, as well as works collaboratively with other functional areas in the identification of ways to foster the mission through strategies and initiatives with mission-focused programs for associates and residents.
  • Provide departmental reports, benchmarks, statistics, and other analysis as required.
  • Facilitate with Spiritual Life/Worship Committee to provide appropriate religious services for the population served.
  • Serve as a representative of the Pastoral Care function to local pastors, congregations and community groups and develop relevant programs in accordance with lay ministry training as needed.
  • Serve as a link to the Community Ministers Association and the Catholic Cluster to stay informed concerning Community Faith issues and opportunities.
  • Facilitate continued connections with residents' personal faith communities.
  • Develop and live a vision of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care that supports the values and mission of Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.
  • Lead, coordinate, orientate, educate, and manage pastoral volunteer program.
  • Coordinate funeral and bereavement ministry.
  • Serve as community point person for Community Benefit reporting.
  • Facilitate opportunities for growth and spiritual enrichment including but not limited to; Bible studies, caregiver and grief support, ecumenical dialogue, theological discussion groups, lectures in world religions, comparative religion, religious philosophy, programs on the spirituality of aging, seminars using guided imagery, meditation and music for stress relief and relaxation.
  • Manage all facets of daily mass (during all liturgical seasons) including scheduling priests, coordinating the mass, and ensuring there are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and music (if necessary).
  • Ensure that sacramental items are laundered/dry cleaned.
  • Maintain the chapel environment in accordance with the various seasons/feasts of the Church liturgical year.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Comply with all policies and procedures and any updates.

Position Requirements

Education: Graduate degree in religious studies, mission leadership, or related field required; certification by pastoral agency preferred.

Licenses/Certifications: 1 Unit of CPE preferred.

Experience: 3 to 5+ years of experience as a long-term pastoral minister/chaplain as well as knowledge of and support for the Ethical and Religious Directive for Catholic Healthcare Services.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Travel: N/A

Mission and Values

  • Supports, upholds, maintains, and promotes the Mission, Values and Philosophy of Franciscan Ministries.

#LivingJoyfully

MinUSD $65,000.00/Yr.MaxUSD $80,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME