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Pastoral Associate Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

As a Chaplain Associate, you will be a beacon of compassionate spiritual care, profoundly impacting ... Provides pastoral/spiritual care to patients, loved ones, and staff. * Completes spiritual ...

Chaplain Associate

Kearney, NE · On-site

$20.86 - $29.46/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As a Chaplain Associate, you will be a beacon of compassionate ... Provides pastoral/spiritual care to patients, loved ones, and staff. * Completes spiritual ...

As a Chaplain Associate, you will be a beacon of compassionate spiritual care, profoundly impacting ... Provides pastoral/spiritual care to patients, loved ones, and staff. * Completes spiritual ...

Pastoral Associate information

See Nebraska salary details

$14.3K

$48.9K

$80.1K

How much do pastoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral associate in Nebraska is $48,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $58,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastoral associate?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Pastoral jobs in Nebraska?

The most popular types of Pastoral jobs in Nebraska are:

What are popular job titles related to Pastoral Associate jobs in Nebraska?

For Pastoral Associate jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pastoral Associate job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,859 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Chaplain Associate

CHI Health Saint Francis

Grand Island, NE • On-site

$20.86 - $29.46/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Chaplain Associate, you will be a beacon of compassionate spiritual care, profoundly impacting patient recovery and well-being during critical times.
Every day, you will facilitate connections, offer comfort, and provide essential chaplaincy services to nurture the holistic healing journey for patients and their families.
To be successful in this role, you will possess deep empathy, exceptional interpersonal skills, a profound commitment to spiritual care, and the organizational ability to seamlessly coordinate compassionate support within a dynamic healthcare environment.

  • Provides pastoral/spiritual care to patients, loved ones, and staff.
  • Completes spiritual assessments and communicates with other care team members. Provides clinical documentation as required.
  • Responds to and initiates routine and emergency referrals in a timely manner.
  • Coordinates with the local religious community to ensure the patient’s/loved ones spiritual and/or sacramental needs are being met.
  • Coordinates spiritual/pastoral ministry and bereavement care for those approaching end of life and at death.
  • Provides blessing/ritual/prayer for pastoral support upon request.
Job Requirements

Required

  • Other Completion of one or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)


Preferred

  • Bachelors Other, upon hire and
  • Masters Other or equivalency in theology, behavioral science, ministry or related field and One to three years of pastoral ministry or related experience under institutional supervision
Where You'll Work

CHI Health St. Francis was established in Grand Island, Neb. in 1887. Today, our hospital is a regional referral center, with more than 100 physicians and more than 1,100 team members working together to build a healthier community. Our goal is to provide patients with high-quality medical care close to home, where they can be supported by their family, friends, and community.

Qualifications:

Required

  • Other Completion of one or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)


Preferred

  • Bachelors Other, upon hire and
  • Masters Other or equivalency in theology, behavioral science, ministry or related field and One to three years of pastoral ministry or related experience under institutional supervision
Employment Type: PRN