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Pastoral Associate Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Provides spiritual support and counseling to all patients, families, and associates of ... Serves as an assistant to the Pastoral Care Coordinator and follows established policies and ...

Job Summary Provides spiritual support and counseling to all patients, families, and associates of ... Serves as an assistant to the Pastoral Care Coordinator and follows established policies and ...

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Ministry Assistant

Dallas, TX · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

... pastoral and program staff offer care ministries and spiritual formation engagements reflecting the ... the Associate Pastor for Care + Belonging and Resident Scholar for Faith Formation. Core ...

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Pastoral Associate information

See Texas salary details

$14K

$47.7K

$78.3K

How much do pastoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral associate in Texas is $47,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $57,300.00 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 Texas?

The most popular types of Pastoral jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Pastoral Associate jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Pastoral Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Pastoral Associate job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,742 per year, or $23 per hour.

Program Director Clinical Pastoral Education - Pastoral Education

CHRISTUS Health

Irving, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


CHRISTUS Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 532 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

534th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary:
The CHRISTUS Health (CH) Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program Manager provides leadership, day-to-day administration, and management of the CHRISTUS Health Clinical Pastoral Education Program specific to CHRISTUS Health's international ministries. This role is responsible for conducting Clinical Pastoral Education programs under the standards of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The Program Director will assess international ministry needs, develop relationships with international academic and church agencies, develop curriculum, supervise students' clinical work, provide educational opportunities, and evaluate students. Given the extensive work with CHRISTUS ministries in Latin America, this role requires bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Responsibilities:
  • Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
  • Works collaboratively with CH International ministries to provide Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units and to assess specific pastoral education needs through collaborative academic relationships with local institutions.
  • Works collaboratively with the System Vice President of Spiritual Care and Ministry Identity to review and ensure compliance, upkeep and implementation of ACPE accreditation requirements.
  • Maintains ACPE program accreditation records, inclusive of CPE policies and procedures, per ACPE Accreditation Standards.
  • Establishes strong working relationships with CHRISTUS Health CPE Program Directors and Mission Integration and Spiritual Care leadership.
  • Collaborates with the System Vice President of Spiritual Care and Ministry Identity and the ACPE Certified Educators throughout the system regarding progress, effectiveness, and outcomes of CHRISTUS Health Clinical Pastoral Education clinical education and training efforts.
  • Discuss determined education needs with CH Ministry Formation, Mission and Spiritual Care Leadership in Mexico, Chile, Colombia.
  • Determine pastoral education/formation opportunities within the CH international ministries' diocesan and academic settings for provision of pastoral education programming.
  • Determine specific CPE-related training needs within CH international ministries and assess the prospective students' needs and abilities to successfully complete ACPE CPE units.
  • Lead CH CPE units twice annually for CH International and/or US based Associates, related stakeholders.
  • As appropriate, contract with CPE Educators and related program instructors to meet unique needs for international CPE programming within CHRISTUS Health.
  • Able to work with and oversee contract CPE Educators or diocesan/academic professionals when utilized for unique pastoral education /formation or CPE needs.
  • Develop a CH International Pastoral Education Professional Advisory Group with varied interprofessional members/stakeholders who can provide support, advice, and consultation on overall pastoral education/formation.
  • Support CH Mission Integration department Associates and programming related to pastoral education.
  • Able to assess pastoral education and CPE needs in international ministries and areas not currently served by a CH CPE Program.
  • Has administrative ability and accountability in timelines, details, and financial matters of CHRISTUS Health and ACPE.
  • Capable to provide support and promote creativity in program development for student centered learning.
  • Able to conduct CPE units through virtual distance learning.
  • Provide vision and advocacy for pastoral education and CPE within CHRISTUS Health.
  • Conduct timely recruitment of CPE students, admission interviews, communication of admission decisions, and advancement of application materials in a professional manner.
  • Respect and protect students' rights to a quality CPE experience through appropriate clinical assignment, preceptorship, prompt attention to student materials, peer group experiences, and overall supervision.
  • Complete student evaluations in a timely manner to complete their CPE unit's ACPE registration.
  • Expected to travel extensively within CHRISTUS Ministries.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
• Master's or Doctoral degree in Divinity, Theology, or a related field required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required
Experience
• 5 years of experience as a CPE Certified Educator with at least 2 years in a management/supervisory role required
• 5 years of experience as a chaplain in the health care setting required
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
• Certification as an ACPE Certified Educator or Associate Certified Educator required within two years of hire.
• Certification as a Chaplain in the NACC or APC preferred
• Denominational Endorsement required
In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time

What CHRISTUS Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About CHRISTUS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CHRISTUS Health is a prominent name in the healthcare industry, with its headquarters situated in Irving, TX, USA. Established in 1999, the company has since been devoted to providing comprehensive care and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This not-for-profit health system primarily operates more than 600 healthcare services and programs, including long-term care facilities, health insurance products, community clinics, and outreach services, serving both urban and rural populations.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1999