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Pastoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Erickson

Pastoral Associate- Any Religion

Warminster, PA · On-site

$27/hr

Collaborates with other Pastoral Associates and supervises any staff funded by the specific faith community. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate in the English ...

Erickson

Pastoral Associate (Protestant)

Parkville, MD

$25 - $27.75/hr

Plans in cooperation with the Pastoral Ministries Manager or designee for the spiritual life of the specific faith community and for relevant Community-wide outreach Part-time, 24 hours a week ...

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 ...

Parishes

Bookkeeper

Poway, CA · On-site

$34/hr

Pastoral Associate Employment Type: Full Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay: $ 28.00 - $34.00 per hour, depending on experience Job Summary Under the direction of the Pastoral Associate and/or Business ...

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$15K

$51.2K

$84K

How much do pastoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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 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.
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Pastoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastoral Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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- Any Religion

Pastoral Associate- Any Religion

Erickson

Warminster, PA • On-site

$27/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Location:

Ann's Choice by Erickson Senior Living

SUMMARY: Generally, implements the ministry program, which focuses on the spiritual life within an Erickson Senior Living Community. Meets the religious and/or programmatic needs of Community residents within their specific faith tradition. Plans in cooperation with the Pastoral Ministries Manager or designee for the spiritual life of the specific faith community and for relevant Community-wide outreach. Administrative support for the three main faith groups at Ann's Choice, and includes emails, phone calls, room reservations and database management as related to faith activities for the community.

Compensation: Starting at $27/hr

Schedule: This is a 30 hrs/week, benefit eligible role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Serves as a spiritual leader to any resident seeking such service and is proactive in demonstrating this availability.
  • Ministers to the specific residents by providing those services required by a non-clergy person and those services preferred from a clergy person
  • Meets, as part of the Pastoral Ministries effort, residents in their life crisis points and provides spiritual counsel.
  • Develops and coordinates ministry programs for the specific resident faith community, with approval of the Pastoral Ministries Manager or designee, and Director of Resident Life.
  • Establishes and coordinates continuance of resident faith Council for the specific faith community. The purpose of this council is to provide resident leadership and a representation for the specific faith community. Works to educate and bring understanding of spiritual matters to the resident faith Council
  • Endeavors to make the specific faith community self-supporting financially and provides responsible stewardship of faith community funds.
  • Assesses with the Pastoral Ministries Manager on an ongoing basis, the quality of life environment in the community to determine the short and long-term direction of the ministry program.
  • Serves as a member of the Interfaith Council representing the specific faith community.
  • Administrative tasks to support faith based groups and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong communication skills (written and oral). Effective organizational and motivational skills. Appreciation and respect for a mature population.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of 5 years pastoral ministry experience; experience working with seniors a plus.
  • Ordination, licensure, or certification in the specific denomination preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Collaborates with other Pastoral Associates and supervises any staff funded by the specific faith community.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate in the English language.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical office setting with a moderate noise level

ROUTINE DECISION MAKING:

Position requires wide latitude of decision making as it relates to the spiritual life of the specific faith community (e.g., planning and implementation of weekly corporate worship services, memorial services, special events, etc.). This also involves decisions related to completing daily tasks. Position necessitates spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable person.

Ann's Choice is a beautiful 103-acre continuing care retirement community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. We're part of a growing national network of communities managed by Erickson Senior Living, one of the country's largest and most respected providers of senior living and health care. Ann's Choice helps people live better lives by fulfilling our promises of a vibrant lifestyle, financial stability, and focused health and well-being services for those who live and work with us. As part of our team, you'll enjoy flexibility and work-life balance to meet your personal and professional goals, and we are committed to providing you with opportunities to learn and grow.

Erickson Senior Living, its affiliates, and managed communities are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to providing a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

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